Autoblog

Bizarre new Renault Twingo R.S ad stars two girls and one fishbowl

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Renault, Humor

You don't have to belong to PETA to believe in the ethical treatment of animals. And if you count yourself in that lump, perhaps it's best to avoid watching the video below.

That said, Renault has released the second of its so-called "Challenge Us If You Can" videos, this time filmed at the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife, featuring two beautiful women (one of whom is talented racer and French television presenter Margot Laffite, the other of whom is known only as Jenny, The Glam Passenger), one Red Bull Racing RB7 Renault Twingo R.S. and one rather hapless goldfish named Red Bubulle in a big glass fishbowl.

See where this is going?

Yep, the three take a lap of the track in the Twingo, the fish gets sloshed something fierce and the displaced water ends up making for an impromptu wet t-shirt moment. If that sounds to you like two minutes of your life worth spending, the video can be found below. We've also included the first Challenge video in case you prefer bowling to angling.

Continue reading Bizarre new Renault Twingo R.S ad stars two girls and one fishbowl

Bizarre new Renault Twingo R.S ad stars two girls and one fishbowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault fetes Red Bull Racing with special edition Twingo

Noah Joseph — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Used to be if Renault wanted to celebrate a Formula One team with special edition, it would celebrate its own. But having sold the bulk of its own team to Lotus and Genii Capital in favor of supplying engines to a greater variety of independent teams, its latest commemorative hot hatches honor the (current) king of them all: Red Bull Racing.

Just a couple of months ago, Renaultsport rolled out the special RBR edition Clio, and is now following up with a similar treatment applied to the smaller Twingo (with a special edition Megane to follow). Celebrating the team's 2011 constructors' title and the Renault-powered car that got them there, the Twingo RS Red Bull Racing RB7 features a black and yellow livery (though we don't know what the color scheme has to do with the team that races in dark blue with red), the otherwise optional Cup suspension, blacked-out 17-inch alloys and the RS Monitor onboard telemetry system.

Order books are opening in June across nine markets in Europe and in Japan. But even if you're not in one of them, you can still scroll on down for the full press release and scope out the images in the high-resolution image gallery above.

Continue reading Renault fetes Red Bull Racing with special edition Twingo

Renault fetes Red Bull Racing with special edition Twingo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Twingo R.S. makes a lousy bowling ball

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Sport invited its fans to suggest challenges for the Twingo R.S. to overcome, and one of the chosen feats was for it to play the ball in a game of ten-pin. After some establishing shots and burnouts, the 133-horsepower hot hatch gets going down the lane.

To make sure it doesn't disappoint, a stern gang of mute, pouty models looks on because, well, you can't have car-bowling without that, now can you?

Continue reading Renault Twingo R.S. makes a lousy bowling ball

Renault Twingo R.S. makes a lousy bowling ball originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault blings out the Twingo with Mauboussin

Noah Joseph — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Luxury

The Renault Twingo wouldn't be one of the first vehicles that comes to mind when you think of luxury. In fact, just the opposite: it's one of Europe's most affordable little hatchbacks. But a new special edition aims to upset that particular apple cart through a collaboration with French jeweler Mauboussin.

Launched to coincide with Valentine's Day, the Twingo Mauboussin edition is decked out in metallic brown paint with dark rose decals and gunmetal-finish alloys. The cabin's swathed in cloth and leather with a unique shifter to keep the available 85-horsepower diesel or 75-horsepower gasoline engine in the sweet spot.

Available exclusively in France, Italy, Austria and Morocco, with prices starting at €13,500 - including tax, equivalent to about $18k. Follow the jump for the press release and scope out the high-res images in the gallery for more.

Continue reading Renault blings out the Twingo with Mauboussin

Renault blings out the Twingo with Mauboussin originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault announces facelifted F1-inspired Twingo R.S.

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, UK

There are two additional performance versions of the Renault Twingo joining the base model introduced earlier this year: the Twingo R.S. and Twingo Gordini R.S. They are set apart from the donor hatch by a lower bumper element meant to mimic the nose of an F1 car (Mercedes-Benz once did something similar with its sporty cars). The rear bumper is also reshaped, getting a diffuser and "aerodynamic extensions," and the tailgate is topped by a spoiler.

Flared wheel arches set the tone along the flanks of the R.S., but the optional Design Package and 16-inch wheels add contrasting accents, and the Gordini R.S. swaps for 17-inch diamond-effect black rims. Yellow stitching, white and gloss-black inserts highlight the interior, and an optional telemetry system called R.S. Monitor can highlight your driving. Under the hood is the familiar 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 133 horsepower.

Both machines go on sale this month in France and will roll out 19 other countries in March, the U.S. not among them. The Twingo R.S. will require €16,900 ($22,187 U.S.) of your hard-earned cash in France, while the top-flite Gordini R.S. needs €18,100 ($23,762 U.S.). Follow the jump for the press release and more info.

Continue reading Renault announces facelifted F1-inspired Twingo R.S.

Renault announces facelifted F1-inspired Twingo R.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault gets creative with Twingo art cars

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Renault, Celebrities, Design/Style

Art cars are becoming de rigeur once again, but while most automakers getting in on the action contract painters of some sort or another to spruce up their products, Renault has gone in a slightly different direction for its latest project.

To celebrate the arrival of its new Twingo hatchback, the French automaker has brought in a musician, a chef, a fashion designer and a product designer to give their take on the Twingo's interior.

Pop singer Nicola Roberts installed a mobile recording studio and a dressing trailer's worth of equipment in hers. Fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac turned his rolling canvas into a stately presidential city car. Designer Nils Holger Moormann made his Twingo into a mobile "reading room." And chef Davide Scabin drew inspiration from pasta in his interpretation.

Intriguing ideas, all, if a tad impractical. But the photos speak for themselves, so check 'em out in our high-res image gallery and follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Renault gets creative with Twingo art cars

Renault gets creative with Twingo art cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Twingo gets a nosejob en route to Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

If you're looking at the above image and think "Nissan", well you're not far off. Though it may look like a new stablemate for the Juke, this is actually the latest Twingo, built by Renault (Nissan's industrial ally) atop the same platform as the previous-generation Micra.

The solitary image released previews a facelifted Twingo that is set to be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and is the first product of new design chief Laurens van der Acker, formerly of Mazda.

The limited refresh of the front and rear ends will apparently have to carry the tiniest of Renaults for another few years, but that's nothing new for the model line. The previous model, the first-generation Twingo - a car with a markedly cuter aesthetic to this brash-faced subcompact - was on the market for a whopping fifteen years from 1992 to 2007 when the current second-generation model was introduced.

Follow the jump for the press brief and click the above image to view in high resolution.

Continue reading Renault Twingo gets a nosejob en route to Frankfurt

Renault Twingo gets a nosejob en route to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault gears up for race weekend with Silverstone GP edition Twingo & Clio RS

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Renault, UK

Renault Twingo & Clio RS Silverstone GP editions - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the British Grand Prix coming up this weekend, Renault has launched a pair of special edition hot hatches to join its new Megane Trophy.

Based on the existing Twingo Renaultsport 133 and Clio Renaultsport 200, the Silverstone GP editions upgrade on their already considerable levels of specification with such special touches as silver paint with contrasting black wheels, roof and mirror housings, tinted rear windows, Silverstone badges, Renaultsport Monitor performance tracking systems and the competition-focused Cup suspension as standard.

The Twingo also gets a black spoiler and fog light surrounds and a stainless exhaust, while the Clio gets Recaro buckets and Bluetooth connectivity. Each model will be limited to 50 individually numbered examples, exclusive to the UK, and come with special driving instruction around the grand prix circuit for which they're named. Check 'em out in our high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Renault gears up for race weekend with Silverstone GP edition Twingo & Clio RS

Renault gears up for race weekend with Silverstone GP edition Twingo & Clio RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Renault's racy lesbian Twingo ad banned from Italian TV

Noah Joseph — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Renault

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Some cars are unfairly derided as "chick cars," like the Mini Cooper or the Mazda MX-5. Less so the Renault Twingo. While we're sure it's a good car for its class, it doesn't exactly ooze testosterone. Which is fine, of course, because not every car is targeted at male customers. But Renault takes things a step further.

In a controversial television commercial, the French automaker depicts a little girl-on-girl encounter for Italian audiences. One that we won't describe here, but invite you to watch (over and over again) in the video posted after the jump.

Now Renault's done some racy spots for the Twingo before - two of which we've also posted after the jump - so perhaps the more surprising part is that it's been banned from the airwaves. In Italy, of all places, by the media conglomerate owned by the country's philanderer-in-chief, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

A political move, perhaps, in light of recent challenges to his tenure made by conservative leaders (reportedly including Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo)? We'll leave that to the pundits, and invite you to follow us beyond the jump to watch the videos for yourself. Hat tip to Doogie Hauser!

Gallery: Renault New Twingo

[Source: USA Today]

Continue reading Video: Renault's racy lesbian Twingo ad banned from Italian TV

Video: Renault's racy lesbian Twingo ad banned from Italian TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sacré Bleu! Renault pawns its heritage with base Twingo Gordini

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Twingo Gordini - Click above for high-res image gallery

The name Gordini used to mean something to fans of nimble, spritely European cars. Not unlike Fiat's Abarth, Gordini was an officially sanctioned tuning garage whose iconic blue-and-white versions of otherwise humble Renault saloons were offered with factory support. Gordinis won races and rallies by the truckload and remain revered by enthusiasts, many of whom were disappointed by the manner in which Renault revived the nameplate.

Whereas Fiat brought Abarth back out of obscurity to produce a range of exquisitely desirable hot hatches, Renault used the Gordini name for a special trim package and little more. We first saw Gordini versions of the Clio RS and Twingo RS - two hot hatches already respected for their giant-slaying capabilities - but now, Renault has announced that the Gordini name will be used for the top spec of the ordinary, run-of-the-mill Twingo, as well.

The new Gordini line will replace what was the GT trim level, applying the legendary blue paint scheme with offset pair of white racing stripes to the bland econo-hatchbacks. We can only hope European buyers will have enough respect for the model to opt for the black or white color options with silver stripes, instead, and let Amédée Gordini rest in peace.

Gallery: Renault Twingo Gordini

Gallery: Renault Gordini archival photographs

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Sacré Bleu! Renault pawns its heritage with base Twingo Gordini

Sacré Bleu! Renault pawns its heritage with base Twingo Gordini originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Renault Clio and Twingo get the Gordini treatment

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Clio Gordini R.S. - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's amazing what a little paint and a few stickers can do for a small car. To illustrate that point, take a gander at the special Gordini edition Renault Clio and Twingo in the gallery below. Granted, the improvements reach much deeper than just those stickers, but the matte blue paint, white accents and white decals give these little runabouts a purposeful look and signal to the world that they are the top-of-the-performance-heap Gordini editions.

For those who need a refresher, Gordini is the name of a legendary Renault racing engineer. Amédée Gordini brought Renault some rally racing glory in the mid-'60s with the iconic R8 Gordini. Renault recently revived the name, reestablishing it as the top rung trim level on its already racy Renault Sport (R.S.) editions. Mechanically similar to their R.S. counterparts, they are mainly distinguished by retro styling touches (like the classic French racing blue paint scheme with white stripes) and an extra dose of exclusivity. Plus, they just look badass.

The first product in the new range, the Twingo Gordini R.S. had already debuted last November, but here at the Geneva Motor Show, the company unveiled their Gordini edition Clio as well. We have galleries of both cars for you below, the Mini-sized Twingo and the slightly larger Clio. Both cars have the performance upgrades found on R.S. models, with larger wheels, Brembo brakes, Conti SportContact3 tires, diffusers, heat extractors and that great livery. Check out the little "G" confetti in the stripes - classic.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Twingo Gordini R.S.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Clio Gordini R.S.

Geneva 2010: Renault Clio and Twingo get the Gordini treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Specialty, Racing

Renaultsport Twingo R2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For such a tiny car, Renault's punchy little Twingo RS sure has been getting a lot attention lately. First came the launch of the Twingo Gordini edition, reviving a long-dormant racing nameplate for the French automaker. Then Jeremy Clarkson took it for a ride (and a swim) around (and under) Belfast. Now Renault's motorsport division has released the a pair of entry-level rally machines based on the pint-size hot hatch.

Called the Twingo Renaultsport R1 and R2, these are Renault's latest offerings to aspiring rally drivers getting in at the bottom. They pack 1.6-liter 16-valve four-bangers pumping out a substantial 160 horsepower - 27 over the standard RS - driving the front wheels through a five-speed sequential gearbox with a slip-resistant dog clutch and wheel-mounted shift paddles. There's little to distinguish the rally machines from their street-going counterparts, but inside, the interior has been stripped out and fitted with a roll cage.

Upgrading from the R1 to the R2 (which can be performed at any later point, helpful if your team is dependent on prize cash to re-invest into the car) gains Sabelt buckets with six-point harness and a few more bells and whistles. The best part? They're apparently still street legal (in Europe at least) so you can drive it home after the rally instead of loading it onto a truck. A fully equipped Renaultsport Twingo R2 will set you back €38,980, or the equivalent of $58k in American greenbacks...if only it were actually available here. You know the drill: details in the press release after the jump, high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renaultsport Twingo R2

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo

Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lazareth creates mid-mounted, Range Rover V8-powered Renault Twingo Trophy [*w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Twingo Trophy - Click above for high-res image gallery

Years ago, on a post-collegiate backpacking trip through Europe, we became strangely obsessed with the Renault Twingo. Going so far as to compose red vin induced Weird Al style poems, "Twingo, Twingo little car, how I wonder why you are." Today, we're having a slightly different reaction to this diminutive Renault.

Mostly because out back you'll find a 3.5-liter Range Rover sourced V8 kicking out 180 horses. That's right folks -- it's a Twingo with a mid-mounted V8. They call it the Twingo Trophy. Obviously, if you drop a V8 into the back of a runt like the Twingo -- even a small V8 -- you've got to perform some fairly serious mods. And French motorcycle builder Lazareth did just that, creating a modern day Renault R5. Albeit one with inboard shocks.

If you look at the pictures, you'll notice both the front and rear tracks got widened, comically so out back. The reason for the latter is a special rear tubular subframe Lazareth had to shoe horn in to deal with all the extra weight and power now suddenly present behind the front seats. They also put some goofy-sized 320 Yokohama slicks on the 18-inch rear wheels. Making the Twingo Trophy all the more ridiculous. But in a good way. We think. How much? About $100,000 give or take. A small price to pay for such a... distinctive Twingo.

*Update: There's a good chance the V8 makes much more than 180 ponies, especially judging by those wrapped headers. Also, we've added a pair of videos after the jump.

Gallery: Renault Twingo Trophy

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading Lazareth creates mid-mounted, Range Rover V8-powered Renault Twingo Trophy [*w/VIDEO]

Lazareth creates mid-mounted, Range Rover V8-powered Renault Twingo Trophy [*w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renaultsport launches hardcore Twingo 133 Cup

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Twingo RS 133 Cup - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot hatch enthusiasts the world over know that Renault makes some of the best in the business. The Clio Renaultsport, in its various iterations, has a strong following, as does the Megane RS. And with the current iteration of the Twingo, the French automaker has applied its winning formula to a smaller package. Launched a little over a year ago, the Twingo RS packs a 133 horsepower, 1.6-liter 16-valve four-cylinder. And while that may not seem like much, according to accounts from overseas, the little pocket rocket packs quite a punch. Now the boffins at Renaultsport have released an even more hardcore version.

Like the Clio 200 Cup, the Twingo 133 Cup does away with some of the frivolities - stuff like air-con, automatic headlights and independent adjustability for the rear seats - preferring instead to focus on being a tarmac-muncher in a compact package. But the Cup approach doesn't just delete, it also adds: the Cup suspension, already available on the equipped Twingo RS, features 10% stiffer springs, a 4 mm reduced ride height and 17-inch alloys on Continental Sport Contact3 rubber. Black and white trim is also available for a more track-focused look. But the best part about Renaultsport's Cup packages? They actually cost less than the heftier versions: £1,350 (over $2k) less, in this case, than a full-fat Twingo RS with the Cup suspension. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renault Twingo RS 133 Cup

Gallery: Renault Twingo Renault Sport

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renaultsport launches hardcore Twingo 133 Cup

Renaultsport launches hardcore Twingo 133 Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010

Chris Paukert — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Specialty

While it may seem like an inopportune time to exhume a performance marque, that's just what Renault is up to, says Car. According to the U.K. glossy, Renault will relaunch the Gordini brand in Europe next year with a new Twingo variant. You may recall that it was recently revealed that the French automaker's plans to bring back its storied Alpine product line has been axed, but the decades-dormant Gordini is apparently a different matter altogether.

The new lineup of hot hatches will slot in above current Renaultsport offerings, with the aforementioned Twingo reportedly being followed by Clio and Megane Coupe models. Like the Gordini-tuned cars of yore, the new models are tipped to wear blue paint and white stripes along with various performance upgrades that will make them a likely foil to Fiat's reborn Abarth lineup.

[Source: Car]

REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault working on Twingo roadster?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Renault, Rendered Speculation

Those who mourned the passing of the Smart Roadster may be interested by the reports that Renault is preparing to launch a tiny convertible of its own. The diminutive spider is tipped to be based on the existing Renault Twingo, and feature a manual targa-style deployable roof that can be stowed in the trunk.

The Smart Roadster was never a market success, largely because it was too expensive to build and therefore too expensive to buy. But if the reports are to be believed, Renault is learning from Smart's mistakes and is targeting the affordable Nissan Micra C+C, Opel/Vauxhall Tigra and Peugeot 207 CC for the Twingo convertible's pricing. Sources indicate that the little roadster could bow in Frankfurt in 2010 - only that year's show will actually be held in Renault's home-base of Paris.

[Source: AutoInternationaal via ABG]

Renault working on Twingo roadster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Twingo Renault Sport

After its initial unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, Renault has finally released full details - including pricing, equipment, and a whole $h!tload of new photos - of the new Twingo Renault Sport. Following the great line of eminently chuckable sport hatches from the French automaker - including the current Clio and Megane Renault Sport models - the Twingo Renault Sport upgrades the existing range-topping Twingo GT with a host of performance-oriented equipment inside, outside and underneath. Power comes from a 133-hp 1.6-liter 16-valve four-banger, and the Twingo RS comes right out of the gate with a choice of two chassis set-ups: Sport and Cup. The latter tightens up the suspension, cuts out 17 kg of weight and offers 17-inch dark anthracite wheels.

You'll recall that while its on-track rivals like Ferrari and McLaren turn their F1 know-how into six-figure supercars, Renault transfers its into sport hatches like this one. Renault Sport's latest offering will sell for just €15,601 in its home market, but includes a special bonus usually reserved for cars ten times its price. For a nominal fee of €1, Renault Sport Technologies is throwing in tutelage in its advanced driving course to show each new owner how to get the most out of their finely-tuned little chassis.

Follow the jump to get the full skinny on the little hatchback that could, and check out the hundred new images joining our live shots in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renault Twingo Renault Sport

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS

Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragonslayer: Renault rolls out the Twingo Extreme

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Renault

The Twingo still won't take you to mythical Silene, but the UK gets its own specially pimped version of the entry-level Twingo called the "Extreme." Think of it as a Tercel Blackhawk en français, s'il vous plaît. The Twingo Extreme consists of mostly graphics for the exterior, though there's a few extra bits of gear thrown in, too.

Power is provided by a 1.2-liter engine, and Renault throws in specially trimmed wheels, a tachometer, and foglights. ~~Soccer~~ Football fans will undoubtedly choose the flag of St. George graphics for the exterior, and there's also Union Jacks for the door handles and stripes or checkered flags can adorn the outside, too, all for a modest price. MINI has already shown that customization at the dealer level is a popular activity, and we hope that the rest of the driving public soon becomes as smitten with small hatchy-things as we are. If we create enough clamor, they might send us a Jerry Lewis edition or something.

Press release after the jump

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Dragonslayer: Renault rolls out the Twingo Extreme

Dragonslayer: Renault rolls out the Twingo Extreme originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Renaultsport Twingo 120

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Anyone who knows hot hatches knows that Renault is king. While other championship-winning automakers put their racing experience into six-figure supercars, Renaultsport puts its into grocery-haulers to turn out such splendidly chuckable pocket-rockets as the Clio 197 and Megane 225. Evidently firmly entrenched in the belief that good things come in small packages, Renault's performance racing division is turning its attention to the company's latest - and smallest - little Euro-runner, the redesigned Twingo.

These candid spy shots show that the Twingo has clearly been hitting the gym, with flared wheel arches and new bumpers. Power is tipped to come from a reworked version of the Twingo GT's 1.2-liter turbocharged four, massaged to produce 120 hp, 20 more than stock and hitting the magic 100-horsepower-per-liter mark. That'd be good for a 0-60 run in about 8.5 seconds, and with an anticipated UK price tag of around £12,500 it'd make a solid competitor to the likes of the Suzuki Swift Sport, Fiat Panda 100HP and Ford SportKa.

Speculation says it will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva show in March, and based on the apparent readiness seen in the spy shots, we'd call that a good bet and will bring you more from the show floor in three months' time.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Renaultsport Twingo 120 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Renault to show Twingo C+C at Frankfurt

Alex Nunez — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Europe, Renault

Autotriti, a Greek automotive website, is reporting that Renault has a surprise up its sleeve for the Frankfurt Motor Show. That surprise is said to be a Twingo Coupe + Cabriolet. Visual differences between the C+C and the Twingo hatchback will be extensive -- so much so that the instrument panel could be the only carryover. Mechanically, it will share very much with the hatchback (platform, powertrains, etc.). In lieu of a complex, folding roof, a hinged unit will revolve back, a la the Ferrari Superamerica, where it will be stowed in (or atop, perhaps?) the cargo area. It would be built in France, and not Slovenia like the hatchback, and according to the Autotriti report, a €15,000 price tag would be attached. Until Renault says something to confirm this, take it with a grain of salt. Click the "Read" link to visit the Autotriti website, which has three renderings of what might be on taps for Frankfurt.

[Source: Autotriti via Car Spy Shots, BlogAuto]

Rumormill: Renault to show Twingo C+C at Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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