Renault has showcased their Twin’Run concept car at this year’s glittering Monaco Grand Prix.
Based on the existing Twingo model, the mid engine, rear drive pocket rocket is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, taken from a Megane Trophy race car, making it capable of 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds – and reaching a top speed of 155 mph.
The mid engine, rear drive pocket rocket is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. Image: Renault
Inside, the Twin’Run has been stripped out to keep weight to a minimum. With space for only the driver and one other passenger, the engine sits directly behind the front two seats, separated only by a sheet of plexiglass. A sequential gearstick and handbrake lever are mounted close to the driver for optimum performance, and occupants sit in race-spec Sparco seats fitted with 4-point harnesses.
The dash features a 5.5 inch LCD screen which is capable of relaying a whole host of information back to the driver, including the basics (such a speed and fuel) as well as some more technical information, such as oil pressures, gear speed and engine speed.
A sequential gearstick and handbrake lever are mounted close to the driver for optimum performance. Image: Renault
The one-off concept certainly looks the part too, with 18-inch alloys, a striking blue and orange paint job and 4 massive spotlights up front - you’ll certainly see it coming! With Renault’s popular city car set to be given an overhaul later this year, the Twin’Run could be dropping some significant hints as to how it might look, particularly if they were to release a new Renaultsport model.
The Twin’Run could give an indication as to how the new Twingo might look. Image: Renault
The 316 BHP car made its debut in the Monaco pit lane before heading out on the track for some hot laps with Renault’s COO Carlos Tavares at the wheel. Tavares was joined on the track by current F1 driver Charles Pic in the iconic Clio V6, and rally legend Jean Ragnotti who drove the old R5 Turbo – a car that brought him 3 World Rally Championship wins back in the 1980s.
While it’s safe to say we don’t expect to the Twin’Run to be in Arnold Clark dealerships any time soon, we do have the next best thing – the Renault Twingo Renaultsport.