Renault has busted out a sporty new concept car just before lights out at the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix. Say “Bonjour” to the Twin’Run, a mid-engined sports hatch that pays homage to the iconic Renault 5 Turbo, an 80s favourite, and its successor the Clio V6.
The styling is a head-turning combination of French Blue and red, with additional flourishes including bold red and white lines and squared off, rally-style fog lights. Also, look at that exhaust — it’s bonkers.
The Twin’Run isn’t simply for posing in, it talks the talk, too. The car has an unladen weight of 950kg thanks to a glass-polyester composite body and competition-friendly tubular steel chassis. The mid-engined layout, under-bonnet positioning of the fuel tank, radiator and hydraulic system combine to facilitate a 43:57 weight distribution.
Bizarrely, Renault says the aerodynamics of the car creates “lift at high speeds”. Deliberate upforce in a sports car? How very… French.
Power is provided by a 320hp V6 engine borrowed from the Megane Trophy racer, all channeled through a six-speed gearbox. Renault claims a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. For reference, the Clio V6 did 0-62mph in 5.9s and maxed out at 153mph.
The Twin’Run’s cabin is basic, but not completely devoid of luxury thanks to a 5.5-inch LED screen that displays the usual indicators: fuel level, tyre and oil pressures.
Predictably, Renault has no plans to build the Twin’Run — it’s purely for show. That said, it could one day inspire the release of a Twingo RS or similar. Check out the pictures below and let us know whether it honours the memory of the 5 Turbo or spits on its grave.
Renault Twin’Run Concept Pictures
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