Renault has announced sporty version of the Twingo supermini ahead of its public debut at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The Renault Twingo GT is based on the standard Twingo and combines rear-wheel drive with a manual gearbox. It is largely similar to the Brabus ForFour unveiled a few weeks ago, a car that shares the same underpinnings.
Except this being a sporty GT version, Renault has kindly upgraded the 898cc Energy TCe turbo petrol (yes, it’s not even a litre in displacement) so it delivers 110hp and 170Nm of torque – up from 89bhp and 100ft/lb in the standard Twingo.
This, according to Renault, gives the Twingo GT ‘sprightly, free-revving performance’ and is the result of a revised air intake system, modified engine mapping and different gearing.
Besides giving the supermini more power, the Twingo GT features a revised suspension setup, specific ESP calibration and variable-rate steering, all of which are said to provide ‘sharp handling and responsive steering feedback’.
A few sporty tweaks will help the Twingo GT stand out from the standard Twingo, including 17-inch wheels, lower ride height, lateral air intakes and a twin exhaust tail pipe.
There will also be a choice of four new paintjobs – Lunar Grey, Diamond Black, Crystal White and the orange pictured – to compliment its Twin’Run concept car-inspired design.
As for the interior, expect Renault Sport doorsills, aluminium pedals, orange trim detailing and an alloy gear lever in addition to the NACA aircraft graphics, which is said to be a tribute to the wings of a famous American plane.
There’s no word on a UK price or specs just yet, but reports suggest a 0-62mph will come and go in around 8.5 seconds. Not enough to unseat the Abarth 500 series, but it could give the Suzuki Swift Sport and forthcoming VW Up GTI a run for their money.
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