New Renault Twingo CC Revealed via Diecast Model?

These photographs of a diecast model that appears to show the yet-to-be revealed Renault Twingo CC in production guise, surfaced on the internet today. According to the interwebs, the diecast was produced by Norev, a French company well known for its scale models.

Mind you that this is not the first time we've seen future production models previewed through a diecast - the same thing happened with the Citroen C4 Picasso back in 2006 and more recently with the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate last summer.

Meaning, it's not out of the ordinary for automakers to share their designs with scale model makers. Only thing is that the diecasts shouldn't be shown before the actual product...

Now, back to the Renault Twingo CC, the styling of the scale model seems pretty much consistent with what we've seen in the spy photos up until now- see below.

Based on the popular Twingo hatchback, the two-seater CC is said to feature a rotating central-piece rooftop that stows away inside the boot.

It will keep the hatchback model's front-wheel drive as well as the range of small-displacement petrol engines that include a 1.2-liter turbo and a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter unit.

Even though most anticipated that Renault's small cabrio would be unwrapped at last year's Frankfurt Show, obviously that didn't happen. Chances are that we'll see the car making its debut either at the Geneva Salon in March or at the Paris Show in autumn.

Via: Blogautomobile

Renault UK Launches New Entry-Level Version of Laguna Coupe

Just in time for the Christmas season, Renault's UK arm has introduced a new entry-level version of the Laguna Coupe that's priced at £19,995 MRRP. Based on the dCi 150 diesel model, the Laguna Coupe Tom-Tom adds a Carminat TomTom navigation system, automatic parking brake and a satin chrome centre console with Renault claiming that the price represents a saving of over £2,100 compared to the previous entry-level version when equipped to a similar level.

Other standard features include an Arkamys 3D Sound 140W audio system with MP3 CD reader and Bluetooth, 18-inch alloy wheels, eight airbags, automatic lights and wipers, dual zone climate control, electric heated door mirrors, MP3 player connection, rear parking sensors, "Super Fold" rear seat system and xenon headlights.



The new Laguna Coupe Tom-Tom dci150 is available for order now with first deliveries expected in January, 2010.

Renault Twingo Gordini RS: It's All About Style - but Nothing Else...

Boasting one of the longest names in the auto biz, the Renault Twingo Gordini RenaultSport marks the revival of the Gordini badge that will soon find its place on all RenaultSport products. Despite the sporty heritage of Gordini, these models will not carry any engine or chassis upgrades with improvements limited to the cars' styling. Now, what's the French word for 'lame'?

The first Gordini product is based on the Renault's pocket-rocket, the Twingo RenaultSport 133 that's powered by a 1.6-liter four-pot with 133 horsepower.

On the outside, the upmarket Gordini is distinguished by the traditional blue metallic finish with two white racing stripes. A closer look reveals that the bumpers are enhanced by gloss black centre sections, while the fog lamp surrounds, exterior door mirror housings and rear tailgate spoiler are trimmed in a contrasting white finish.

A set of 17-inch alloy wheels with a polished face and a choice of the inner rim finished in either blue or black complete the exterior package.

Moving on into the cabin, Renault says that the sport seats are now trimmed in blue and black leather with the same colors making their appearance on the door panel inserts, leather steering wheel and instrument panel..

Furthermore, there's a blue gearlever gaiter and Gordini-badged gearlever knob and a leather trimmed dashboard cowl.

Along with the styling additions, the Renault Twingo Gordini RenaultSport gains extra standard equipment including automatic climate-control, automatic headlamp activation, automatic wiper activation, cruise control, fully disconnectable ESP and an upgraded MP3 audio system.

The first Gordini model will make its physical debut on January 10 at the Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées, with sales set to begin across Europe in March.

Renault Reveals Entry-Level Twingo R1 and R2 Rally Cars

Two new entry level rally cars based on the Twingo RS are joining Renault's range of competition cars that also includes the Clio Renaultsport R3 Access and Maxi. Aimed at budget conscious buyers, the Twingo R1 and R2 come in the form of a motorsport kit featuring all the required parts aside from tires. Renault said that customers who buy the kit will be able to purchase a Twingo Renaultsport 133 at a special price.

First up is the Twingo RenaultSport R1, which can participate in all regional, national and international rallies. In essence, the R1 is a production car fitted with some essential safety equipment such as a welded roll cage.

The R1's 133HP 1.6-liter engine and gearbox are identical to the production model though Renault said that an ECU setting giving torque at lower engine speeds will be homologated to improve mid-range performance.

Along with the safety equipment, the Twingo RenaultSport R2 package adds an array of performance upgrades including a more powerful 1.6-liter unit with 160HP at 7,200 rpm and a peak torque of 160Nm at 5,500rpm. The four-cylinder unit is coupled to a five-speed 'dog' sequential gearbox and steering column mounted shift lever while there's also a ZF limited slip differential.

In addition, the Twingo Renaultsport R2 is fitted with bump- and rebound-adjustable shock absorbers, motorsport brake pads and one-piece aluminium wheel rims that are available in 6.5x16" (tarmac) and 6x15" (gravel) sizes and can be fitted with 195/50 R 16 (tarmac) or 195/65 R 15 (gravel) tires.

Inside, the R2 features the same dashboard and central console as on the road car, but comes with two Sabelt Renaultsport seats and harnesses as well as an LED instrumental panel that displays all the necessary information.

Renault said that both kits go on sale in early April, 2010, with the R2 package (not including the price of the car) starting at €27,990 without tax. The French automaker did not release pricing for the basic R1 kit.

Renault to Produce Electric Fluence Sedan at Bursa Plant in Turkey from 2011

Having already confirmed the production versions of the Twizy and Zoe Z.E. electric concept cars, Renault today announced that the third member of its new family of EVs, the all-electric Fluence sedan, which was also presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September, will be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault Bursa plant in Turkey. The French automaker said that it plans to launch the Fluence EV first in Israel and Denmark, followed by other countries, from the first half of 2011.

Evidently, the electric saloon will be based on the recently launched Fluence sedan, but it is unclear if Renault will spice up the looks of the car in the same way it did with the Frankfurt Show concept model.

Renault said that owners of the electric Fluence will have three battery charge options: standard charge, rapid charge and a 'QuickDrop' battery exchange that allows that removal and replacement of the batteries in a mere three minutes.

We don't have any details on the vehicle's specs yet, but it is safe to assume that the production model will be powered by the same 95HP electric motor found in the concept car.

VIDEO: Alain Prost Drives the Dacia Duster V6 Racer

For those that just can't wait until early December to see ex-F1 champion, Alain Prost, getting behind the wheel of the competition version of Dacia's forthcoming Duster crossover for the Trophée Andros racing series, here's a video with some action-packed footage from the test runs. We remind you that the competition Duster 4x4 gets a mid-mounted, 3.0-liter V6 engine that pumps out 350 horsepower. Click through to watch the videos.

Dacia Reveals Competition Version of Low-Cost 2010 Duster SUV Equipped with 350HP V6

Dacia, or to be precise, its parent company Renault, has released the first photos and technical information on a competition version of the Romanian brand's forthcoming Duster, an affordable 4x4 that will be officially revealed at next year's Geneva Show. Earlier this year, a set of photos depicting the 2010 Duster SUV without a single trace of camouflage, made their way onto the interwebs revealing the 4x4 in all its glory.

It goes without saying that the competition version of Dacia Duster, which was developed by Renault Sport Technologies, and the actual production model have nothing in common other than the exterior silhouette, and the front and rear fascias.

Under its glass-fibre body, the Duster ice-racer features a tubular chassis that houses a mid-rear mounted, 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range, tweaked to develop 350hp at 7,500rpm, and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm. Power is sent to the wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Other highlights of the Duster that weighs in at just 950kg or 2,100 lbs, include the double wishbone suspension arrangement with long-travel dampers and a mechanical four-wheel steering system that links the front and rear wheels, and can be rapidly adjusted to match the characteristics of different circuits.

The Romanian budget brand's competition model will make its debut at France's famous Trophée Andros ice-racing series. Four-time Formula 1 Drivers' Champion Alain Prost will get behind the wheel of the Dacia.

"I am delighted to be driving the Dacia Duster," said Prost. "It is a brand new vehicle, and I am proud to be able to play a part in its promotion to the unusual backdrop of the Trophée Andros. Thanks to the work put in by Renault Sport Technologies, I have every confidence in Dacia Duster's potential and reliability which together point to an extremely exciting season," he concluded.
DACIA DUSTER COMPETITION CAR - TECHNICAL DATA

CHASSIS

Tubular steel chassis
Double wishbone suspension
ENGINE

Renault-Nissan Alliance VQ 30
Position: mid-rear
Six cylinders (V6)
Number of valves: 24
Cubic capacity: 2,987cc
Bore x stroke: 93mm x 73.3mm
Maximum power: 257kW EEC (350hp) at 7,500rpm
Maximum torque: 360Nm EEC at 5,500rpm
TRANSMISSION

Six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox
BRAKES

Front: 260mm-diameter vented steel discs
Rear: 265mm-diameter steel discs
WHEELS

5.5" x 16" (magnesium)
Tyres: Continental Racing Contact 3
DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT

Length: 4,001mm
Width: 1,900mm
Front/rear track: 1,690mm
Wheelbase: 2,500mm
Weight: 950kg
Fuel tank capacity: 25 liters

Renault to Revive Gordini Badge on its RS Hot Hatches

If you thought Renault's naming system for its sporty hatches was already ridiculous with the RenaultSport (...and horsepower) moniker wait until the French firm launches a new line of models that will revive the Gordini nameplate. See, instead of replacing the RenaultSport name, the Gordini badge will be used on more premium and chic versions of the automaker's hot hatches that will benefit from specific cosmetic and equipment upgrades - but not from any kind of mechanical tweaks.

And that despite the fact that the iconic nameplate was once used on the Renault 8 Gordini rally car of the mid 1960s which later on gave birth to a 1300cc version for the Gordini Cup one-make race series.

The first product of the Gordini brand that is set to be unveiled at L'Atelier Renault on the Champs Elysées in Paris, is the Renault Twingo Gordini RenaultSport which will be based on the Renault Twingo RenaultSport 133 - yes, we could have just said Twingo RS 133 but where's the fun in that?

The Gordini-badged Twingo is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in Spring of 2010 and will be followed by similar versions of the Clio RS 200 and Megane RS 250 hot hatches.

Renault did not disclose any specific details on the Gordini models but it's safe to assume that the cars will feature the brand's traditional light-blue exterior finish with twin white racing stripes.

Renault Confirms Production of All-Electric Twizy and Zoe Z.E., Sales Start in 2011

Apparently, Nissan's partner Renault wasn't kidding when it said that it would go ahead and produce the four all-electric concept models that it displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Today, the French automaker not only (re)confirmed production of the futuristic looking Twizy Z.E. city car (for Zero Emission) and the funky Zoe Z.E. sporty supermini, but it also revealed the plants where the two cars will be built.

First up is the Twizy Z.E. based 1+1 seater that will be manufactured at Renault's Valladolid factory in Spain from 2011. Even though we find it hard to believe, it is said that the production version will remain extremely close to the concept model that is powered by an electric motor that makes 15kW (20HP) and 70Nm of torque and drives the rear wheels.

The Twizy will be followed in 2012 by a sporty, all-electric supermini dimly inspired by the Zoe Z.E concept car. It will be produced at the firm's Flins plant near Paris, France. Renault said that it expects that this urban model will account for two-thirds of the Group's EV sales in Europe.

The other two electric vehicles that Renault is planning to produce is the Fluence Z.E. compact sedan and the Kangoo Z.E. small van.

Earlier this week, a letter of intent was signed between the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and the French Strategic Investment Fund (FSI) to form a joint venture company that would develop and manufacture batteries for the group's electric vehicles.

Hou là là! Renault Twingo Trophy with Mid-Mounted Range-Rover V8 [With Videos]

While not as insanely extreme as the Citroen 2CV - Ferrari F355 hybrid that we showed you back in May, this special creation from French custom car and motorcycle builder Lazareth is one helluva creation. Evidently inspired by the competition Renault Megane Trophy and the Clio V6 Renault Sport, the Twingo Trophy is one of those cars that you'd be tempted to take for a spin even though it doesn't make much sense.

The French tuner took a base first-generation Twingo mini and turned it into a track-racer by throwing out the puny, front-mounted stock engine and installing a Range-Rover-sourced 3.5-liter V8 with 180 horsepower behind the front seats. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Of course, transforming a city car into a mid-engined sports car isn't that simple as Lazareth had to modify the Twingo's chassis by adding a rear tubular subframe, replacing the suspension and brakes and widening the front and rear tracks just to mention a few of the changes. It also rides on 18-inch Toora alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama slick tires size 230 up front and... 320 at the back.

Other highlights include the matte gray exterior paint finish and the 'sported-up' interior that boasts a pair of MOMO bucket seats, sport steering wheel and new digital gauges. And the price for all this? Well, according to Lazareth's site, the Twingo Trophy V8 could be yours for €70,000 or about $105,000 US. Who said that grown mens toys come cheap...

Thanks for the tip Timo! Via: Maxituning , Source: Lazareth

Renault Announces UK Pricing for Hardcore Megane RenaultSport 250 and RS 250 CUP

Renault's UK division has revealed pricing for its hottest-ever RenaultSport Megane hatch. Offered in two versions, the more hardcore 250 Cup at £21,995 and the 250 with more equipment at £22,995, the new car will be available for order on 1st November with first deliveries set to take place in January, 2010. Both variants of the Megane RS (that's short for RenaultSport) are fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 250HP at 5,500 rpm and 340Nm of peak torque at 3,000 rpm.

The engine drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, with Renault claiming a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 6.1 seconds and the 1,000-metre standing start said to be covered in 25.7 seconds.

The 250 Cup's standard equipment includes cruise control, eight airbags, RAID automatic door locking, Brembo brakes, ESP system, Renault keycard, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, 60W RDS MP3-compatible CD player with fingertip control, Bluetooth and RCA connection, ISOFIX child seat mountings, rear parking sensors and the Cup Suspension Pack.

The latter adds a limited slip differential, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, grooved discs, red finish to the Brembo brake calipers, 235/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres and 'AX-L' 18" x 8.25" alloy wheels in satin black.

The less-compromised Megane Renaultsport 250 features more luxury amenities such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory function, Renault Hands Free card, dual-zone climate control, automatic operation of the lights and wipers, 18" 'Keza' alloy wheels with 225/40 Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tyres, extra tinted tailgate and rear side windows, tire pressure monitor and Multi-functional TunePoint.

Renault also offers the Cup Suspension Pack as an option combined with Recaro front seats for the 250 at £1,950.