New Renault Twingo RS inspires passion and emotion

FOLLOWING the launch of the new Renault Twingo, the next few weeks will see Renault Sport releasing the new Twingo R.S., as well as the latest Gordini R.S. version.

Sporty credentials
The new Twingo R.S., which will go on sale from mid-March 2012, features the sporting interpretation of Renault’s new styling identity, including a dynamic grille design with four lights and a front bumper incorporating an F1-style blade. This detail, which now runs across the Renault Sport range, recalls Renault’s success in Formula 1.

The rear end of the car features a tailgate-mounted lip spoiler, a special bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches. Also available is a Design Pack which includes Grey/Dark Gunmetal Grey door mirror housings, F1 blade and R.S. lip spoiler, plus chrome details for the fog light surrounds. It will also be possible to specify new 16-inch ‘Emotion’ alloy wheels complete with ‘R.S.’-badged centre caps which proudly proclaim the car’s pedigree. Trademark Renault Sport yellow stitching will feature inside New Twingo R.S. (on the steering wheel, seats and dashboard cowl), while the dashboard, radio console, rev-counter housing and lateral air vents all come with Gloss Black inserts. The top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and manual climate control controls are picked out in white.

Renault Sport expertise
The new Twingo R.S. brings the driving enjoyment and sporty performance associated with Renault Sport Technologies’ experience of motorsport to an even wider audience. This includes a feisty, normally-aspirated 1.6 16V R.S. engine (133hp/98kW at 6,750rpm, and 160Nm of torque at 4,400rpm); outstanding road holding with the standard Sport chassis; big brakes: 280mm-diameter front discs and 240mm-diameter rear discs; and the optional R.S. Monitor, a functional and fun on-board telemetry system. Despite its exceptional performance credentials for its class, the new Twingo R.S. boasts low CO2 emissions (150g/km, a saving of 3.2 percent compared to the former version) and fuel consumption (6.5 litres/100km, a saving of 3.0 percent).

Quality support
Since its launch in September 2008, Twingo R.S. has emerged as a top-three seller in its class (A segment / Very High Performance), with sales totalling more than 10 000 vehicles. Like its bigger sisters, Clio R.S. and Mégane R.S., the new Twingo R.S. is supported by a network of 350 Renault Sport specialist dealers across the world, for expert servicing dedicated to performance cars. Thanks to its instantly recognisable style, 17-inch diamond-effect black wheels, leather trim and automatic climate control, the new Twingo Gordini R.S. defines sporty chic in imitable fashion with its twin stripes. The new Twingo Gordini R.S. is expected in Southern Africa in the third quarter of this year. Words: quickpic.co.za