► New Renault Twingo GT revealed
► 898cc engine puts out 109bhp
► Due on sale at the end of 2016
Hot on the heels of the ballistic Clio R.S. 16 concept is the new Renault Twingo GT. Fear not, this GT is not just a trim pack and a set of wheels – Renault’s worked over the engine and chassis, in an effort to deliver a city car that’s ‘honed for driving enjoyment.’
So it’s more powerful?
Renault’s taken the Twingo’s 898cc TCe turbocharged triple and, thanks to revised mapping and a different intake system, boosted its output to 109bhp and 125lb ft. That’s a hike of 20bhp and 25lb ft compared with the standard TCe, which should deliver a significant improvement in performance across the range.
The gearing’s been changed, too, which should help liven up the Twingo even further. No official performance figures have been published; currently the fastest Twingo sprints from 0-62mph in a spritely 10.8sec, so expect the GT to beat that benchmark without much effort.
Okay, so it’s not quite Renault 5 Turbo levels of madness – but it’s far more interesting than any iteration of this generation of Twingo that’s been offered to date.
Has Renault done anything to the Twingo GT’s chassis?
The suspension and variable-rate steering settings have been revised, while the electronic stability control has been given a tweak. Renault claims that the Twingo GT handles in a much more responsive and precise manner than before, as a result.
We’ll reserve judgment until we drive it, but we can’t help feeling it would have benefited from some flared arches and a wider track, too – in order to improve its high-speed stability and provide some added visual brawn.
Are there any other neat touches?
The Twingo GT gets a host of cosmetic tweaks to help make it stand out, including:
- Bespoke 17-inch wheels
- Twin exhaust pipes
- Custom graphic pack
- An air intake on the rear quarter panel
An orange paint option will be offered for the first time, and the GT will also be available in grey, white or black. There’s a host of interior changes as well, including orange trim details, aluminium pedals and a hand-chilling or burning alloy gear knob, depending on climate.
When’s it on sale?
The Twingo GT will go on sale in late 2016, according to Renault. There’s no formal word on pricing but it will likely cost in excess of the £13,445 currently commanded by the top-spec model.
Want to see the hot new Twingo up close? It’ll be on display at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place on 23-26 June. Renault will reveal more details about the car at that point, including performance figures.
Read more about the Renault Twingo here
