Do you know what's even better than a hatchback? An insane hatchback with an engine in the trunk that's built to go racing! Renault made quite a few of those and they were awesome. Now, with Twin'Run Concept, the insanity has returned!
Obviously, the Twin'Run pays homage to the famous Renault R5 Turbo hatch, as well as the Clio V6, two raucous French hatches that had engines stuffed behind the driver. The funny thing is that it's basically the trippy Renault Twin'Z electric mini, but made into a race hatch concept.
Actually, the Twin'Run — which debuted amid the Monaco Grand Prix festivities — could be considered more than just a concept. It's a fully-functioning one-off car with the 3.5-liter, 320-horsepower V6 engine derived from the Renault Mégane Trophy racer. All that power is sent to the rear wheels with the help of a six-speed sequential gearbox. Zero to 62 mph is said to happen in just 4.5 seconds.
Renault says the Twin'Run is a "real racing car" with a multi-tube steel chassis and a composite body. In order to ensure a 43/57 weight distribution, various components were stuffed under the hood, including the fuel tank, radiator and the hydraulic system.
Renault says it's just a one-off, but I'm praying to the French Racing Gods that it will somehow reach production. I'll have my "Shut Up and Take My Money" graphic ready to go in case it does.
Update: Okay, here's a nice surprise for you guys. UK auto journalist Chris Chilton just sent us this video from when he rode shotgun in the Twin'Run. Also, the driver just so happens to be famed Renault 5 Turbo rally driver Jean Ragnotti.
It's short, but it's awesome. Thanks, Chris!