Renault Twizy F1 concept gets KERS

Renault has unveiled a shock Formula 1 inspired Twizy. The electric car – which normally ‘boasts’ 17bhp and a 50mph top speed – has been given an adapted F1 KERS system and a host of wild styling additions that almost suggest an April Fool’s joke that got lost in the post. There’s even an F1-style rain light on the back… It’s no joke though (though it did originate as an engineer’s quip in the F1 paddock). Following the 800bhp Espace F1 from 1994, which placed a Williams V10 in the people carrier’s boxy body, it’s another one-off special designed for a PR frenzy. And it’s worked on us. The Twizy is already a rather cultish little electric car, and the F1 concept does nothing to detract from its appeal. The Twizy Renault Sport F1’s 97bhp power output is nearly six times bigger than the regular EV’s, thanks to the bolting on of the KERS system from Renault-powered F1 cars, including Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull. It’s been adapted for the ever-so-subtly different Twizy, of course, but its performance gains are tremendous. A similar power-to-weight ratio as the Renaultsport Megane 265 combined with the instant reactions of the Twizy’s electric drivetrain means it’ll complete 0-62 as fast as the hot hatch – six seconds dead – a task only possible as its top speed is now higher than 50mph, nearly touching the UK national speed limit at 68mph. Renaultsport has tweaked the rear-drive chassis to accommodate the sudden six-fold power increase. The Renaultsport Monitor telemetry system from the new Clio 200 Turbo also features, though despite features from road cars, this Renault Twizy will never make production. Instead it will go on a global tour of motorsport events, including the UK’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Here’s hoping the incline of Lord March’s drive won’t be too detrimental on the Twizy F1’s range…