Early in June, Renault revealed the Twingo GT, a slightly hotter version of the French automaker’s tiny rear-wheel drive city car. But that didn’t stop fans asking for what would be a proper little firecracker: a Twingo RS.
However, hopes of such a vehicle being built have now been all but dashed, according to a new report from Autocar.
Renault Sport boss Patrice Ratti told the British publication that it would be “almost impossible” to put a Twingo RS into production due to the A-segment vehicle’s compact engine bay.
“An RS would need around 150 bhp [around 112 kW], which presents all sorts of challenges. There’s not much room for a four-cylinder engine — which would be the cheapest way to get 150 bhp,” he explained.
“To get a three-cylinder engine to 150 bhp would mean redesigning the engine, and at that point the project becomes very expensive — probably too much for an A-segment hot hatch.”
Ratti added that he thought the Twingo GT struck the ideal balance.
“We think the GT is the right balance between power, agility and cost,” Ratti told Autocar.
“With that power and the steering and suspension changes, it is really fun to drive, and we’ve been able to do all that without adding too much complication and therefore cost,” he said of the 80 kW/170 N.m Twingo GT.
Of course, the current Renault Twingo is not offered in South Africa, but the Smart ForFour (as well as the Brabus version) is.
