Renault Twin'Z concept

Unusually, Renault has chosen to unveil the electric-powered Twin'Z concept at a furniture exhibition, not a motor show. Revealed at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano, it has been created in collaboration with British designer Ross Lovegrove.

The Twin'Z is the latest member of Renault’s 'flower' series, which has already given us the DeZir, Captur, R-Space and Frendzy concepts. The programme sets out to develop the firm's design strategy 'through parallels with threshold phases of human existence'... whatever that means. Anyway, the Twin'Z is supposed to represent 'play'.

Renault Twin'Z Concept (2013) Front Side

Featuring a rear-mounted 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS) electric motor and rear-wheel drive, Renault reckons the Twin'Z has been inspired by models such as the 5 and the Twingo. Arguably its powertrain layout is more akin to the likes of the Dauphine and Floride from the 1950s, though.

Energy is supplied by four lithium-ion battery packs that are located beneath the floor. They're said to offer a range of 100 miles (160 kilometres), while top speed is 81 mph (130 km/h).

The Twin'Z's carbon fibre bodywork clothes a tubular frame chassis, a construction method that results in a weight of just 980 kg (2,160 lbs). It might measure only 3,627 mm (11' 11”) long, but 18” alloy wheels, minimal overhangs and a high waistline are intended to give distinctive proportions plus plenty of interior space.

Entry to the cabin is via four power-operated doors that all open from the centre outwards, with access made easier by the lack of a B-pillar. Once inside, the driver isn't faced with a conventional dashboard. That's because the instruments have been replaced by a smartphone and control of the car's systems is via a centrally-mounted touchscreen tablet.

Renault Twin'Z Concept (2013) InteriorRenault Twin'Z Concept (2013) Rear Side

Renault Twin'Z Concept (2013) DashboardRenault Twin'Z Concept (2013) Side

Related post:
Renault Captur revealed

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