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Renault Reviving Gordini Performance Badge

FRENCH CARMAKER Renault has announced today it will revive the iconic Gordini Performance nameplate, launching a line of Gordini-badged models in 2010.
Don’t expect performance enhancements, however. Renault’s Gordini models will be positioned above the


FRENCH CARMAKER Renault has announced today it will revive the iconic Gordini Performance nameplate, launching a line of Gordini-badged models in 2010.

Don't expect performance enhancements, however. Renault's Gordini models will be positioned above the existing Renaultsport line-up, but differences between the two ranges will be limited to cosmetic touches.

Offered in limited numbers, Gordini models will wear the signature blue paint with white racing stripes of past models.

The first Gordini model will be a variant of the Renault Twingo (a city car not offered in Australia), a performance version of which can already be had through Renaultsport in Europe.

The Twingo Gordini RS will be unveiled on November 25.

A launch more relevant to Australian enthusiasts will be the Clio Gordini RS, which Renault says will launch "a few months later".

Renault's global marketing director Stephen Norman told press at a dinner party last year that a Megane Coupe model would join the Gordini range, but Renault has yet to confirm this.

Despite the Italian name, Gordini was a French sports car manufacturer founded by Italian race car driver Amédée Gordini.

The Gordini badge and signature blue duco has appeared on sporting Renaults since Gordini became a consulting engineer to Renault in the mid-50s.

Their first major collaboration was the Gordini version of the Renault Dauphine (launched in 1956) which brought Renault considerable rally success.

Soon to become synonymous with Renault and race cars, Renault took over the Gordini company in 1968.

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