Renault’s Gordini Revival Includes Electric Future

Word has already hit the streets that Renault is planning a revival of its Gordini performance arm, with a range of special cars to sit above the already impressive RenaultSport line of hot hatches.

Additional information about the re-launched brand now reveals which cars in the Renault line-up will be treated to a Gordini makeover. With one surprising addition paving the way for a bold new frontier in performance motoring.

The first vehicle to wear the Gordini badge will be a version of the Twingo city car (above), due to surface in 2010. The Twingo will be closely followed by Gordini-fied versions of the Clio and Megane Coupé.

In 2012, Gordini will present an all electric model, utilizing the electric drive system currently being developed by Renault for use under a number of Renault and Nissan vehicles.

The Clio-sized performance hatch will offer seating for four or five and decent luggage-carrying capacity.

Pricing is expected to start at around £14,000 (AUD 29,000) which is similar to a range-topping Clio in the UK.

Batteries for the electric car will be leased for less than fueling a diesel engined car.

Owners will be able to pull into a battery swap station where an automated system can replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one.

A wall-mounted socket will also allow owners to charge the car from home (although, in time, it is expected that street sockets will be installed for charging while out and about).

Reviving a performance icon to take on the likes of MINI’s Cooper S is an ambitious project and adding a decidedly green slant to the project will not be without its challenges.

With Renault’s push to offer practical and affordable electric vehicles, an attention-grabbing emissions-free hot hatch could be just the thing to ensure that both electric vehicles and the Gordini badge are here to stay.

[via What Car?]