Paris Show: Renault ZOE Preview Teases 2012 Production EV and Hints at Next Clio

One or two sizes up from the quirky little Twizy is where Renault's ZOE Preview sits. Following in the vein of last year's ZOE Z.E. coupe, the ZOE Preview is a more realistic look at the production version that will be available in 2012 wearing Renault's newest face. Not only that, but it may just be previewing (ZING!) the next Clio as well.

Similar in size to the Clio, this little electric econobox gets some high-end passenger comfort tech that may or may not show up in the production model (Renault claims 90% of what you see here is what you'll get). To get occupants comfortable, the ZOE has a humidity-regulating climate control system with an integrated toxicity sensor and scent diffuser.

Oh, there's more, don't worry. It also provides "light therapy", which is being co-developed with Philips (apparently a "world-renowned light therapy specialist").

The concept seen here is 4.1 meters long and rides on 19-inch wheels. For production, dimensions are going to be similar, but those wheels? Probably not showing up. Power comes from an 80-horsepower / 60 kW electric motor that makes 222 Nm / 164 lb-ft of torque.

A charge will take from 6 to 8 hours and can be done (primarily) two different ways: either with a Wall Box that you connect to your home's outlet, or by optional EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Renault recommends going with the wall box for the sake of convenience. Also possible, should an infrastructure appear sometime soon, is what the company calls a "Fast Charge"; this gives the car a 37-mile emergency run after only ten minutes of charging.

Israelis and Danes may also have the opportunity for Quickdrop batteries, meaning there will be stations that will change out your used-up battery in a matter of minutes.

By Phil Alex

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Renault Clio Gordini RS 200HP Storms into Geneva Show

Following last year's presentation of the Twingo Gordini 133, Renault shook the covers off it latest Gordini-badged-painted product at the 2010 Geneva Salon, this time based on the RenaultSport Clio.

To the disappointment of Gordini fans, the treatment is essentially a styling package. On the outside, the Clio Gordini RS features a Malta Blue bodywork embellished by two hallmark white stripes, black 17-inch alloys, gloss black highlights on the front bumper and rear diffuser plus mirror housings and F1-style front bib finished in white.

Inside, the Gordini spirit translates to sport seats and steering wheel trimmed in black and blue leather, gearlever with blue gaiter and metallic, a Gordini-branded gear knob, rev-counter dial with white background, decorative stitching for the upper dashboard, specific floor mats and numbered plaque on the gear-lever console.

There are no changes under the bonnet, meaning the the Gordini-badged model is powered by the same rev-hungry 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four with 200 horsepower and 215Nm of torque as the standard Clio RS.

The Clio Gordini RS will hit European showrooms in June 2010.

New Renault Clio S: It's all About the Looks

Renault's UK division has brought back to life the Clio S formula from the early 1990s and applied a similar treatment on its latest generation supermini for an all-show, no go result. Based on the standard variants of the Clio, the new three-door S models hark back to the original Clio S through their trademark white 16-inch 'Polar' alloy wheels.

Additional cosmetic upgrades include a white front bumper insert, white rear spoiler and exterior mirrors, and white racing stripes on the sides and the rooftop, plus tinted rear windows and tailgate.

The sporty theme continues on the inside, with all Clio S models featuring 'S' embossed upholstery with white seams, leather steering wheel and a white finish for the centre console, dashboard inserts and instrument dials.

All Clio S models are based on Expression trim level with buyers having a choice of three engines, a 1.2-liter petrol with 75HP, a 1.2-liter turbo with 100HP and a 1.5-liter diesel with 86HP.

Pricing for the new Clio S versions range between £11,209 for the 1.2 16V and £13,458 for the 1.5 dCi 86 A/C. Buyers have a choice of four colors including Glacier White, Pearl Black, Capsicum Red and Extreme Blue.

Renault to Revive Gordini Badge on its RS Hot Hatches

If you thought Renault's naming system for its sporty hatches was already ridiculous with the RenaultSport (...and horsepower) moniker wait until the French firm launches a new line of models that will revive the Gordini nameplate. See, instead of replacing the RenaultSport name, the Gordini badge will be used on more premium and chic versions of the automaker's hot hatches that will benefit from specific cosmetic and equipment upgrades - but not from any kind of mechanical tweaks.

And that despite the fact that the iconic nameplate was once used on the Renault 8 Gordini rally car of the mid 1960s which later on gave birth to a 1300cc version for the Gordini Cup one-make race series.

The first product of the Gordini brand that is set to be unveiled on 25 November at L'Atelier Renault on the Champs Elysées in Paris, is the Renault Twingo Gordini RenaultSport which will be based on the Renault Twingo RenaultSport 133 - yes, we could have just said Twingo RS 133 but where's the fun in that?

The Gordini-badged Twingo is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in Spring of 2010 and will be followed by similar versions of the Clio RS 200 and Megane RS 250 hot hatches.

Renault did not disclose any specific details on the Gordini models but it's safe to assume that the cars will feature the brand's traditional light-blue exterior finish with twin white racing stripes.