Renault TwinRun hot hatch concept (2013) first official pictures

Renault will show off this mid-engined supermini concept at the 2013 Monaco Grand prix race weekend. Called the TwinRun, the R5 Turbo-inspired creation is powered by a mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6, and will hit 155mph flat out.

The TwinRun is the latest in a series of wacky Renault concept cars, following the Twizy RS F1 and Twin-Z supermini into the limelight.

The Twingo-sized body (made from glassfibre with carbon front splitter, roof and rear wing) is built around a spaceframe, and carries a 3.5-litre V6 engine from the Megane Trophy racing car behind the passenger compartment. The engine develops 318bhp @ 6800rpm, and 280lb ft @ 4850rpm, while the redline is a screaming 7500rpm. Driving the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission and twin-plate racing clutch, the TwinRun hits 62mph in a Porsche Cayman-besting 4.5sec, and tops out at 155mph.

The TwinRun rides on double wishbone suspension all round, with 18in wheels and 'heavy-duty' brakes. It weighs in at a lithe 950kg – the same as a Renaultsport Twingo 133, but with three times the power...

The '5' numerals pay tribute to the R5 turbo, as do the futuristic front foglights. Inside the TwinRun there are two red gauges displaying the oil temperature and water temperature, along with a more modern touch: a 5.5in LCD showing vehicle speed, gear speed and engine speed, as well as fuel pressure, clutch pressure and oil pressure.

By Ollie Kew