Renault is reviving the Gordini name for high-performance models

They don't sell Renaults in the United States anymore, but it's worth noting that the French automaker is reviving the Gordini name for high-performance versions of the Twingo and the Clio.

The name pays homage to Amedee Gordini, a mechanical whiz known as "the sorcerer" for taking production-car engines and making them competitive on the great racetracks of Europe.

The Gordini versions of the Twingo and the Clio will wear the trademark light blue paint with a pair of white stripes running from nose to tail and centered over the driver. The grille gets four headlights.

The Twingo Gordini RS gets a debut on Nov. 25 on the Champs Elysees in Paris and goes on sale next spring. The Clio Gordini RS follows a few months after that.

Renault credits the Italian-born Gordini with developing nearly 20,000 vehicles during a 20-year career with the French automaker. The R8 Gordini placed first, third, fourth and fifth in the 1964 Tour of Corsica rally. Gordini began his career turning wrenches for Alfieri Maserati, and he raced cars for Fiat after World War I. He died in 1979.

By Dale Jewett