Geneva show: Renault reveals Zoe firecracker

RENAULT has drawn upon its experience in the Formula E all-electric racing series to create the Zoe e-sport concept for the Geneva motor show, packing a battery-powered twin electric motor set-up that pumps out 340kW of power and 640Nm of torque.

The twin motors are situated on both the front and rear axles sending power to all four wheels, and can be adjusted to send the majority of torque to either end of the car.

Power output in the Zoe e-sport is actually greater than that of its Formula E counterpart, as power in the single-seat racing series is capped at 201kW, but features similar technology such as the air-and-water cooling system with front-mounted radiator, and high-capacity permanent magnet technology which maximises energy efficiency.

Powertrain settings can be adjusted to control energy consumption, and four different driving modes are available.

The battery pack has a 40kWh capacity and weighs 450kg, bringing the total weight of the micro car to 1400kg.

This enables the Zoe e-sport to rocket from a standstill to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and on to an electronically-capped top speed of 210km/h which Renault says takes less than ten seconds to achieve.

Renault has offset the heavy battery pack with the use of carbon-fibre bodywork to help minimise overall weight.

Exterior highlights include aerodynamic aids such as a front air dam, flat undercarriage, Formula E-inspired diffuser and carbon-fibre tailgate, while aesthetic touches include 20-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, Satin Blue finish with yellow highlights on the mirrors and grille, and carbon-fibre bumpers, tailgate spoiler air intake surrounds.

Handling is enhanced by a lowered ride height, wider track, racing-developed double-wishbone suspension front and rear, four-way adjustable dampers and 245/35 R20 tyres.

Inside the cabin is a rectangular steering wheel, Alcantara trim, two Recaro bucket seats with competition harnesses and a tubular steel rollcage with protective Kevlar panels which certifies the car for race track use.

The regular Zoe is not offered in Australia but has been the top-selling pure EV in Europe for the last two years, and according to the French brand, last year, more than a quarter of all European EVs sold were Renaults.

It is not the first time that Renault has used its motorsport nous to come up with wild and outlandish concepts, with the most notable probably being in 1995 when it put a 588kW 3.5-litre V10 from the 1993 Williams-Renault Formula One car into an Espace mid-size people mover.

It used a carbon-fibre F1 chassis, mid-mounted engine and six-speed automatic transmission, and was able to race from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 312km/h.