As teased a few days ago, Renault->ke72 in cooperation with Ross Lovegrove has unveiled today the official details on a new Twin'Z Concept Car. The concept features a design language inspired by nature and under the hood it features an all-electric drivetrain.

With its compact dimensions: a length of 142.79 inches and width of 67.12 inches, the new Twin'Z Concept is the perfect car for city driving. Also, thanks to its electric range of 100 miles, it becomes the perfect choice for short rides around the home.

The concept will be painted a nice shade of blue - a tribute to its natures underlying blueprints. The concept sits on a very interested set of wheels, with design also inspired by nature. We are not very sure about that green paint, but, of course, it’s another tribute to the nature that inspired the concept.

Updated 04/08/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Hit the jump to read more on the new Renault Twin'Z Concept.

2013 Renault Twin'Z Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Renault Twin'Z Concept
  • Engine/Motor: electric
  • Horsepower: 68
  • Torque: 166
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Twin'Z concept car features a newly designed front grille and rear bumper that creates a vortex effect and helps optimize aerodynamic performance. The headlamps feature all-LED lighting, and the daytime running lights create the structure of strips redolent of an iris. A sequence of LEDs has also been placed all the way from the grille to the rear bumper via the roof.

Both the front and rear doors are hinged at the front and rear, respectively, and open electronically. The exterior mirrors are replaced by an integrated video camera and numerous "Lovegrove" badges will remind you this concept is the result of a special collaboration.

The striking blue exterior color used for the Twin'Z concept pays tribute to the 20th century French painter Yves Klein, but in the same time, it represents the only color of the Earth that can be seen from space.

The concept sits on a very cool set of wheels featuring a design inspired by the intelligent growth structures of the nature and painted in a very cool glowing green finish.

Exterior dimensions

Length

3,627 mm (142.79 inches)

Width

1,705 mm (67.12 inches)

Height

1,506 mm (59.29 inches)

Wheelbase

2495 mm (98.22 inches)

Weight

980 kg (2,160 pounds)


Interior

For the interior, Renault and Lovegrove needed to take a concept with compact dimensions and provide it with enough space for the front and rear passengers. In order to obtain this, Renault opted for a high-up driving position and the rear seats are integrated into the floorpan. Thanks to the rear-hinged doors, the B-pillar is missing and when both doors are open, it creates a panoramic view of the cabin.

The drivers and passengers will sit on four small, lightweight seats with green frames and upholstered in a 3D woven, self-cushioning, lightweight blue textile.

The concept features no dashboard. It is replaced by a single tablet with a touchscreen display that provides the driver with all the functions needed: heater, seat adjustment, lights activation, control of the roof, GPS guidance system and in-car connectivity.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, Renault placed a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers a total of 68 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The engine takes its power from a four lithium-ion battery packs spaced evenly beneath the floor and providing a range of up to 100 miles. The concept can travel to speeds of up to 81 mph.

Specifications

Top speed

81 mph

Range

100 miles

Rear-mounted synchronous electric motor with rotor coil

50kW (68hp)

Maximum torque

226 Nm (166 pound-feet)

Battery

Four lithium-ion battery packs spaced evenly beneath the floor

Voltage

96V

Drive

rear-wheel drive

Transmission

direct drive with reducer gear and forward/reverse invertor


Prices

We are not very sure if the Renault Twin'Z Concept will be put into production, but for sure its technology will be used in future Renault models. Still, if Renault will decide to produce it, we will keep you posted with the list of prices.

Competition

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

Smart's EV model has a big advantage: it is already in production and customers can enjoy it for a price of about $30k. The fortwo EV is powered by a magneto-electric motor that delivers a total of 73 horsepower and a peak torque of 95 pound-feet. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 11.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 77 mph. Unlike the Renault concept., it has a driving range of 90 miles.

BMW i3

Even though it’s not yet in production, the i3 is promised to be one of the most powerful compact electric drives out there. It will be powered by a 125 kW motor that delivers a total of 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This will get the i3 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds, while only requiring a charge time of 4 hours to hit 80-percent capacity. The i3 is supposed to have a driving range of 93-mile range on a single charge.

Conclusion

The new Renault Twin'Z Concept looks like a very interesting concept car. If put into production, we are pretty sure that it has the potential to be a leader on the market, thanks to its driving range that puts it on top of its competitors.