ZOE e-sport concept
- Two-seater draws on technology developed for Formula E Championship.
- Twin electric motors provide nearly 460bhp and torque of 640Nm.
- Standstill to 62mph in 3.2 seconds.
- Hits 130mph top speed in under 10 seconds.
- Carbon fibre and kevlar body for weight of just 1,400kg, including battery (450kg).
- Lowered ride height, wider tracks and four wheel drive provide exceptional cornering ability.
- Double-wishbone suspension, 20-inch wheels, bigger brakes and Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers.
- Four driving modes allow drivers to choose balance of performance and range.
RENAULT aims to make electric motoring fun as it puts the racy ZAP into its ZOE zero emissions hatchback to make it a streetracer match for supercars.
This Renault ZOE e-sport is an all-electric concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show but it’s just what’s needed to dispel the staid image of electric city cars and restore grin-inducing driving.
It might become the smallest car in the executive car park, but with 0-60mph in around three seconds it will give a McLaren or Ferrari a run for their big money on its way to crack 130mph in under ten seconds with almost 460bhp on tap.
Okay so that’s the maximum speed, but guaranteed fun all the way with electric motors front and rear driving all four wheels – and big brakes to match inside 20-inch wheels.
The ordinary ZOE is no slouch, with standstill to 31mph in just 4 seconds, then 0-62mph in a more leisurely 13.5seconds to 84mph top speed and real-world range of around 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in winter.
But the Renault ZOE e-sport concept showcasing Renault’s commitment to the ongoing development of electric vehicles takes it to another plane, developed from its winning track record in Formula E electric single seater racers.
The two-seater concept has a lightweight body structure made of carbon fibre, and the car tips the scales at just 1,400kg, including the battery (450kg). This minimal weight in addition to excellent aerodynamics, power close to 460bhp and torque of 640Nm, helps the car to accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 3.2 seconds.
“The brief for the Renault ZOE e-sport concept couldn’t have been simpler: ‘Have fun!’. So we came up with something midway between a production model and a racing car… It’s perfect for lovers of extreme driving sensations!” Stéphane Janin, Renault director, concept car design.
“At Renault, we believe that electric cars are capable of addressing the needs of all types of customers, with the emphasis on driving enjoyment… The Renault ZOE e-sport concept is a stunning expression of this!” says Éric Feunteun, director, electric vehicle programme.
Renault launched a full range of EVs in 2012 and continues to stand out as the market leader today. The brand continues to explore every facet of electric motoring thanks to a programme spearheaded by the ZOE.
The ordinary ZOE is an all-electric car that delivers a smooth, agile ride. Uniquely enjoyable to drive, it is built to the highest environmental standards and is priced from under £19,000.
Will the ZOE e-sport make production? We’ll see, but Renault has made some great two-seaters in the past, from the mid-engined Renault 5 Turbo to the Spider race and road car that’s become a classic.
