Paris Motor Show: Renault Twingo Concept

Although our guy Noah just posted info on this , we now have some live pics and a full press release for this funky fun concept. Renault has introduced its new Twingo concept at the Paris Motor Show, foreshadowing the much-anticipated replacement for the popular supermini. The Twingo concept has some typical show car features that won't likely make it to production, but several might. Styling mimics that of the new Clio.Powered by a 1.2-liter turbo four producing 100 hp, the not-quite-eleven-foot-long Twingo should be zippy. Cool features like frameless door windows and a panoramic glass roof are classy and chic. Four bucket seats surround a center console that houses docks for electronic gadgets and an auxiliary USB port. The instrument pod is center-mounted too. The concept also packs a TV and internet-enabled car PC.(Follow the jump for more info and pics.)Press ReleaseTwingo Concept - a communicating car with a racy, sports pedigreeRenault has chosen the 2006 Paris Motor Show to unveil Twingo Concept. Firmly grounded in ayouth culture of sport, music and fashion, Twingo Concept is powered by the new turbocharged1.2 16V TCE 100 engine. Twingo Concept boasts a host of multimedia features and a high level ofequipment.At only 3.6 meters long, Twingo Concept appeals to customers who have a taste for both attractive, sportycity cars and new communication technologies.Its compact, squat volumes and incisive, assertive styling give it plenty of character, while its sportspedigree is apparent in the design of its lively, expressive front end. The well proportioned bumper andmotor sport-inspired grille hint at the presence of a well-tuned engine committed to performance. Theshape of the indicators in the headlamp modules echoes the chequered flag-based graphics of thebodywork and which flow along the car's pearl-blue sides to subtly suggest speed. The foglamps areflanked by air intakes included to cool the powerful disc brakes.Riding on 17-inch, dark chrome wheels picked out in Renault yellow, Twingo Concept communicates apunchy, dynamic feel. The profiled sills and wing extensions emphasize its sporty lines and athletic curves.At the rear, the chromed twin exhaust tailpipe and air extractor take their inspiration from Clio RenaultSport, and the new Renault badge nestles on the wide hatch, the lower part of which is flanked by "hightech"rear lights.Underneath the short but stylish bonnet is the new small TCE 100 petrol powerplant chosen to powerTwingo Concept. This 1.2-litre turbocharged engine delivers maximum power of 73kW (100hp) andmaximum torque of 145Nm, while its exceptional efficiency combines response, power and environmentalfriendliness.Twingo Concept's low fuel consumption is equivalent to CO2 emissions of less than 140g/km- a remarkably low figure for such a powerful performer.Twingo Concept's sophisticated, young and high-tech cabin marks a stark contrast with its sporty exteriorand takes occupants into a world of mobile sound.Its wide panoramic glass sunroof and two pillarless doors ensure a bright interior that brings out thequalities of its uncluttered, high-tech dashboard. The cabin's simple and ergonomically effective TouchDesign approach is a statement in intuitive understanding.Twingo Concept has found inspiration in youth culture and in its love of music and freedom. The centreconsole features a USB port as well as sockets for devices like Apple's iPod and the Nokia Smartphone. Amixing deck built into the dashboard is ideal for partying with friends.The musical focus is also reflected in the highly visual graphics of the dashboard, the upper part of whichfeatures a pattern based on the graphic equalizer bars with which music-lovers are naturally familiar. It isevocative of the bass rhythms that will pound from the door-mounted speakers and contrasts with the mattfinish of the lower part of the dashboard.The central part of the dashboard has an analog speedometer which sits above a 15-inch retractable,folding monitor which, for safety reasons, can only be deployed when the car is at a standstill. Behind thisscreen are all the functions of a computer that permit passengers to log on to the Internet, while a webcam is incorporated into the screen to remain in visual contact with the outside world.In an assertion of personality and originality, Twingo Concept's interior comes with its own "light show".When the car is at a standstill and the multimedia mode is activated, the cabin is bathed in a blue, hightechglow. When the driver presses the start button and the engine kicks in, the dominant hue automatically shiftsto Renault yellow to energize the cabin with a sportier feel.Twingo Concept accommodates its four occupants in independent bucket seats with built-in headrests thatprovide first class comfort and support. The night-blue fabric of the upholstery contrasts with thesophisticated white of the seats' structure which echoes the cabin's colour scheme by emitting shafts ofyellow light. All seats have individual jack plugs so that each occupant can listen to his or her favouritemusic.The small steering wheel with flattened lower section falls naturally to hand. It is a concentrate oftechnology and bristles with an array of controls for mobile systems, as well as a microphone for econferencingover a Bluetooth connection.The large, ergonomically designed rev-counter is located on the steering column in the driver's line ofsight. Its unique graphic design ensures optimal clarity.Passengers can stow and chill cans of energy drinks in a purpose-designed compartment in the boot.Twingo Concept is a trendy car conceived for enjoying and sharing music. When the rear hatch is open, itsbuilt-in speakers face outwards so that when the DJ gets mixing on the deck the partying can continue wellinto the night.Twingo Concept - Technical CharacteristicsDimensionsOverall length 3,600mmWidth (excluding exterior mirrors) 1,727mmHeight 1,411mmPowertrainPetrol, four-cylinder 16-valve turbocharged engineMaximum power: 73kW/100hp.Six-speed manual gearboxMultimedia equipmentCentre console incorporating USB, Apple iPod and Nokia Smartphone socketsMixing deckBluetooth internet access, webcam and microphoneSpecial thanks to Apple, Nokia, Michelin and Montupet.