WHAT’S GORDINI ABOUT, THEN?
November 25, 2009 11:58 AM | Posted By: Stephen Dobie
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by 1 member | 9 Comments | 1202 Views
Related Categories: Hot hatchbacks
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by 1 member | 9 Comments | 1202 Views
Related Categories: Hot hatchbacks
Renault revealed the first of its new Gordini hot hatches this morning, a reworked Renaultsport Twingo. And it’s a slightly weird car to pin down. On one hand it strengthens the firm’s hold on the hot hatch market, a genre in which it’s really shone in the last decade. On the other, though, is it a missed opportunity to create a bit of a cult car?
The name comes with some rather promising connotations attached, and a plush and customisable hot hatch trying to gun down the Mini Cooper doesn’t seem to fit with them. And having been to a Renaultsport trackday recently, I’m not sure if the UK will be clamouring to own one.
There’s already a bustling scene and massively enthusiastic fan base that follows Renault’s hot produce, the trackday packed with drivers and filled predominantly with stripped-out Cup spec cars that owners happily use day-to-day. There was even half a dozen Twingo 133s taking a break from everyday use to be set free round Oulton Park.
I find it hard to see the Gordini crowd doing the same. Word is that future Gordinis won’t all be based on the top RS models, either, the Clio iteration due in the spring likely to be based on the 126bhp Clio GT. What’s your thoughts? Should Renault have taken the Gordini name in a braver, more extreme direction? Or is a cheeky shot at the Mini (and an attempt to garner a new audience) spot on?
Oh and if you were at the trackday last week, drop me a line. My Clio 200 Cup was bloomin’ tremendous, and it’d be good to hear from anyone else who battled through Oulton’s slightly biblical rain…
The name comes with some rather promising connotations attached, and a plush and customisable hot hatch trying to gun down the Mini Cooper doesn’t seem to fit with them. And having been to a Renaultsport trackday recently, I’m not sure if the UK will be clamouring to own one.
There’s already a bustling scene and massively enthusiastic fan base that follows Renault’s hot produce, the trackday packed with drivers and filled predominantly with stripped-out Cup spec cars that owners happily use day-to-day. There was even half a dozen Twingo 133s taking a break from everyday use to be set free round Oulton Park.
I find it hard to see the Gordini crowd doing the same. Word is that future Gordinis won’t all be based on the top RS models, either, the Clio iteration due in the spring likely to be based on the 126bhp Clio GT. What’s your thoughts? Should Renault have taken the Gordini name in a braver, more extreme direction? Or is a cheeky shot at the Mini (and an attempt to garner a new audience) spot on?
Oh and if you were at the trackday last week, drop me a line. My Clio 200 Cup was bloomin’ tremendous, and it’d be good to hear from anyone else who battled through Oulton’s slightly biblical rain…
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COMMENTS
shane at 11:49 AM November 28, 2009
Stephen, future Gordini models will be available based on both the RS and GT versions, definatley not just the GT.
can you guys at Evo not get hold of a Twingo R150.R to try out. that could be interesting.
Stephen Dobie at 10:01 AM November 27, 2009
Yep, 200 is fantastic. I'm a real beginner to quick cars, and last week was my first proper trackday, but as you say it's such a confidence inspiring thing. Great video, you've got Druids nailed way more than me. Good to see I didn't get in your way (on that session at least!)
Danny Milner at 10:24 PM November 26, 2009
I wish I was in an R26R! Maybe some day... No, I was in an Inferno 182. Thought it was the Evo longtermer out on track. The 200 is such a sorted hatch isn't it? I drive one for a bit before lunch and the confidence it inspires is fantastic. Little vid from my 182 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3nPlW3R_E
Stephen Dobie at 5:02 PM November 26, 2009
An R26.R you were in, I take it? Which one? Went out in Renault's white one, on the 888s, in the late afternoon rain. Unbelievable fun. A lot more grip and communication than I expected, too!
Danny Milner at 4:57 PM November 25, 2009
Oulton Park was a hoot, eh? Pretty sketchy at first (on 888s), but really enjoyed myself once accustomed to the grease.
Ralphizzle at 3:49 PM November 25, 2009
Let's wait and see what Gordini has more in stall for us. Guessing for now it's just a quick entry in the industry.
To revive the Gordini brand.
Still not sure if it's just a marketing trick.
For we have Renault Sport already.
Stephen Dobie at 2:44 PM November 25, 2009
The Twingo Cup's appeal to me is its basicness (is that a word?!): an underpowered engine, bit of a utilitarian interior, something fun to thrash. Plushing it out blurs its character. Homologation special Clio I wouldn't say no to...
aerorobnz at 2:13 PM November 25, 2009
As much as I like the sound of a hardcore twingo, I'd rather see something along the lines of a homologation version of a Clio R3 Maxi Tarmac Rally car badged as a Gordini. With an LSD/220bhp/NA engine/Titanium exhaust/Trophy spec suspension/Bucket Recaros and some trick Michelins it'd be a real force to be reckoned with. Make only 300 in Malta Blue and 300 in Trophy Capsicum Red & and it'd be a hit.
As it is I think they are close to the mark for the Twingo Gordini. Mini are doing the whole rolls royce interior option, and people are being pressured to downsize engine size/fuel consumption etc, but don't want to lose performance/luxury. It could have done with about 25bhp more just to be sure.
Dave_Shylock at 1:44 PM November 25, 2009
The range of Renaults Hot Hatches is great if not straight forward and in a time when it is politically easier to concentrate on hybrids Renault is giving the market (well evo readers at least) the cars it wants. The question is whether this new car will increase market share or dilute the current sales from the existing range. I believe this is a missed trick, just another Arbath and not truly Gordini.
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