Twizy Renault Sport F1 revealed

* F1-inspired Twizy unveiled in Spain * KERS boosts power to 97bhp * 0-62mph in 6.0secs, matches Megane RS 265...

Twizy Renault Sport F1 revealed

Renault has revealed the Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept car today at its factory in Valladolid, Spain.

It is designed to show how Renaults F1 technologies can be applied to road vehicles, and in particular the safe and efficient use of a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) to boost power.

The KERS fitted to the Twizy Renault Sport F1 recovers energy that's generated during braking, which can later be used for a momentary boost in output just like in a Formula One car.

The KERS in the Twizy F1 also draws power from the vehicles main electric motor to ensure that the boost is always available, even if insufficient energy has been harvested through braking.

The additional KERS power means the Sport F1 can produce 97bhp for periods of up to 13 seconds, taking the electric quadricycle from 0-62mph in just 6.0 seconds a match for the Megane Renaultsport 265.

Aside from the powertrain upgrade, this performance is also made possible because of wide, slick racing tyres and a host of bodywork add-ons including a huge front splitter, side-pods, rear wing and diffuser.

The Twizy F1 is a single-seater because the KERS occupies the space usually reserved for the passenger seat. It also features an F1-style steering wheel.

The Sport F1 will be shown at major events throughout the year, with its first appearance on April 27 at the World Series by Renault race meeting in Aragon, Spain, followed by the Barcelona motor show from May 11.

Read the Renault Twizy (standard vehicle) review >>

By Ed Callow

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