Technology that trickles down from the world of racing to consumer automotive products is nothing new. Arguably, it started when race car driver Ray Harroun used a rearview mirror at the Indy 500 instead of lugging around an extra person to spot traffic. The rest is history.
Sometimes we even see this tech transfer phenomenon in reverse. Though, the latest example from Renault is a bit of a head scratcher.
You read that right: French automaker Renault has developed a Formula 1 inspired concept based on their Twizy city car.
Renault chose the all-electric Twizy because they wanted to, "reinforce Twizy's 'fun' side by using F1 cues to express its personality," said Eric Diemert, Design Director, Renault Sport Range.
The Twizy's base 17 horsepower electric motor combines with the 80 horsepower KERS unit for a total of 97 horsepower in Boost mode. Top speed increases to 68 miles per hour from 53, and 0-60 miles per hour comes in at 6 seconds.
The rest of the car was outfitted with Formula 2 racing tires, a racing wheel, front splitter, sidepods and open-wheeler mirrors.
"When Renault Sport F1 asked us to work on the project, our engineers didn't hesitate. Renault Sport Technologies had already made a significant contribution to the design and development of the highly innovative Renault Twizy which meant that our input was perfectly natural," said Patrice Ratti, General Manager, Renault Sport Technologies.
Your first chance to see the Twizy Sport F1 concept it in person comes on April 27th and 28th at the World Series by Renault race in Aragon, Spain.