Does the Renault Twin’Z Concept show Nissan’s electric future?

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The Renault Twin’Z Concept

The Renault Twin’Z Concept is a four-door, rear drive, electric vehicle collaboration between British-born designer Ross Lovegrove and Renault. It has a rear mounted, 50kW motor that supplies 68 horsepower to the rear wheels. The range is 100 miles. Four lithium-ion battery packs make 96v and they are located under the floor.

What immediately grabbed my attention is the rear hinged doors and remarkably low floor. One of the many benefits of an electric vehicle is the ability package it to be more about the person and less about the power-plant/drive-train. The Renault Twin’Z Concept is a prime example of that.

“As the ‘Play’ petal of Renault Design’s life-cycle ‘flower’, Twin’Z is the latest concept car in the programme which sets out to illustrate Renault’s new design strategy through parallels with threshold phases of human existence. Twin’Z is a fun, modern, artistic take on the city car which plays on emotions and excites the senses. It draws its inspiration from the heritage of some of the brand’s most emblematic models, such as the Renault 5 and Renault Twingo. The Twin’Z is an all-electric car with rear-wheel drive and a rear-mounted motor.

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Renault invited British designer Ross Lovegrove to add some design flourishes and the result is an arresting blend of technology and refinement. Ross Lovegrove was given a free hand to imagine a cabin that is truly occupant-friendly. This project eloquently illustrates the many possible sources of inspiration that can drive Design and represents an original approach to the city car.

Ross Lovegrove’s personal vision of the automobile takes its inspiration from the world of nature, and the result combines an unprecedented play on light and organic forms to make Twin’Z an endearing, almost living object.
I. When automotive Design meets the world of furniture

For once, Renault has chosen not to reveal a new concept car at a motor show. Instead, its choice of location stands out as a symbol of its interest in the Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano, the centrepiece of the Design industry’s annual calendar, as well as evidence of the carmaker’s determination to reach out to an even wider audience by targeting those who are sensitive to Design. The aim was to break down the boundaries between the world of an object whose calling is to be in movement – the automobile – and that of furniture.

“Renault Design must remain attentive and open-minded at all times. We need to be attentive to new trends in order to stay ahead of the game, while an open-mind that embraces all sectors of activity is necessary to inspire innovation. There are numerous bridges between the work of Ross Lovegrove – which combines beauty and intelligence thanks to an approach inspired by the living, natural world – and the strategy we have been working on for three years now at Renault, producing designs that are sensuous, based on simple emotions and close to the public.” – – Renault Media

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In many ways the Renault Twin’Z Concept is an artistic statement and the press release from Renault extols the artistic process, collaboration and effects. True, the Renault Twin’Z Concept is an almost organic style with color and lighting that fascinate, but I see something else; I see the future of Nissan.

Yep, Renault and Nissan are partners and I know Nissan is looking for its next generation, electric platform.

“Twin’Z’s forms and stance are key influences in the overall impression it exudes. Although only 3.62 metres in length, Twin’Z’s proportions, high waistline and the way it sits squarely on its 18” wheels, suggest robustness, reassuring protection and quality.

Its all-electric, rear-wheel drive architecture enabled the wheels to be pushed out to the car’s extreme corners to provide it with a solid grounding and large platform. This also gave the car a unique signature and outstanding cabin space in relation to its compact footprint.” – – Renault Media

Renault Twin’Z Concept is an artistic exercise and not meant to set the technical automotive world ablaze, still – there are a lot of interesting ideas here. What if the next Nissan Leaf looked and functioned like the Renault Twin’Z Concept?

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TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Length: 3,627mm
Width: 1,705mm
Height: 1,506mm
Wheelbase: 2495mm
Weight: 980kg
Top speed: 81 mph
Range: 100 miles
Rear-mounted 50kW (68hp) synchronous electric motor with rotor coil
Maximum torque: 226Nm
Four lithium-ion battery packs spaced evenly beneath the floor
Voltage: 96V
Drive: rear-wheel drive
Transmission: direct drive with reducer gear and forward/reverse invertor
Specific Michelin tyres: 205/40 R18
Ross Lovegrove-designed 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels
Front suspension: MacPherson-type arrangement
Rear suspension: double wishbones
Adjustable Ohlins dampers
Chassis: tubular frame
Carbon fibre bodywork

Interesting… I wonder how it drives? Given its size, weight and low center of gravity, the Renault Twin’Z Concept might be a hoot to drive.

Speaking of fun to drive, efficient rides – check out Roman driving a Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid!

I hope Nissan builds something like the Twin’Z in the future – don’t you?

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.