REPORT: Renault's reinvigorated Gordini line to go electric?
Reports of Renault's plan to relaunch the decades-old Gordini moniker just got a lot more interesting. The first model from the French automaker is due in 2010 and will be based on the Twingo hatchback, with the Gordini version slotting just above the already available Renaultsport model. Following closely thereafter will be performance-oriented versions of the Clio and Megane Coupe. Sounds good so far, right? Here's where things take an entirely unexpected turn.
According to a report on What Car?, the fourth Gordini model will be an electric hot hatch about the size of the Clio. This electric supermini will seat up to 5 occupants and is currently slated for production in 2012, at which time it will be joined by at least three more EVs from Renault and its corporate partner, Nissan.
Pricing for the Clio-sized EV is expected to begin where the current model leaves off at around £14,000, and the batteries will be leased for around the same price per month as diesel fuel. Renault also reportedly has plans to launch charging stations where drivers can have their battery packs pulled and exchanged for fresh units, just like at a gas station. Alternatively, the cars will sport a plug to enable charging any standard wall outlet.
[Source: What Car?]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Woodenbee 5:31PM (4/07/2009)
This is what an auto company can do when it doesn't try to be the pimp and the prostitute too, GM has to make such a big deal out of the volt because they've got 50 years of idiocy to make up for. anyhoo I like the car at the back why not make it look like that? I'd definitely wait a couple of years until I could buy a used one of those!
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