What's all this about?
This is a Zoe that's been at the volts in a big way. The e-sport concept takes the docile Zoe city car and transforms it into a track-ready quasi-racer using technology and knowledge garnered from Renault Sport's Formula E racing efforts.
Why has it done that?
It might seem like an unusual move, but in actual fact it's quite a clever way to showcase Renault's advancements in electric vehicle capabilities. The car features twin electric motors housed within a carbon-bodied tubular steel spaceframe chassis, and with a total weight of 1,400kg for the 460hp and 640Nm to move around, 0-62mph can be achieved in 3.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130mph.
That's more power than the Formula E car...
It sure is, and to keep the Zoe on the road double wishbone suspension, all-wheel drive and trick Ohlins shock absorbers are all present. A centre-lock system is used on the 20-inch wheels to facilitate speedy pitstops, and the Formula E-inspired aero includes a flat floor, rear diffuser and big front splitter and rear spoiler.
Crikey. Any creature comforts?
Er, not really. You do get two Recaro bucket seats with full competition-spec harnesses and a rectangular steering wheel that echoes the one used on the single-seater racers, along with a choice of four driving modes and switchable braking distribution. On the plus side, the lack of radio will allow you to hear your rivals' cries of despair as you blast past them on a wave of eerily-silent electric torque...
Maurice Malone - 7 Mar 2017