The Renault ZOE e-sport concept car revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show is a peak at what the future of hot hatchbacks could look like.
Based on the all-electric ZOE’s supermini platform, ZOE e-sport concept draws on Groupe Renault’s year's of experience in the FIA Formula E Championship.
This all-electric single-seater series, fought on street circuits around the world, has proved a popular and accessible way for the public to enjoy high-performance electric racing.
The two-seater ZOE e-sport concept echoes the styling of the latest Renault single-seater race cars, and its colour scheme reflects the livery of the e.dams team. The body structure is made of carbon fibre, and the car tips the scales at just 1,400kg, including the battery (450kg).
“The brief for the Renault ZOE e-sport concept couldn’t have been simpler: ‘Have fun!’. So we came up with something midway between a production model and a racing car… It’s perfect for lovers of extreme driving sensations” Stéphane Janin, Director, Concept Car Design.
“At Renault, we believe that electric cars are capable of addressing the needs of all types of customers, with the emphasis on driving enjoyment… The Renault ZOE e-sport concept is a stunning expression of this!” Éric Feunteun, Director, Electric Vehicle Programme.
340kW of power and 640Nm of torque helps the car to accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 3.2 seconds.
Two motors deliver a total of 340kW. The two motors are identical, with one at the front of the car, the other at the rear. And, as in Formula e, they feature high-capacity permanent magnet technology to maximise energy efficiency. To exploit all this power, the ZOE e-sport concept’s battery has a capacity of 40kWh.
The ZOE e-sport concept’s stiff, lightweight structure is said to allow for high performance, with superb grip and handling. Like the Renault e.dams Formula E single-seater, the bodywork is made from carbon fibre.
The chassis features a tubular steel roll cage with protective Kevlar panels. It complies with FIA safety standards, allowing the ZOE e-sport concept to be used on race tracks.
Inside, the ZOE e-sport concept has two Recaro bucket seats equipped with competition harnesses and a driving position that is ideal for track driving. A rectangular steering wheel is fitted, gives drivers the broader field of vision.
The ZOE e-sport concept has a lowered ride height, wider track and four-wheel drive to guarantee maximum cornering stability. The double-wishbone suspension front and rear was developed for racing and maintains efficient axle geometry in all situations.
Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers can be adjusted to suit different circuit types or driving styles, like those selected for the Renault Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R.
The ZOE e-sport concept’s 20-inch wheels are able to transfer all the car’s significant power to the road. Fitted with 245/35 R20 tyres, they are an unusual sight on a racing circuit. Suitably large brake discs ensure competition-style stopping power.
Renault launched a full range of EVs in 2012 and continues to stand out as the market leader today. Renault already has over 100,000 EVs on the road worldwide and last year accounted for one in four EVs sold throughout.
