Patrice Ratti, Renault Sport boss, has stated that the company has created a working prototype of the Zoe RS after the debut of the 466hp Zoe e-sport concept car. Renault wants to launch this high-performance version in international markets before 2020 and is exploring the possibility.
“We are thinking about doing a Zoe RS but it is a big study that will take time,” said Ratti. “The performance of batteries has improved [to the point] that it is now feasible, which certainly wasn’t the case a few years ago. So, the studies have begun.”
The concept is powered by two electric motors that put out 640Nm at 4,300rpm, and is capable of hitting 100kph in a claimed 3.2sec. The chassis and steering have been lifted from the Renault Sport Clio. However, Ratti said, “A Renault Sport Car also needs to handle well and that is the challenge. To have the weight of the batteries and still achieve the agility we pride ourselves on is a tough task.”
The battery limitations, for now, mean the prototype can only go 15 minutes flat out.