With Zoe Z.E. 40, the electric utility vehicle that we had the opportunity to test last year, Renault wanted to put an end to its longing for autonomy. Now, in Geneva, we have come across the Zoe e-Sport prototype. The focus is clear: performance! And the changes, as you can see, are dramatic!
The utility received a treatment that, in a way, reminded us of the Clio V6 (remember it?). The Zoe has been generously flared, lowered and fitted with massive 20-inch wheels. Changes that completely transfigure the compact utility. The inflated look isn't just for the Swiss salon spotlight. Underneath the skin, Zoe has received important changes that make it an unexpected sport.
The Zoe e-Sport is related to the Renault car that competes in Formula E, not only in the chosen colors – Satin Blue with yellow details -, but also in the hardware. Not being limited by regulations, the Zoe e-Sport uses two electric motors from Formula E, and the end result is a compact monster with full traction (one engine per axle) and about 462 hp and 640 Nm . Enough for a sprint of just 3.2 seconds from 0-100 km/h, and most amazing, less than 10 seconds to reach 208 km/h (130 mph).
The battery pack is precisely the same as the Zoe Z.E. 40, but taking into account all this performance, we have doubts that it can reach the same numbers in the autonomy chapter.
According to the brand, this electric missile will not be produced nor will it officially compete in circuit. However, the prototype is fully functional, built to comply with FIA safety regulations and will appear at numerous events during the upcoming Formula E championship.
Underneath the muscular but familiar contoured bodywork, hides a structure made up of a tubular steel chassis, with superimposed triangle suspensions both at the front and at the rear. The Zoe e-Sport comes equipped with larger discs and the shock absorbers, adjustable in four parameters, come from the Mégane RS 275 Trophy-R.
war on weight
We know that electric vehicles are typically much heavier than their internal combustion equivalents, and the Zoe is no exception. For the design of this prototype, Renault made efforts to contain the ballast as much as possible. The interior has been completely stripped and has no rear seats, while the bodywork is now made of carbon fiber. Even so, the Zoe e-Sport weighs 1400 kg, of which 450 kg is for batteries.
In terms of aerodynamics, considering the announced performances, the work was also extensive. The Zoe e-Sport gets a flat bottom, a front spoiler at the front, a Formula E-inspired rear diffuser and a carbon fiber rear wing that integrates the brake light.