Autoblog UK

It has been confirmed that Renault is in talks with Daimler over a possible partnership between the two companies.

Not long before the talks began, it was widely reported that Daimler was looking for a partner to help it expand the Smart brand and build engines for its Mercedes B-Class and other smaller models.

Renault CEO Patrick Pelata has said the discussions have covered engines, platforms and transmissions. "Carmakers are holding discussions with each other," said Pelata. "There are a lot at the moment. Yes, we are discussing serious matters with Daimler"

Reports have suggested that Renault and Daimler are looking to collaborate on a new rear-engined micro car platform which would suit the likes of the new electric Renault Twizy and the next generation of Smart cars due in 2013.

Following speculation that it would be retiring from the sport, Renault has confirmed that it will be lining up on the F1 grid for the 2010 season.

The announcement is as a result of the news that Luxembourg based company Genii Capital will be buying a large chunk of Renault F1 shares and becoming the team's new "strategic partner".

Genii specialises in new technologies, brand management and motor sport, but won't demand any changes to the Renault F1 team personnel and management. According to a Renault spokesman, all the new company is bringing to the current setup is "financial security".

Robert Kubica signed up as a Renault driver before the deal was announced, but has yet to confirm whether he will stay with the team following the change of ownership. He is thought to be waiting for more details on the deal before committing his future.

However, he will have to make up his mind quickly as a flurry of announcements on driver line-ups at teams such as Lotus and Virgin means that the alternatives are becoming fewer for Kubica. A spot remains at the newly formed Mercedes team, but few would bet against Michael Schumacher taking that.

A deal has been reached which will see Renault continue to compete in Formula One.

The company has been considering pulling out of the sport all together, but a deal whereby the team is taken over by new owners with Renault keeping a 25 % shareholding.

The team will keep the Renault team for next season according to the BBC F1 website and the sale is expected to be confirmed later with Luxembourg business man Gerard Lopez the favourite to take over.

Discussions have been taking place at Renault all this week, with the decision said to have been reached on Wednesday.

Details of the takeover are sketchy, including the fact that Renault has already signed Polish driver Robert Kubica as lead driver, but it is understood that the Pole has a get-out clause if the team is sold.

Renault is adding a rally variant to its Twingo Renaultsport range called R1 and R2.

The Twingo joins a range of competition cars from Renault including the Clio Renaultsport R3 Access and Maxi.

The Twingo R2 differs to the road car with and extra 27hp from the 1.6-litre engine giving it an output of 160hp mated to a six-speed sequential gear box and steering column mounted shift lever.

The R2 is purchased as a motorsport kit (excluding tyres) along with a Twingo Renaultsport 133 which together can be built into a full production rally car. The kits go on sale next April priced from 27,990 Euros (around £25,300) excluding tax.

The R1 is a baby version of the R2 which has been granted FIA homologation to compete in all regional, national and international rallies. It is fitted with the same engine and gear box from the production car but with essential safety equipment fitted such as a roll cage.

This is the Renaultsport Twingo in its most basic form. Equipped with the same 133bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged unit, and the more focussed Renaultsport Cup chassis, it costs just £11,795.

Don't expect many creature comforts on this version, although basic equipment includes ABS and ESP, electric front windows, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and brushed aluminium pedals. And after a few days driving it, we've decided you probably wouldn't need anything else anyway.

It looks great and can be personalised with varying body colours and trim. We recommend the Renaultsport I.D pack (£150) which came on our test car; white body work with contrasting gloss black bumper trims, door mirrors and spoiler.

On paper the Twingo RS might not sound like the most powerful machine in the world but it pleasantly surprises whether you are sprinting from standstill or using its mid-range acceleration for overtaking; it will do both eagerly and the times you need to change down a gear occur less often than you'd expect.

It is an absolute riot to drive too; the Cup chassis is 4mm lower than the standard car so you feel close to the road and there is almost endless grip available. Even on wet or slightly damp roads, the Twingo RS simply sticks to the road. There's very little drama, even if you do overcook things slightly.

Any niggles? Well, its not a comfortable car to spend a lot of time in; the Cup chassis is low and stiff which, coupled with the Twingo's short wheelbase makes for a choppy ride at times. On the motorway too, things can get a little noisy, and the lack of a sixth gear is a shame although it will do the job. There's not much space in the rear for your mates either, and the boot is tiny.

However, if you don't need too many creature comforts and want a car that will make you smile every time you drive it, then we reckon the Twingo RS is just about the most fun you can buy for under £12k.

The French keep their word. Motor manufacturer Renault announced recently that the Gordini name was to be used once more for a new series of hot hatchbacks. And now the moment has arrived, with the unveiling of the Renault Twingo Gordini RS to the motoring public. This small, compact sporty number with many upmarket features goes on sale in March 2010. The Renault Twingo Gordini RS certainly stands out with its shiny Malta Blue paintwork and twin white stripes. This unique race finish was given to the original Renault Gordini rally cars in the 60s. The latest special edition model is based on the Renault Twingo Sport and is powered by a 133bhp 16-valve petrol engine of 1.6-litre displacement.

Iconic tuning brand Gordini is set to return. French manufacturer Renault announced in Paris that the Gordini name will be reintroduced for a new series of high-powered small cars. Renault Sport is to develop these models. First car in the new Gordini line-up will be a converted 133bhp Twingo Sport. Model launch is scheduled for late November and sales will commence in spring 2010. A second 201bhp Gordini-badged car will be unveiled in 2010, based on the Clio RS.

The current wave of nostalgia should increase sales for the French marque. The Gordini name has been synonymous with fast cars from France since the Thirties. Amedee Gordini, born 1899 in Italy, even built Formula One racing cars. Gordini's biggest success came in 1964 with the Renault R8, which secured four out of five top places on the Tour de Corse rally.

As with the supercars, the Golden Steering Wheel for MPVs was decided by readers' votes. Of the six vehicles in the frame, four were French. The Renault Scenic notched up 30.6% of over 250,000 readers' votes in 25 countries. The cars up for an award were: the Fiat Fiorino Qubo, Peugeot 3008 and 5008, Renault Kangoo Be Bob, the Scenic and the Toyota Verso.

The most important prize award for cars in Europe was instituted by the publisher Axel Springer in 1976, and has been awarded annually since then. On the 4th November, top managers from the car industry accepted awards for the model year 2009 at the Axel Springer Building in Berlin. Eight new models in total received a Golden Steering Wheel award. For the third time, a Green Steering Wheel prize was presented for the best eco car. Fiat and Ferrari president, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, received an honorary award.

The winners in the individual categories:

Small car class: VW Polo
Compact class: Vauxhall Astra
Medium class and above: Audi A5 Sportback
Luxury class: Porsche Panamera
Supercar: Mercedes SLS
MPV: Renault Scenic
Eco award: Toyota Prius and VW Blue Motion
Honorary prize: Luca Cordero di Montezemolo

Renault have an absolute cracker in the pipeline: the Megane Coupe Renaultsport 250. The Renaultsport soubriquet signals that this Megane will be following in the footsteps of its legendary predecessors, the Gordini and the Alpine. Visually, the new Renault differs from its sister models by virtue of the LED day-running lights, huge air vents and central exhaust pipe. The vehicle is powered by a two-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 250bhp. Coincidentally, the horsepower also matches the top speed in km/h: 250 (155mph). The Megane Renaultsport thus boasts 26bhp more than its predecessor and manages the 0 to 62mph sprint in 6.1 seconds. This sporty French number reaches the showrooms before the end of the month (October 2009). Renault are yet to announce the price.