Renault Twingo (carbuzz.com)
Japanese Tuner Pays Homage to Renault 5 Turbo with C’eLavie 105 Maxi Concepts
Cars Hatano, a renowned Japanese tuner specializing in European cars, stole the spotlight at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon with two third-gen Renault Twingo concepts. The standout among them is the C’eLavie 105 Maxi, a rally-inspired homage to the iconic Renault 5 Turbo, known as Le Car in the US. Sporting off-road design elements such as unique auxiliary lights, the Maxi concept captures the spirit of rally racing. The playful color scheme, borrowed from the Alpine A110, adds a touch of JDM influence, while the interior features bucket seats developed in collaboration with French tuner Ravage, covered in velour material reminiscent of the Renault 5 Turbo.
Cars Hatano showcased another version of the Renault Twingo in a tamer red paint, maintaining a widened design that exudes a vibrant personality. The tuner, with a heritage dating back to 1947, incorporated styling cues inspired by the Alpine A110, evident in the wheel design. The red and blue motif carries over to the interior, paying homage to the Renault 5 Turbo’s classic color scheme. While the original Renault Maxi 5 Turbo boasted over 300 horsepower from a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, Cars Hatano’s show car plans to feature a supercharged V6, with specific power details to be revealed post-Tokyo Auto Salon. Additionally, the other show car offers a 138-hp kit and various optional upgrades.
While French automakers have been absent from the US market for decades, reports suggest a potential return in the coming years. Cars like the rally-inspired Renault Twingo concepts from Cars Hatano could offer unique propositions if French automakers re-enter the US market.