Heir to the R8 Gordini, the R12 Gordini is the perfect antithesis, with the engine and front wheel drive. The sports version of the R12 was presented in July 1970 at Paul Ricard, and remained in production until 1974, receiving small changes and improvements from year to year. The engine was a 1565cc 4-cylinder capable of 113 horsepower at 6250 rpm. The R12 Gordini replaced the R8 also in the Renault single-make, and was also used with some success in rallies. There were 5188 examples of R12 Gordini built.