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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Paris Show: Renault ZOE Preview Teases 2012 Production EV and Hints at Next Clio
0 comments Posted by bs at 3:56 PM
One or two sizes up from the quirky little Twizy is where Renault's ZOE Preview sits. Following in the vein of last year's ZOE Z.E. coupe, the ZOE Preview is a more realistic look at the production version that will be available in 2012 wearing Renault's newest face. Not only that, but it may just be previewing (ZING!) the next Clio as well.
Similar in size to the Clio, this little electric econobox gets some high-end passenger comfort tech that may or may not show up in the production model (Renault claims 90% of what you see here is what you'll get). To get occupants comfortable, the ZOE has a humidity-regulating climate control system with an integrated toxicity sensor and scent diffuser.
Oh, there's more, don't worry. It also provides "light therapy", which is being co-developed with Philips (apparently a "world-renowned light therapy specialist").
The concept seen here is 4.1 meters long and rides on 19-inch wheels. For production, dimensions are going to be similar, but those wheels? Probably not showing up. Power comes from an 80-horsepower / 60 kW electric motor that makes 222 Nm / 164 lb-ft of torque.
A charge will take from 6 to 8 hours and can be done (primarily) two different ways: either with a Wall Box that you connect to your home's outlet, or by optional EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Renault recommends going with the wall box for the sake of convenience. Also possible, should an infrastructure appear sometime soon, is what the company calls a "Fast Charge"; this gives the car a 37-mile emergency run after only ten minutes of charging.
Israelis and Danes may also have the opportunity for Quickdrop batteries, meaning there will be stations that will change out your used-up battery in a matter of minutes.
By Phil Alex
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Monday, September 27, 2010
Carscoop Reader Chops Renault Latitude Cabrio Prior to Flagship Sedan's Paris Debut
0 comments Posted by bs at 8:29 AM
Renault's new Latitude mid-size sedan will make it western European debut in Paris very soon, so now's about the time for people to start photoshopping to their hearts' content to see how Renault's funky hit-and-miss lineup can be improved.
In this case, a reader sent in his take on a 4-door Latitude-based cabrio. Other than the poppin' orange paint and lack of a roof, some nice additional design elements show up in the form of front fascia-mounted LED running lights, a narrower grille, and the flat black trunk lip spoiler. Other additions include larger rims and the requisite sleekification of an average-looking mid-size sedan.
Combine the two images - that is, add the nice details from the convertible onto the sedan - and Renault could have its average-looking flagship's appearance be a little more luxurious. As for 4-seat convertible, it's far from realistic; overall a neat chop, but Renault's already got the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet 4-seater convertible. That, and the market for 4-door convertibles is toast.
By Phil Alex
Photoshop courtesy of Carscoop reader Lil-K
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Paris Preshow: Renault DeZir RWD Concept Previews New Design Language
0 comments Posted by bs at 5:15 AM
Renault has released the first photos of its latest concept car, the all-electric DeZir ahead of its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September 2010. What's important about this new concept is its styling as it heralds the firm's new design direction. Its aim is to get people talking about Renault's styling again.
The DeZir project is the first to have been led by Renault's new chief designer Laurens van den Acker who took over from Patrick le Quement in 2009. Before joining Renault, the Dutch designer worked for Mazda where he was responsible for many projects including the Nagara, Ryuga and Hakaze concepts, while he has also spent time at Ford and Audi.
One of the most important design features of the DeZir is the front-end styling as according to the company, it previews the new front-end identity that is set to become a feature of all Renault models in the near future.
The two-seater Gullwing-door sports car measures 4.2 meters in length and 1.1 meters in height, meaning it's slightly longer but substantially lower (216mm) than an Audi TT.
Beneath the skin, the DeZir features an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position driving the rear wheels and a vertically-mounted 24kWh lithium-ion battery located behind the benchseat that provides the car with a range of 160 kilometers / 100 miles.
The electric motor is the same as the unit used for Renault's production electric cars, although upgraded to produce 110kW (150HP) and 226Nm of torque.
Through the extensive use of lightweight materials such as the Kevlar body, the DeZir tips the scales at just 830kg or 1,830 pounds. According to the French carmaker, the DeZir can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 180km/h or 112mph.
Dimensions - mm
Length
4,225
Width
1,986
Height
1,163
Height – with doors open
2,256
Width – with doors open
2,682
Ground clearance
110
Wheelbase
2,582
Front track
1,600
Rear track
1,705
Technical data
Motor
Electric synchronous motor
Maximum power
110kW c/ 150hp
Maximum torque
226Nm
Top speed
112mph
0-62mph
5 seconds
Battery
Lithium-ion (24 kW/h)
Range
100 miles
Transmission
Rear wheel drive
Drive
Electric with active differential
Chassis
Tubular steel frame
Tyres
245/35 R 21
Brakes
356mm ventilated discs
Cd
0.25
Kerb weight
830kg
Partners
Body
G Studio
Tyres
Michelin
Acoustics
IRCAM
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The French carmaker’s star at this year’s Geneva Motor Show was without doubt, the new Megane Coupe Concept (details and pics here). The sleek 3door-coupe with the two-piece gullwing doors however is more than just a concept as Renault states that it previews a a production version that’s set to be released at a later date. Under the Megane Coupe Concept’s bonnet lies a 200 Hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine matted to a 6-speed manual gearbox. –Check out the video after the jump
Geneva: Renault Megane Coupe Concept – Production Version Following Shortly!
0 comments Posted by bs at 7:25 AM
As with many of the concepts of this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the Renault Megane Coupe foreshadows a production version that’s set to be released at a later date. Of course, don’t expect the gullwing doors or the futuristic interior to find their way into production, but you can get a general idea of what Renault has in store for us when it presents its answer to the VW Scirocco Coupe in a couple of years.
Measuring in at 4,51m or 177.5-inches in length, the compact coupe is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine delivering 200 Hp that’s matted to a six-speed manual gearbox. According to the French carmaker, while the prototype coupe sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 sec, it manages to deliver an avg fuel consumption of just 6.5 lt / 100 km or 36.2 MPG (
PRESS RELEASE
MÉGANE COUPÉ CONCEPT:
AN EXTREME EXPRESSION OF CHARACTER AND DYNAMISM
Renault has chosen the
Mégane Coupé Concept provides a foretaste of the forthcoming Mégane Coupe. "This show car emphatically showcases the evolution at Renault Design. Its squatter proportions and powerful, energetic styling talk directly to the driver's senses; they say 'driving pleasure'. The spectacular, unprecedented door-opening kinematics add that little touch of magic which contributes to the dream factor associated with the automobile," explains Renault's Patrick Le Quément, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design.
Of a total length of 4.51 metres, Mégane Coupé Concept features a modern, dynamic silhouette with tautlines that seem to suggest perpetual movement, while its alert, expressive front-end looks point at once to a truly dynamic personality.
The juxtaposition of headlamp modules with aluminium-finish air-intakes also conveys an impression of fluidity and movement. The two rows of main and dipped beam lights sit on a crystal-like striated strip which fills the sidelight and daytime running light functions. The headlamps use high-performance light-emitting diodes which are both long-lasting and extremely efficient.
The foglamps also employ LED technology and blend harmoniously with the dynamic, front-end styling. The shoulder-lines flow along the curvaceous sides before culminating in a squat rear-end which expresses power and movement. The four independent tubes that make up the modern rear lights are housed in the bodywork and serve as a further illustration of the dynamic, technological spirit behind Mégane Coupé Concept. Day or night, they form a highly distinctive signature. The boot, which pulls open and then lifts to minimize vertical travel, echoes the kinematics of the doors which are divided into two sections.
The panelled door itself is topped by a separate glazed area and, as they open, the two parts deploy gracefully and elegantly in an independent movement redolent of dragonfly wings. A carbon arm at the rear of the doors connects them to the body structure and the system ensures particularly easy access for passengers. In addition to its practical aspect, this technological feature reveals a cabin that blends effortlessly with the elegance and energy expressed by the exterior.
The cabin: a compelling extension of the exterior's dynamic voluptuousness
The interior is redolent of the world of contemporary furniture. The independent, asymmetric front seats, which rise up from the sills, seem to float in midair. Their wafer-like forms express an airy lightness, while their enveloping design is a pledge of comfort and holds the occupants firmly in place. The aperture revealed by the open doors carries over to the front seat shells and the upper part of the two rear seats. This sculptural, one-piece structure, which is finished in fire red lacquer, ensures a seamless link between the exterior and the cabin.
The centre console extends through to the rear seats and its layered design recalls the striated bar of the headlamp modules. The futuristic, ethereal dashboard features expressive, flowing lines and can be divided into two distinct sections: the red lacquered main structure and black nubuck inserts which can hold small items.
This embedded zone houses the sophisticated instrumentation which takes its inspiration from aviator-style watches, including a speedometer which displays the speed in analogue form on the periphery and in digital form in the centre, plus an analogue rev-counter. Both feature black metallic backgrounds with white graphics and red backlighting.
The choice of colours and materials is another means by which the exterior and interior have been harmonized to highlight Mégane Coupé Concept's volumes and magic. The iridescent Dragon Grey body-colour goes well with the dragonfly-like door-opening mechanism and the paintwork's rainbow finish gives a fresh vision of the car every time the light changes: even at a standstill, it appears to be in movement.
Meanwhile, the interior's contrasting colour-scheme underpins the dynamic exterior thanks to the blend of fire red lacquer (dashboard, upper part of the centre console, front seatbacks, etc.) and softer black leather or nubuck for the door panels, seat cushions and centre console).
The door panels themselves incorporate supple, slide-locking stowage, while the floor is protected by a black, modern, graphic mesh. Carrying over the red of the interior, there are hints of red outside, too, including the roofline, foglamp surrounds, wheel spokes and exhaust tailpipes.
The cabin equipment is modern and intuitive
The different controls have been inspired by the Renault-pioneered Touch Design approach and are both simple and practical. The central multimedia control is coupled with a display divided into three zones. The central part displays all journey-related information (navigation, radio, music, video, Bluetooth telephone), while the screens either side show the images relayed by cameras incorporated in the exterior mirrors.
Mégane Coupé Concept is locked and unlocked using a Samsung F700 mobile phone which serves as a hands-free card and connects to the centre console. Both rear passengers benefit from a portable Samsung P2 audio/video multimedia player with touch screen which they can use to swap files using the mp3/video Bluetooth controls.
The four-zone climate control system allows each passenger to select the temperature they prefer using controls housed either side of the dashboard in the case of the front passengers or on the front seatbacks for rear occupants
Special care has also gone into ensuring that the cabin is brightly lit. The red backlighting of the instruments contrasts with the surrounding black backgrounds. Meanwhile, the panoramic windscreen extends over the roof to provide additional clarity during the day and blue-hued cabin lighting at night.
A show car dedicated to passion and driving pleasure
Mégane Coupé Concept's generous bumper, wide, low grille and alveolar air-intake point to the presence of a high-performance powerplant under the bonnet. Indeed, Mégane Coupé Concept is powered by a 200hp (147kW) 2.0 Turbo petrol engine which delivers torque of 280Nm at 2,600rpm and peak power of 200hp at 5,800rpm to ensure punch and flexibility at all engine speeds for everyday motoring pleasure.
Mated to a manual six-speed gearbox, the 2-litreturbocharged unit drives Mégane Coupé Concept from a standstill to 100kph in just 7.2 seconds, yet it returns economical fuel consumption of just 6.5 litres/100km (154g of CO2/km).In order to exploit this engine to the full, Mégane Coupé Concept features a sport chassis, plus suspension and steering engineered to guarantee precise, responsive handling.
This promise is compounded by the 21-inch aluminium alloy, seven-spoke, satin-finish Dragon Grey wheels equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres (245/35) which provide outstanding grip for even greater driving pleasure.
Mégane Coupé Concept is a compact, stylish, dynamic coupe which delivers undeniable driving pleasure, while its sporty calling is also expressed by its modern, elegant cabin. This show car, which builds on the trend established by Laguna Coupé Concept, sees Renault take its will to dial genuine passion into its cars yet another step forward.
Dimensions
Length (mm) 4,514
Width (mm) 1,908
Height (mm) 1,371
Height with doors open (mm) 2,085
Wheelbase (mm) 2,749
Front track (mm) 1,658
Rear track (mm) 1,648
Front overhang (mm) 950
Rear overhang (mm) 815
Unladen weight (kg) 1,310
Boot volume (litres) 290
Technical data
Engine 2.0 T petrol (200hp)
Power (hp) 200hp (147kW)
Maximum torque (Nm) 280Nm at 2,600rpm
Acceleration from standstill to 100kph (s) 7.2
Standard cycle CO2 emissions / fuel consumption 154g/km / 6.5 litres/100km
Gearbox Six-speed manual gearboxwith 'stop and start' system
Transmission Front-wheel drive
Tyres 245/35 ZR21Wheels 21-inch
