Paris 2010: Renault Dezir concept is wild, twisted beauty

Don't let anyone tell you that Renault can't do a concept car. The French manufacturer pulled the sheets back on its all-electric Dezir at this year's Paris Motor Show, and the concept is as sexy as it is absurd. Designers took a stab in an all-new direction with a pair of reverse-hinged butterfly doors that are the epitome of awesome. Likewise, the ultra-wide stance and aluminum sideblades are our kind of flashy. As you might expect, this concept makes use of a fittingly-futuristic powertrain. Renault says that under all of that curvy sheet metal there's a full EV drivetrain on hand.

Surprisingly enough, there isn't supercar-rivaling power on hand, though. The company puts the Dezir final horsepower figure at around 150 ponies and 166 pound-feet of torque – not exactly e-tron rivaling numbers. Even so, the concept is said to be able to dart to around 60 mph in just shy of five seconds.

Paris 2010: Renault 2011 Fluence Z.E. now available for pre-order

Let the flood gates open wide and the deposits pour in, Renault is officially accepting pre-orders for it 2011 battery-powered Fluence Z.E. Yep, it's another momentous day for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and it just so happens that the automaker choose the grounds of the Paris Motor Show to announce that its electric sedan is ready to roll. Well, almost. Buyers in France, Israel and Denmark will get first crack at piloting their own Fluences by the middle of next year, but first they'll need to place a pre-order ASAP.

Customers who wish to take ownership of the Fluence Z.E. are asked to register at Renault's website and put down a €100 deposit ($137 U.S. at the current exchange rate). Priced at €21,300 ($29,279 U.S.), the Fluence Z.E. might seem like a raging value, but let's not forget that Renault has decided to lease the battery pack separate of the vehicle. Add in another €79 ($109 U.S.) in monthly battery lease fees and what was once a killer deal no longer seems like quite as much of a bargain. However, the Fluence's sticker price still does far less damage to the checkbook than its European competitors like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, so we'd expect the electrified Fluence won't have any trouble finding eager buyers.

Paris 2010: Renault Latitude ready to carry the flag for French automaker

Earlier this year, the 2011 Renault Latitude was unveiled at the Moscow International Auto Show. The European version has now made its debut in front of the crowd at the Paris Motor Show. The Latitude is considered a business-class saloon and Renault is positioning it to become the automaker's flagship vehicle.

The styling of the Renault Latitude somehow evokes images of the Chyrsler Sebring, new Volkswagen Jetta and any Lexus vehicle – yet it's done in a stylish manner. When it launches in Russia, the Latitude will be available with either a 139-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT or a 2.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic that's good for 177 hp. The four-cylinder unit is rated at 34 miles per gallon while the V6 gets just under 30 mpg. As the car expands into other markets, it will feature an expanding lineup of engine and gearbox choices.

Inside, the Renault Latitude is all about comfort. The power-adjustable driver's seat features a massaging function with five pneumatic rollers and four different settings. In order to keep everyone else happy, the Latitude has a climate control system with triple-zone adjustability.

The 2011 Renault Latitude hit dealer showrooms in September 2010, in Morocco and Algeria. It then starts popping up in Russia and the Ukraine before being made available throughout Africa. The European model will follow after that.

Paris 2010: Renault Twizy charges the stage

Believe it or not, Renault says the car you see above, known – seriously, we're not making this stuff up – as the Twizy, is a production vehicle. We hesitate to call it a car, or a motorcycle, or a scooter... it's really sort of a four-wheeled covered scooter, and it's powered by an electric drivetrain.

There will apparently be two different versions of the Twizy available, one sporting nine horsepower that can hit a top speed of 28 miles per hour and one with 20 horses that can hit 47 mph. A three-and-a-half-hour charge will result in 60 miles of range from the onboard lithium ion battery pack.

Renault is currently taking pre-orders on the Twizy, along with two other electric vehicles, and it will have the vehicle on the market in Europe by the end of 2011. Pricing is expected to be similar to the Piaggio MP3, and the rental charges for the battery pack will be covered in the Twizy's payment.

Renault Electric Sports Car DeZir Concept

Renault Electric Sports Car DeZir Concept

The Renault DeZir project is the first to have been led by Laurens van den Acker and marks the start of a sequence of concept cars that will provide an insight into Renault Design's new vision for the future. DeZir stands out as an illustration of the brand's commitment to more emotional styling.

The DeZir is a two-seater coupé that Renault says stands out as an illustration of the company’s commitment to more emotional styling. With its sports car looks and ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in five seconds, or 0 to 50 km/h in just two seconds, it’s hard to disagree.

Although the DeZir is purely a concept car at this point, Renault is strongly hinting that it shows not only the direction they plan on heading with sports cars in the future, but that it is indicative of a new overarching design and styling philosophy across the entire Renault brand.

The 'Z' in the name Renault DeZir is a direct reference to Renault's Z.E. signature, and several features of its design are suggestive of two qualities readily associated with electric mobility, namely advanced technology and light weight.

DeZir is powered by an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position to optimize weight distribution over the front and rear wheels. The vertically-mounted 24kW/h lithium-ion battery is located behind the benchseat and provides the car with a range of 160km.

Battery cooling is ensured not only by the air channelled from the front to the back of the car, but also – and above all – by the flow of air that enters through the lateral scoops concealed behind the aluminium panels on either side of the body.

Employing the same principles as the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) seen in Formula 1, when the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored in the battery. This energy can then be employed by the driver to provide a temporary power boost using a button located on the steering wheel. The car can be charged in 8 hours at 240-v, can get to 80% charge in 20 minutes at 4o0-v (3-phase) and will accept battery swapping made possible by the Better Place alliance.

The basic motor is the same as the unit used for Renault's production electric cars, although an evolution has enabled its power and torque to be uprated to 110kW (150ch) and 226Nm respectively. 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.

The DeZir will debut in October at this year's Paris Motor Show, but no date has been set for its full release. According to Fast Company, by the end of 2013 the Renault-Nissan alliance hopes to produce 500,000 electric vehicles globally, including the 2011 Fluence ZE and the 2011 Kangoo ZE electric van.

2011 New Renault Cars Latitude Family Saloon

Through much of the last decade, Renault's product lineup lived up to the long-standing French reputation for peculiar design. This was particularly true of its flagship model, the bizarre looking five-door hatchback Vel Satis. That unsuccessful model is now set to be replaced by a much more conventional looking four-door sedan dubbed the Latitude. The Latitude is built on a stretched version of the mid-sized Laguna platform and shares its powertrain options, including the new 3.0-liter diesel V6.

The Latitude is based on the Renault Group’s 2010 Samsung SM5 sedan — which itself is based on the Renault Laguna — that recently went on sale in South Korea. Renault has today provided the first glimpse of its latest international status-enhancing family saloon, Renault Latitude. The Renault Latitude will replace the discontinued and controversial Vel Satis hatchback. Tailored to meet the demand of its different markets, Renault Latitude's specification will deliver the car's different customers a truly high-end package that will position it as the spearhead of international Renault's saloon car range. It will be shown at the forthcoming Moscow Motor Show, Russia, and is due to go on sale this autumn in Asia, Africa, Russia, Turkey, Gulf, Australia and Mexico.

European version of Renault Latitude will be one of the principal new attractions of the 2010 Paris Motor Show where visitors will get a chance to examine its interior design, while full details of the model’s equipment lists and engines ranges will also be released. The international media will be invited to road test Renault Latitude before the end of 2010, and sales will begin shortly afterwards. The contours of the grille are flanked by distinctive bi-Xenon adaptive directional headlights, while chrome embellishments contribute to the unmistakable impression of dynamism and status exuded by the car's overall lines. Its rear-end forms point to ample boot space, and the new car can effectively claim one of the biggest boots in its class. The rear lighting signature employs LED technology and harmonizes perfectly with the chrome rear strip which carries the new model's name: Renault Latitude.

Based on the same architecture as New SM5, which was recently launched in the Korean market, Renault Latitude profits extensively from Renault's engineering expertise. Occupants benefit from a comfortable, silent ride, as well as a particularly precise chassis and a choice of powerplants that are sure to give it a decisive edge over its rivals. The complete equipment list, which will be revealed at a later date, places the emphasis on innovation and travelling comfort, including a dual-mode air ionizer with double fragrance diffuser, triple-zone climate control, a massaging driver's seat, Bose Premium audio, the Renault hands-free card, etc.

2010 Renault Modus Evian Masters Limited Edition - Renault Cars

Renault has release a new limited edition version of Modus which features the event celebrated colours, Renault Modus Evian Masters Tournaments 17th Edition. The new limited edition Modus is recognizable by its pink and white Evian Masters badging on the front wings, tailgate and logos of the Evian Masters on the front side and the trunk, as well as darkened mirrors and alloy rims.

2010 Renault Modus Evian Masters

This new limited edition version is based on the Dynamique equipment level of Modus, but comes with a number of exclusive appointments: a panoramic electric sunroof, automatic climate control, a 4x20W radio-CD with MP3 playback and steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, and a City Pack comprising electrically-folding exterior mirrors and a rear parking proximity sensor which, combined with the car's compact size, take the stress out of parking in built-up areas.

The limited edition Modus Evian Masters can be ordered with one of two high-end engines from the Modus range:

• the TCe 100, a feisty and flexible 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol powerplant which delivers responsive performance in all situations,

• and the diesel dCi 85 which, with CO2 emissions of just 114g/km, offers a remarkable trade-off between performance and fuel economy. It qualifies for the €500 'eco-bonus' subsidy system which operates in France.

For more than 10 years, Renault has been the official partner of the Evian Masters, the 2010 edition of which will take place on July 22-25.

As official supplier to the event, Renault will provide a fleet of 90 vehicles for use by the tournament's organisers, while the 10 former Evian Masters winners attending the event will be loaned a Modus Evian Masters for their transport needs for the duration of the competition. Renault will also have a Modus Evian Masters on display at the Hole in One, as well as a stand in the Partners' Village.

Only 500 Renault Grand Modus Evian Masters will be produced, with sales beginning on June 5, 2010 (French market only). Order books have already opened, however, and prices start from €17,150 (Renault Modus Evian Masters TCe 100). Renault Modus limited edition Evian Masters: panoramic electric roof.

The Renault Modus interior ambience is further enhanced by the split leather trimmed steering wheel and gear level knob, as well by the satin-finish chrome center console and air vent surrounds. Based on the Dynamique equipment level of Renault Modus, the limited edition Modus Evian Masters has a distinctly high-end feel to its appointments. It packs the following equipment :

- Panoramic electric sunroof

- Elliptical headlamps with dedicated cornering lights

- Foglamps

- Automatic climate control with chilled glovebox

- Automatic headlamp and windscreen-wiper activation

- 80W radio-CD MP3 with six loudspeakers (including two tweeters), steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control and separate display

- Electric rear windows with driver-controlled deactivation for children

- City Pack (electrically folding exterior mirrors + rear parking proximity sensor)

Prices to the limited edition Renault Modus Evian Masters start from 17,150 Euro and represent a benefit in kind customers of 3.9 per cent. Only 500 cars will be produced. They will be available exclusive in France from June, although order books are already open.

2011 New Renault Sports Cars Megane GT/GT Line

Renault Sports Cars Technologies has helped create two new sporting versions of Renault’s New Mégane – GT and GT Line. 2011 New Renault Mégane GT and GT Line, unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow in March, are available across of the body types that make up the Mégane family (Hatchback, Coupé, Estate, Coupé-Cabriolet) and go on sale in June.

2011 Renault Megane GT/GT Line

Meanwhile, the success enjoyed by New Mégane R.S. – which has already achieved number one status in France, and which holds third place in Germany and Spain – points to a healthy market for Mégane's sporting versions. Building on the reputation and success of its existing performance models, Renault now provides a sporting option for all the body types  that make up the Mégane family.

New Renault Mégane GT and GT Line demonstrate that motoring enjoyment can be affordable, and also serve as eloquent illustrations of Renault's new brand signature, 'Drive the Change' New Renault Mégane GT and GT Line are manufactured in the same factories as those that produce the core-range versions: Palencia (Mégane Hatchback, Coupé and Estate GT and GT Line), and Douai (Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT and GT Line).

These new versions bring distinctive styling and genuine driving emotions within reach of as many motorists as possible and also bridge the gap between mainstream Mégane and the allout performance credentials of Mégane R.S. GT Line is a Sport Pack which is available as an option on Mégane Dynamique equipment level versions. They feature a specific chassis and are powered by the Mégane’s core-range of economical and ecological engines. New Renault Mégane GT and GT Line stand out by their sporty styling cues both inside and out. Their sporty character is further accentuated by the Malta Blue body colour (which is exclusive to these versions) and by the Dark Metal (anthracite grey) or polished carbon finish of certain details.

New Renault Mégane Hatchback and Estate GT Line and GT inherit the same 'Sport' chassis as Mégane Coupé. As is the case with Mégane Coupé, the ride height has been lowered by 12mm. The GT Line and GT versions of new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet place the accent more on comfort and feature the same ride height as the standard model. Further exclusive touches include the polished carbon interior door pull handles, outer air-vents and dashboard trim.

Even more exclusive are the new Renault Mégane GT versions which come with 'GT' badging on the grille and 'GT Renault Sports Cars' badging on the tailgate. They sit on 18-inch Dark Metal-coloured Jetow aluminium wheels. Inside, 'GT' badging figures on the dashboard trim strip and front head rests, along with 'Renault Sport'2 branding on the door sills. Drivers will also appreciate the thick-rimmed leather-trimmed steering wheel incorporating thumb rests that was developed for Renault Mégane RS.

The engines available for new Renault Mégane GT and GT Line have been selected to meet customer demand and match the performance characteristics of each version. New Renault Mégane GT Line are available with the same engines as the mainstream Renault Mégane range and deliver a combination of driving comfort and impressive fuel consumption. GT versions are powered by the Renault Mégane range's more potent, more exclusive powerplants for even greater performance. The more exclusive Renault Mégane GT is available with either of the Mégane range's two most powerful turbocharged engines: the petrol TCe 180 or the diesel dCi 160.

The TCe 180 Euro5 (132kW) is a new evolution of the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and delivers outstanding driving enjoyment. With peak torque of 300Nm at 2,250rpm, it is extremely responsive and provides exceptional pick-up from low revs thanks to its twin-scroll turbo and continuously variable camshaft angle at the intake port which optimizes airflow into the combustion chambers and enables the turbine to spin up to speed more quickly. The turbo responds to the slightest touch of the accelerator from as low as 1,200rpm. This engine drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The dCi 160 Euro5 (118kW) is derived from the Alliance's 2.0-litre diesel turbo engine and is acclaimed as one of the most efficient of its class. With peak torque of 380Nm available from as low as 2,000rpm, this engine climbs smoothly and swiftly up the revs to 5,000rpm. Its 1,600-bar fuel injection rail, piezoelectric injectors, the advanced form of its pistons and its variable geometry turbo all contribute to making this four-cylinder diesel engine one of the most efficient in its class. The two balancer shafts efficiently filter out vibrations and contribute to an exceptionally quiet ride for even greater driving pleasure and comfort. The dCi 160 Euro5 engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

2010 Renault Laguna Sports Car Coupe Monaco GP Limited Edition

Following its unveiling at last month's 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the new Monaco GP limited edition version of Renault Laguna Sports Car Coupé is due to hit the French market this month when it goes on display at the Coupé-Cabriolet & SUV Motor Show in Paris. The newcomer's fluid, elegant lines are emphasized by its stunning, sporty styling which features a black roof, black exterior mirror housings and 'black shadow' wheels which contrast with the Sports Car's striking pearlescent white finish.

2010 Renault Laguna Sports Car Coupe Monaco GP

Renault Laguna Sports Car Coupé Monaco GP's performance credentials match its looks, too, thanks to its exclusive 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering which is standard equipment, as well as a range of particularly efficient powerplants. Its equipment specification places the accent on motoring enjoyment and travelling comfort with an exciting package of hi-tech, safety and comfort refinements. Designed and manufactured in France, Renault Laguna Coupé Monaco GP ranks among the best Sports Cars in its class for quality and stands out as a flagship for Renault's highend range. Two years after the first public appearance of Laguna Sports Car Coupé round Monaco's legendary race track, this limited edition version – the run of which is restricted to just 400 units – celebrates the long-standing partnership that exists between the brand and the Automobile Club de Monaco.

Available with a choice of four DPF-equipped diesel powertrains (dCi 150 with either sixspeed manual or automatic transmission, dCi 180 with six-speed manual gearbox or 3.0 V6 dCi 235 with six-speed automatic transmission) and one petrol engine (3.5 V6 240 with six-speed automatic transmission). Its 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering delivers exclusive driving pleasure, plus outstanding handling and active safety performance.

Renault Laguna Sports Car Coupé, which has emerged as the uncontested leader in its class in France thanks to the unfettered motoring enjoyment it delivers, celebrates the second anniversary of its first public appearance round Monaco's famous Grand Prix circuit in May 2008 with the release of an exclusive Monaco GP limited edition version. In addition to the elegant, uncluttered lines of this high-end Sports Car coupé's exterior, Laguna Sports Car Coupé's performance package also ensures unprecedented yet reassuring driving thrills.

Laguna Sports Car Coupé Monaco GP in association with a wide choice of engines. This groundbreaking innovation attracts customers who seek to benefit from the advantages of four-wheel steering. The nimble handling provided by the 4Control chassis both in built-up areas and on twisty roads out of town is worthy of that of a small city car (it has the same turning circle as a Clio). At the same time, the system guarantees exceptional stability, plus the road holding ability of a sporting car, not to mention unrivalled safety, e.g. when taking avoiding action or when braking in difficult conditions (asymmetric grip on slippery surfaces, optimized ESC calibration).

All the available diesel engines are equipped with a particulate filter and comply with Euro5 legislation. They are available with a manual gearbox or automatic transmission to combine driving enjoyment with efficient and responsive sports cars performance:

- The affordable and economical dCi 150 (110kW) is acclaimed for its dynamic performance. Mated to the six-speed manual gearbox, it returns appreciably low combined cycle fuel consumption of just 5.7 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 149g/km). Versions with six-speed automatic transmission combine punch and response, yet remain very affordable.

- The sportier, more powerful and torquier dCi 180 (131kW) powerplant stands out as a surprisingly attractive compromise for its class. With 400Nm of torque available from as low as 2,000rpm, it accelerates crisply and smoothly, and contributes to the impeccable directional stability of the 4Control chassis. Even so, its combined cycle fuel consumption remains contained at 6.2 litres/100km (163g of CO2/km).

- The top end of the range naturally features the 3.0 V6 dCi 235 which drives through a six-speed automatic transmission. This three-litre block (2,993cc) stands out as a benchmark in terms of its dynamic performance, driving pleasure and silent ride. Peak power is 235hp (173kW), while maximum torque stands at 450Nm. Thanks to these vital statistics, Renault Laguna Sports Car Coupé V6 dCi 235 accelerates from standstill to 100kph in 7.3 seconds, yet its combined cycle fuel consumption does not exceed 7.2 litres/100km (189g of CO2/km). Special attention has been paid, too, to its acoustic performance: in addition to its silence at normal speeds, a perceptible bark when accelerating and during transient phases irresistibly suggests performance.

The 240-horsepower (175kW) 3.5 V6 petrol engine delivers maximum torque of 330Nm at 4,400rpm. It drives through the same six-speed automatic transmission as the V6 diesel and covers the 1,000-metre standing start in 27.6 seconds. Although an ideal match for Renault Laguna Sports Car Coupé's dynamic credentials, its combined cycle fuel consumption is just 9.9 litres/100km (230g of CO2/km).

Renault Laguna Sports Car Coupé Monaco GP will be available at Renault dealers in June, with prices starting from €38,800. Order books open early-Mai. Ordering for the latest addition to the Laguna Coupé range is open now, ahead of deliveries in July. Production for the white hot limited edition ends in September.

Daimler, Renault-Nissan alliance could be announced Wednesday

According to an unnamed source, the Renault board of directors has called an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, April 6th, to discuss plans to enter into an agreement with German automaker Daimler. As was the case when Renault teamed up with Japanese automaker Nissan, there will reportedly be an exchange of stock, but not nearly at the same level as Renault's 44-percent stake in Nissan.

If the board chooses to move forward – and all indications are that it will – an announcement could be made as early as Wednesday detailing the partnership. It's widely thought that Daimler is keenly interested in Renault's small car expertise for its less-than-wildly-successful Smart car division, and it seems increasingly likely that the two automakers could jointly develop new city car platforms. Might a more family-friendly ForFour be in the offing as rumored?

Renault drops the top on Megane at Geneva

For 2011, Renault is launching an all-new version of its Megane coupe-convertible. Like the last generation model and most of its European market competitors, the Megane gets a folding hardtop, but somewhat like its competitor the Volkswagen Eos, this one lets the sun shine in even when closed. The Megane gets an all-glass roof, which, while letting you see the world, will probably do nothing to help the car's center of gravity. On the other hand, the black finish does help to visually hide the roof when it is raised, a stylistic windfall that partially alleviates the peculiar proportions of such hardtop convertibles. That said, this doesn't really appear to be a high-performance proposition, so we're guessing that more potential customers won't care about the extra weight up top anyhow.

To its credit, Renault has managed to retain a surprisingly large trunk on the Megane with 14.7 cubic feet top up and even 7.45 cubic feet available with the top down. The Megane has seven powertrain configurations available with six gas and diesel engines combined with manual, dual clutch and continuously variable transmissions.

The new Megane coupe-convertible goes on sale in Europe this spring.

[Source: Renault]

PRESS RELEASE

February 5, 2010
NEW MÉGANE COUPÉ-CABRIOLET, THE ELEGANCE OF A COUPÉ, AND THE ENJOYMENT OF OPEN-TOP MOTORING

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet rounds off the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with introduction of the line-up's sixth body type. The newcomer's striking looks combine the elegance of a coupé with the promise of the thrills that go hand-in-hand with driving a cabriolet.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet builds on the strengths that forged the success of its predecessor – including a large, folding glass roof and a raft of user-friendly equipment – yet it goes further still by offering customers:

• unruffled open-top motoring thanks to the forward position of the windscreen and a fixed glass wind deflector situated behind the rear head restraints,
• outstanding handling performance thanks to a stiffer chassis and a new electric power steering system,
• a broad choice of engines, including one which can be ordered with the all-new automatic EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.
• careful attention to quality, including high-gloss black and satin-effect chrome exterior features.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is manufactured alongside Scénic and Grand Scénic at Renault's Douai plant in France. It consequently benefits from the experience gained since the beginning of the Mégane programme, including the assembly of the former-generation Mégane Coupé- Cabriolet.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is an open invitation to enjoy an alternative way to go motoring, and is an elegant illustration of Renault's new brand signature, 'Drive the Change'.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet goes on sale this spring.

ARRESTING LOOKS FROM EVERY ANGLE

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet completes the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with a car whose intrinsic appeal is sure to turn heads. Its looks exude a distinguished elegance that is underpinned by the large glass roof which tells you that this is unmistakably a cabriolet, even in its coupé configuration. This high-gloss finish black glass roof contrasts with the satin-effect chrome windscreen frame, while the sweep of the waistline adds an unmistakably high-end feel that more than does justice to its cabriolet persona. The dark red taillights feature a linear lighting pattern and LED brake lights to provide a distinctive rear lighting signature.

The interior layout carries over the same prevailing elegance and refinement, thanks not only to the quality of the materials employed and to the high standard of finish, but also to the three choices of trim, which range from dark charcoal and light beige to the charcoal and red two-tone finish with leather seats.

Although the floating dashboard is identical to that of New Mégane Hatchback, the seats offer additional lateral support, while the 'butterfly wing' door trim panel is specific to New Mégane Coupé- Cabriolet and adds to the newcomer's inherent elegance.

CHIC AND PRACTICAL

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's occupants benefit from the thrills of unruffled open-top motoring in all conditions. The standard folding glass hard roof boasts a transparent glazed area of 0.47 sq. metres (a segment best) to ensure a brightly lit cabin and a sensation of space and freedom. It also guarantees outstanding acoustic and thermal comfort, as well as the reassurance of greater protection from vandalism. The fully-automatic, electro-hydraulic opening mechanism of the two-part roof enables the driver to lower the top in just 21 seconds at the press of a button.

With the top down, the driver and passengers alike enjoy a real sense of freedom. Entry and exit is made easier by the more forward position of the windscreen header-rail which has been advanced by 6cm compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet.

To make sure that all occupants are able to benefit from the pleasure of riding al fresco without the drawbacks, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is equipped with a fixed glass wind deflector (unique in the segment) positioned behind the back seat headrests. This arrangement enables four people to enjoy draft-free driving at speeds of up to 90kph and, when used in conjunction with the removable mesh deflector screen located behind the front seats, allows two occupants to travel free from buffeting whatever the speed.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's length of 4,485mm ensures that the driver and the three passengers benefit from a standard of comfort expected of a family car.

The driver is treated to a carefully thought-through environment and conveniently positioned controls which carry over solutions previously employed for New Mégane Hatchback and New Mégane Coupé:

• controls clustered either around the steering wheel or on the centre console,
  
• height- and fore/aft-adjustable driver's seat (through 70mm and 240mm respectively),
  
• position memory for front seats, after being tipped forward,
  
• reach and height-adjustable steering wheel (through 45mm and five degrees respectively).

In addition to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's carefully-honed lines, special attention has gone into ensuring that it
is a practical package, too, and that includes the boot:

• automatic closing for simple, secure locking
  
• large capacity (417 litres with the roof up, and 211 litres with the roof down)
  
• easy to access, with a segment-best sill height (590mm from the ground) and aperture (258mm) with the roof down, enabling three cabin cases to be carried side by side.
  

A RAFT OF PRACTICAL, USER-FRIENDLY HIGH-TECH FEATURES

Like all the models that make up the New Mégane family, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a long list of high-tech features, most of which are more readily associated with the next segment up:

• hands-free starting, and hands-free locking as the card-holder walks away from the car,
  
• electric parking brake
  
• automatic dual-zone three-mode (soft-auto-fast) climate control
  
• directional bi-Xenon headlamps,
  
• combined digital/analogue instrument display
  
• new, colour-coded cruise control/speed limiter interface
  
• 3D sound by Arkamys® audio with Plug&Music connectivity (USB, mini-jack plug)
  
• Carminat T omT om® navigation, the market's most competitively priced built-in sat-nav system
  
• customized settings and activation/deactivation of certain functions (daytime running lights, volume of audible parking proximity warning).
  

A PERFECTLY SMOOTH RIDE

New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet delivers the same high standard of driving precision as Mégane Hatchback and Mégane Coupé to provide an enjoyable, responsive ride:

• The MacPherson-type front suspension is attached to a so-called 'horned' subframe, an arrangement that ensures a level of lateral rigidity that is three-times superior to that of the former-generation Megan Coupé-Cabriolet.
  
• The rear suspension's torsion beam features a lighter, closed-profile beam that delivers enhanced torsional stiffness.
  
• The new electric power steering system is more responsive and refined, and gives even more accurate feedback of information from the road.
  

The torsional rigidity of the bodyshell has been uprated by 80 per cent compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet in order to match the increased stiffness of the suspension and for even greater handling precision, whether the roof is up or down.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a choice of seven efficient and eco-friendly petrol and diesel powertrain configurations.

Petrol engines:

• The 1.6 16V 110hp engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
  
• The TCe 130 (Turbo Control efficiency) driving through a six-speed manual gearbox.
  
• The 2.0 16V 140hp engine available with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for even greater driving comfort thanks to smooth, step-less gearshifts.
  

The diesel engine range comprises the following Euro5-homologated powerplants:

• The dCi 110 DPF, mated either to the brand new six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission (see below) or to a manual six-speed gearbox.
  
• The dCi 130 DPF which drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
  
• The dCi 160 DPF also with a six-speed manual gearbox.
  

EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission

The six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission fits perfectly with Renault's bid to combine ride comfort, driving pleasure and respect for the environment. Based on DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) technology, it stands out as a genuine clean-break solution compared with conventional automatic transmissions thanks to:

• CO2 emissions and fuel consumption comparable to those of a vehicle equipped with a manual gearbox,
  
• fast, smooth, automatic gearshifts,
  
• instant response to the driver's demands.

THE PLEASURE OF OPEN-TOP MOTORING IN TOTAL SAFETY

When it comes to safety, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet reaps the benefits of the brand's extensive expertise in this field. Like all the models that make up the New Mégane range, it has been engineered to boast exemplary passive and active safety performance.

An extensive range of equipment is available to help drivers anticipate risk situations: • front seatbelt warning lights,

• tyre pressure monitoring system,
  
• directional bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering dipped beams,
  
• automatic headlamp activation,
  
• automatic windscreen wiper activation
  
• cruise control with speed limiter.
  

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet comes with a comprehensive range of driving aids, too:

• ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution,
  
• Emergency brake assist,
  
• ESC with understeer control.

New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's chief passive safety features are:

• programmed structural deformation designed to protect the cabin – and therefore occupants – in the case of a rollover, thanks to reinforcement of the windscreen pillars, body sides, sills and floor,
  
• automatic pyrotechnic deployment of the rollover hoops should dedicated sensors detect that a rollover is imminent,
  
• seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters,
  
• adaptive frontal airbags,
  
• dual-volume head/thorax/pelvis lateral airbags,
  
• anti-submarining airbags incorporated in the front seat cushions,
  
• side impact sensors,
  
• anti-whiplash head restraints,
  
• Isofix child seat anchorage for rear seats.
  

The public will get its first chance to see New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet when it is unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 4-14, 2010). It will also be displayed at L'Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées (N°53) in Paris, France.

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

Renault announced its plans to unveil the brand-new Wind coupe-roadster at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2010 on 2 March. The 2011 Renault Wind is designed for two persons. Despite the fact that Renault pitches the car as a coupe-roadster, unlike other CC models with retractable hardtops, the Wind uses an exclusively innovative electric roof that rotates 180 degrees into the trunk, which is capable to open in just 12 seconds.

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

Renault Wind brings a completely different take on a car for drivers who enjoy wind-in-the-hair motoring. Renault Wind is aimed at motorists who lust after a car that is not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible yet practical enough for everyday use.

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

Advantages of this car is the only car of its class to provide just as much luggage space (270dm3 VDA) whatever the position of the roof.  The Renault Wind has a 3.83 metres in length which features a highly innovative way of opening up. The strictly two-seater model shares its platform and mechanical hardware with the Twingo, though at 3.830mm long, it's 230mm longer than the hatchback.

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

The French automaker is keeping a tight lid on other details for now, but it is expected that the Wind will be offered with two of the Twingo's petrol engines, a 1.2-liter turbo with 100HP and a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter unit with 133HP.

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

Although Renault Wind’s compact dimensions make it a nimble machine in and about town, it is the only car of its class to provide just as much luggage space (270dm3 VDA) whatever the position of the roof. True to Renault's brand signature "Drive the Change", Wind makes passion affordable for everyone.

 

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster