Renault at the British International Motor Show
The British International Motor Show at ExCel is set to see some French flair when Renault unveiled the new Mégane R26.R. Also on display on the Renault stand will be some of this year’s best and freshest new models – of the 12 Renault production cars on display, seven will have made their UK debut in 2008.Two stunning concept vehicles will also make their UK public debut, showcasing the very best of Renault quality, design and innovation - the Mégane Coupé Concept and Laguna Coupé Concept.
Mégane Coupé Concept: An expression of character and dynamism
On show for the first time in the UK is the Mégane Coupé Concept showcar, which previews a compact coupé to be released at a later date. Like its larger sister, Laguna Coupé Concept, it points the way to a more fluid, sportier styling from Renault.
The sleek and aggressive-looking Mégane Coupé Concept targets drivers who are not only drawn by the notion of driving pleasure but who also seek to express their personality through their car. Mégane Coupé Concept symbolises Renault's vision of what a genuine compact sports coupé should deliver, namely character and dynamism, two traits epitomised by the opening and closing movement of its spectacular ‘dragonfly’ doors.
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. The next Mégane will be 80% formed by the Mégane Coupé Concept," explains Renault's Patrick Le Quément, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design.
Laguna Coupé Concept: elegance, driving pleasure and peace of mind
Renault’s vision of a top-of-the-range grand tourer coupé, the Laguna Coupé Concept is intended for the discerning motorist who appreciates performance, driving pleasure and refinement, while marrying high-tech innovation with the essence of cool. The production Laguna Coupé will makes its UK debut in November and shares the same design as the concept car. Underpinned by the four-wheel-steer 4Control chassis, first seen on the Laguna GT, it will boast a brand new V6 dCi engine developed as part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance giving 235hp with a peak torque of 450Nm. The flowing lines of Renault Laguna Coupé's elegant, uncluttered design display a blend of timeless beauty and the promise of sheer motoring enjoyment.
With a length of 4.64 metres and width of 1.83 metres, its proportions are superbly balanced, while the character line which stems from the grille rises forcefully along the car’s flanks, gracefully underpinning the front wing design before extending rearwards to highlight its muscular haunches. The glazed area of its windows is shown off to best advantage by a pure, flowing arc. This sense of purpose is echoed by pronounced crease lines along the long bonnet and by new variant headlamps. The rear, meanwhile, features a very short overhang and broad, slim lights which give Laguna Coupé a bright, distinctive lighting signature suggesting refinement and power, especially at night when the indicators form a halo picking out the contours of the thin, red, LED tail lights.
Renault’s extensive product range on display
Mégane Renaultsport R26.R
The wraps have come off Renaultsport’s latest extreme machine as the limited edition Mégane R26.R received its world premiere in London at the British International Motor Show.
Developed from Mégane Renaultsport R26 F1 Team 230, the car retains the same 2.0-litre engine, six-speed gearbox and sophisticated limited slip differential. A dramatic weight reduction of 123kg compared to the R26 makes it the top performance car in its class with a kerb weight of just 1,230kg. On 23rd June, Mégane R26.R set a new lap record time of 8min 17s around the famous 13-mile Nürburgring circuit – the fastest ever for a front-wheel drive production car.
Mégane R26.R continues Renault’s tradition of transferring technology from motorsport interests to the road. It is probably the most extreme car ever produced by a volume manufacturer with a carbon-fibre bonnet and polycarbonate tailgate and rear windows help reduce the weight, while Sabelt seats with a carbon shell and six-point Sabelt harnesses provide the ultimate racing feel. Options include a roll cage and a titanium exhaust.
Twingo Renaultsport 133
Renaultsport’s other addition to its hot hatch family is the Twingo Renaultsport 133, which will arrive in the UK in September 2008.
The Twingo comes with specific Renaultsport chassis and steering tuning as standard to ensure optimum performance and handling. Extended wheel arches provide a more muscular look. There is no wait necessary for the ‘Cup’ chassis either as Renault Sport Technologies has developed this for Twingo from launch, along with a new, naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre VVT engine delivering 133hp at 6,750rpm with 160Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.
New Kangoo
Making its UK debut is the all-New Kangoo, which goes on sale next Spring.
Launched in 1997, the original Kangoo’s affable, expressive style revolutionised the leisure utility vehicle sector. Roomy and versatile, it has been a phenomenal success, selling over 2,200,000 units in just 10 years. New Kangoo features even better levels of practicality and interior space, with an all-new design giving the car a fresh, modern look.
Koleos 4x4 Crossover
Renault’s new 4x4 crossover, Koleos, has just arrived on UK shores and will be on display on the Renault stand.
Renault’s longstanding MPV experience combined with the 4x4 technology already proven on existing Alliance models ensures that Koleos benefits from a rich heritage of expertise.
Koleos is Renault’s first-ever entry into the growing crossover segment, boasting MPV levels of comfort and interior space combined with robust exterior styling and genuine off-road ability.
Clio Sport Tourer
New Clio Sport Tourer offers competitive pricing, impressive standard equipment, innovative features, greater load space and practicality, combined with the all the style and exterior good looks for which Clio is renowned. The Sport Tourer version is a compact estate without compromising on interior space.
Ideal for customers who need the space and practicality of an estate car, but still want a car with sporty and up-to-date looks, Clio Sport Tourer has 50% more boot space than the Clio and is priced just £850 more than the Clio five-door.
Laguna GT
The much-acclaimed Laguna GT introduces the new 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering, developed jointly by Renault and Renault Sport Technologies to give the ultimate in driving pleasure, handling, dynamic response and steering precision.
The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering brings many benefits, starting with improved manoeuvrability, sharpened dynamic response, and unrivalled steering precision giving the driver truly intuitive control over the cornering line, achieving new heights in driveability and active safety. Laguna GT corners with very little body roll and a precise line is achieved with small steering inputs. The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering also excels in active safety, both under difficult braking conditions and during avoidance manoeuvres at speed.
Grand Modus
Grand Modus features harmonious, distinctive looks that elegantly exploit its longer wheelbase (+93mm) while its overall length of 4,034mm ensures that it has all the benefits of an MPV. The car’s boot is amongst the biggest in its category (410 litres VDA) and its three-seat, sliding 60-40 split-folding rear seat, plus bright, functional cabin and plethora of smart storage spaces permit Grand Modus to pave the way for a host of family uses.
Full range at the show
In addition to the new models above, on display will be a Clio Renaultsport 197, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Dynamique S, Grand Scénic Dynamique S dCi 106, Laguna Dynamique dCi 110 and Grand Espace Initiale.