Renault Kangoo ZE Concept, 2009

Renault Kangoo ZE Concept, 2009

 

 

Renault Kangoo ZE Concept's dimensions (length 3.95m, height: 1.85m) ensure that it is perfectly nimble and manoeuvrable in and about town. Its high torque (226Nm) is instantly available to ensure responsive acceleration performance in built-up areas.

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY, TOO, FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ROAD-USER

The Renault Kangoo ZE Concept provides a foretaste of what mobility promises to resemble in the future for urban-based transporter and delivery companies, while at the same time carrying over the same acclaimed strengths as Renault Kangoo when it comes to travelling comfort, space and safety performance. To facilitate loading, the hatch-type rear door and wide, folding sill ensures that parcels and other types of loads are easy to slide into the boot.

DESIGNED TO OPTIMIZE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The design of Renault Kangoo ZE Concept has been thought through in keeping with its mission as an electric vehicle which needs to minimize energy consumption, yet without losing sight of the need for modern comfort-related refinements.

The use of heat-reflective paint and bodywork featuring large surface areas reduces temperature fluctuations. Indeed, the bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask and comprises two insulating panels with a sandwich of air in between. This air, which is still the most effective insulant known today, serves to moderate temperature extremes between the exterior and the interior of the car. Thermal insulation is further optimized thanks to special treatment of the glazed surfaces, meaning that less call is made of the climate control and heating systems which are big consumers of energy.

Solar panels positioned on the roof are employed to power a temperature regulation system inside the car. Keeping the cabin cool uses a significant amount of energy, but this system also permits a pleasant temperature to be maintained inside the cabin, even at a standstill or when parking, and avoids having to put the climate control system on boost when first getting in the car on a hot day.

The entire layout of the heating and climate control systems has been developed to achieve a particularly efficient trade-off between performance and energy consumption. For example, the impression of heat is especially felt by the face and hands. Accordingly, if the cabin temperature is, say, 15 C, warmth is channelled as close as possible to these more sensitive zones (in the form of a heated steeringwheel, for example) in order to ensure that the driver feels comfortable, while using less electrical energy.

The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy cameras which are powered by the roof-mounted solar panels. These cameras provide improved allround visibility, which is especially practical when manoeuvring. The full-disc aluminium alloy wheels produce less drag, too, while the headlights use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only longlasting but also low consumers of energy.

INTERACTIVE AND USER-FRIENDLY

The Renault Kangoo ZE Concept enables the driver to communicate with the vehicle with a view to profiting fully from its technology. For example, logos light up to signal that the vehicle recognizes occupants as they approach.
As a socially responsible car, it is also equipped with polyurethane gel bumpers which deform easily to soak up minor knocks, while customers and pedestrians are reassured by their absorbent aspect.

A linear display on the outside of the door provides an indication of how much range remains even before the driver gets inside the vehicle. This lit display can be likened to the charge indicator of a cell phone.
Innovative navigation system interfaces also contribute to intelligent management of the vehicle's energy requirements.

The idea is to simplify journeys with a view to using as little energy as possible. The Man Machine Interfaces (MMI) inside the car have been designed to provide information concerning the location of the nearest car park or charge station as a function of how much range remains. The car not only warns and calculates, but it also thinks ahead.

Information is communicated to the driver via a cell phone which slots into the dashboard. Using this cell-phone for the navigation function avoids having to run an energy-consuming in-car computer.
 

The dashboard itself is divided into distinct functional units which incorporate:

    * a new-format minimalist display providing data specifically relating to the electric motor.
    * a remotely-positioned control between the seats incorporating a touchpad to facilitate the keying in of data.

Renault Kangoo ZE Concept provides a foretaste of the user-friendly, practical and efficient Renault electric utility vehicle of the future.

TWO BATTERY-CHARGING TECHNIQUES
The driver has two options when it comes to 'filling up' on energy:
    * A standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle,
    * A quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at bespoke charge stations.

Renault Kangoo be bop, 2009

Renault Kangoo be bop, 2009

 

Based closely on the Renault Kangoo Compact Concept show car unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault Kangoo be bop is the latest addition to the Kangoo family. The compact size (length: 3.87 metres), original two-tone colour scheme and exclusive interior appointments of this innovative vehicle combine to produce a particularly forceful personality. Its extensive glazed area and four roomy seats afford a sense of space and light. Ideal for escaping the crowd, Renault Kangoo be bop offers open-top motoring at the rear thanks to its glazed sliding roof and rear tailgate window which slides out of sight. At the front it has two tilting glass panels, plus a fixed central glass panel.

A truly original reworking of a show car
Renault Kangoo be bop came into being in the wake of the enthusiasm prompted by the Kangoo Compact Concept show car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. A compact leisure vehicle with an original design and strong personality, Kangoo Compact Concept showed that an unusual car could appeal to active, sporty urban dwellers who share the values of fun and friendship. In addition to its design, the originality of the concept lay in its extensive glazed area and unique convertibility solutions, with the emphasis on space and light. Renault Kangoo be bop's designers have succeeded in producing a production model which echoes the strengths and features of the concept car.

Renault Kangoo be bop has the Kangoo front end with its short bonnet and droplet-shaped headlamps. Light floods into the cabin through the sweeping, steeply raked windscreen for outstanding visibility. Renault Kangoo be bop differs from its elder sibling by being even shorter (less than four metres in length), as well as through some original styling details, such as the black headlamp masks, specific bumpers, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Ground clearance has been raised 20mm compared with Renault Kangoo, while protective side mouldings lend the look of 'urban adventurer', ready to confront the great outdoors. Its robust, expressive lines are energized by the standard two-tone colour scheme handed down from the concept car. The bonnet, grille, outside rearview mirrors, front bumper bib and tailgate panel are Sideral Grey, while the rest of the bodywork is another colour, e.g. Etincelle Orange, borrowed from Kangoo Compact Concept. Another similarity is the elongated, semi-circular form of the side windows, which make Renault Kangoo be bop instantly recognisable.The large tailgate window slides right out of sight into the door. It is operated by a switch on the instrument panel or by a third button on the ignition key, and makes it possible to access the boot without having to unlock the car or open the tailgate. The system naturally incorporates an anti-pinch safety function.

Renault Kangoo be bop features the same convertible roof configuration seen on the concept car, with a fully glazed, forward-sliding panel at the rear. With the rear section of the roof and rear window in the open position, Renault Kangoo be bop's rear passengers are able to enjoy the delights of open-air motoring. The roof opens at an angle which creates a deflecting effect to prevent bothersome turbulence while on the move. Its 'open' and 'closed' positions are secured by two side locks. It opens independently of the tailgate with the help of two small rams.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept, 2009

Renault Fluence ZE Concept, 2009

 

 

 

Renault Fluence ZE Concept is a statement of Renault's intention to produce a range of zeroemission vehicles that meet the needs of all types of customer. Renault Fluence ZE Concept is a genuine family car which demonstrates that attractive styling, comfort and space can go hand in hand with respect for the environment.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept is an all-electric car with a range of 160km. The battery can be charged using one of three methods: a standard charge (between four and eight hours), a quick charge (20 minutes) or an immediate solution (three minutes) in the form of the exclusive 'Quickdrop' rapid battery exchange system.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept previews the forthcoming electric version of Fluence, and represents a solution to zero-emission motoring in the world of tomorrow.

A FAMILY FATHER LOOKING FOR AN ECOLOGICAL FAMILY CAR

You don't have to be young, rich, single, trendy and living in the city to drive an electric car. Renault has proved as much with Renault Fluence ZE Concept, a car aimed squarely at the single-car family father who would use the car every day to go to the office, but who would also want to take his wife and children to the country at the weekend. Therefore, the car needs to serve to an extent as a status symbol, but it must also provide enough interior space to function as a comfortable family car. The owner is environmentally aware, but wants to maintain his or her lifestyle and habits, too, without feeling guilty for it.

ELECTRIC MOBILITY WITH A PASSION
The styling cues of Renault Fluence ZE Concept combine the design language of motoring pleasure with the visual signature of Renault's range of electric vehicles.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept possesses dynamic lines, highlighted by a fluid character line which sweeps from the headlights to the rear shoulders. It is 4,820mm long, has a wide track of 1,672 mm, is wellproportioned and exudes status-enhancing, elegant looks.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept also clearly belongs to Renault's 'family' of electric vehicles thanks to:
    * its Atmosphere Blue body colour,
    * the specific luminous blue signature which features in the curved lower part of the body sides,
    * the use of LEDs at the front and rear,
    * the design of its headlights,
    * the recess behind the logo on the bonnet.

The headlights convey the same impression of softness suggested by the vehicle's overall lines and colour. They are a high-tech feature, too: beneath the 'eyelids' formed by the indicators, the beams of the main headlights are precise and piercing, with the light focused into a single beam by means of a system of prisms.

The vehicle's status-enhancing credentials are further emphasised by the employment of chrome trimming for the belt-line and grille, as well as by its impressive 21-inch wheels. Blue polycarbonate hubcaps seem to slot into the aluminium wheels to create a spiral form which channels the airflow and improves aerodynamic performance.

Renault Clio Campus, 2009

Renault Clio Campus, 2009

 

Renault Clio Campus continues its European career with this month's launch of the very latest version of the model. Since 2005, it has sat alongside new Renault Clio in the range and sold in 22 countries, winning over almost 400,000 customers in Europe alone. In 2008, Renault Clio Campus' leading markets were France (40%), Italy (12%), Algeria (8%), Germany (7%) and Spain (6%). Buyers are attracted by the values championed by the Renault brand and seek a reliable car with low purchase and running costs. They will continue to find these selfsame qualities in the latest-generation version which features even more attractive styling.

New front-end styling
Renault Clio Campus features a new visual identity, with Renault's design team building on the original design which has proved so popular with customers to give it a more modern and more dynamic feel. The redesigned front bumper and grille have been redesigned. The trihedral panel behind the logo has been dropped and the bottom air intake has been modified to highlight the front end's personality. The juxtaposition of curves and horizontal lines adds a distinctly elegant note, while the foglamps are now incorporated in the bumper and crystal headlamp masks have been added. The decorative black B-pillar trimming gives a more harmonious, flowing aspect to the sweep of the side windows.

Sportier upholstery
New cloth upholstery with a black and silver interwoven pattern has been introduced for the most extensively-equipped level's sporty bucket seats. The lateral air-vents, speedometer, rev-counter, gearlever, handbrake and interior door handles are picked out in satin-finish chrome paint, while the instrument needles are red.

Two petrol engines, two diesel engines and one LPG engine (depending on markets)

The Renault Clio Campus range includes a line-up of small capacity engines which all deliver responsive performance and fuel efficiency.

Two petrol engines (1.2 60 and 1.2 16V 75) : responsive performance, economical to buy and run.

Two diesel engines: the dCi 65 and the dCi 85 both emit less than 120g of CO2/km (115g/km and 111g/km respectively).

An LPG version of the 1.2 60 engine is also available. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is clean and economical, and produces less polluting emissions than a petrol engine, while its CO2 emissions are similar to those of a diesel powerplant (126 g/km). This quiet engine runs on either petrol or LPG, allowing the driver to switch freely from one mode to the other at any time. Its total range is consequently even longer, and a light on the dashboard tells the driver which type of fuel is being used at any given moment.

An economical, ecologically friendly vehicle
All the different versions of new Renault Clio Campus comply with the three criteria required to qualify for the Renault eco² signature. The two dCi versions are eligible for the French state's eco-bonus of €700, while the LPG version qualifies for the special €2,000 eco-bonus.

Renault Clio, 2009

Renault Clio, 2009

New Renault Clio GT, a more purposeful personality

Styling: New Renault Clio GT can be recognized by its exclusive Malta Blue body colour and expressive, racy lines. It sits squarely on its 16-inch "Dark Anthracite" aluminium alloy wheels, while its more assertive front end features a gloss black grille and distinctive black headlamp masks. The lines of the sills point to the performance of the GT version's specific suspension. Meanwhile, the twin exhaust tailpipes and rear lip spoiler underline New Renault Clio GT's undeniable sports tourer looks. Inside, eye-catching sporty details include drilled aluminium pedal covers and extra side support for the seats, as seen on New Clio Renault Sport, plus GT-badging for the front seats.

Suspension: Renault Sport Technologies' engineers have paid special attention to ensure that New Renault Clio GT's chassis combines first class dynamic ability with a comfortable ride. The stiffness of the front springs and the calibration of the front dampers have been uprated by 15 per cent compared to the previous version. The variable-rate coil springs at the rear are 15 per cent stiffer, too, and the new rear dampers feature bigger diameter rods. These solutions ensure enhanced control of body movement and more precise cornering without detracting from comfort. To counter body roll, the front anti-roll bar diameter has been increased from 20.5 to 21mm, while the rear suspension is equipped with the same stiffer bushes as New Clio Renault Sport. The directional stability of the rear end has been made more precise by curbing of parasitic movements. New Renault Clio GT's power steering is also more direct for swifter response and greater driving pleasure.

Renault Megane Coupe Concept, 2008

Renault Megane Coupe Concept, 2008

The Renault has chosen the Geneva Motor Show to take the wraps off its Mégane Coupé Concept show car which foreshadows a compact production coupe to be released at a later date. Like New Laguna, it points to an evolution towards more fluid, sportier styling from Renault. Renault 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 vehicle. Mégane Coupé Concept symbolizes Renault's vision of what a genuine compact sports coupe should deliver, namely character and dynamism, two traits epitomized by the show car's unprecedented door-opening kinematics.

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 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.