All eyes will be on Renault, the carmaker
most associated with its avant-garde contributions to motor shows. This
year's star was the upmarket SUV Egeus concept, with elements of Fluence,
last year's concept, in its treatment of surfaces.
Like the Vel Satis, the Egeus is the latest result of Renault exploring
new styling concepts to contain uniquely spacious interiors with four
separate seats and a large central tunnel crested. Other new cars include
the Clio Renaultsport Concept, the ultimate development of the dynamic
new Clio III.
Egeus is the perfect combination of elegance and sportiness, power and
solidity. Its design is a natural continuation of the previous concept
cars Wind and Fluence and carries echoes of a top-of-the-range saloon.
Its flowing, homogenous lines have nothing of the angular styling usually
associated with an SUV.
The front end is deliberately pared-down. By incorporating the air inlets
under the headlamps, Egeus has no need for a grille, too brash for such
a pure design. The play of light on the double curve of the sides further
accentuates its flowing form.
"The outside is about simplicity, unity, sensuality. Egeus looks
as though it has been sculpted from a single piece. The undulating lines
and voluptuous forms instantly suggest driving pleasure," says Patrick
le Quément.
This suppleness is evident in the way the bonnet flows into the rounded
windscreen, which, in turn, blends seamlessly into the bubble-shaped glazed
roof. The bubble shape of the rear window forms a continuous, flowing
line with the windscreen in a streamlined shape worthy of any coupé.
The rear window rests on broad wings that sit the car squarely on the
road.
With its longer bonnet, shorter front and rear overhang, and rounded rear
wings, Egeus has a dynamic, powerful character. Its 22-inch wheels combine
with higher ground clearance than that of a classic saloon to give this
concept car its solid stance. Inside, the seat height is designed for
greater visibility while reinforcing passengers' sensation of comfort
and safety.
Egeus features four independent seats with all the comfort of a luxury
car. Noble materials and a subtle blend of colours and textures distinguish
the spacious interior. The relaxed, elegant atmosphere adds to the feeling
of serenity inside the cabin.
The "Cythère Blue" bodywork, the "manta ray"
dashboard and the blue-tinted hues of the cabin evoke an underwater world.
The leather upholstery in woven beige tones, inspired by a pixelated image
of a setting sun, creates a warm atmosphere. The centre console, upholstered
in blue-tinted leather, echoes Egeus' undulating sides. It incorporates
three generous stowage compartments in addition to the two front-door
bins.
The cabin is warm and welcoming thanks to the glazed roof and a central
strip with two transparent sections.
"The interior is spacious, comfortable, simple and discreet. Aesthetically,
it aims for minimum intrusion and maximum well-being, as what counts when
driving is the environment outside as it unfurls."
The wraparound seats guarantee a high level of comfort and stand out for
their innovative functions. The front seats pivot outwards and can be
lowered 70mm for the easiest possible access. The rear-hinged doors plus
the absence of a centre pillar give unencumbered access to the rear seats.
The boot features a split-level opening, with a classic lift-up top and
a motorized, drop-down lower section that includes a sliding tray for
effortlessly loading heavy or bulky objects. The height of this tray can
be electronically adjusted to reconfigure the boot's interior space.
The side door handles are flush-fitting so as not to detract from the
streamlined sides. An optical sensor detects an approaching hand and pushes
the handle out a few centimetres, making it easy to grasp.
The GPS navigation system calculates the recommended speed, which is then
shown in the centre of the speedometer dial, with its analogue and digital
displays. LED diodes around the dial flash to alert drivers if they go
over this speed.
In off-road mode, an indicator on the instrument panel is automatically
activated to show the car's attitude to the horizontal and alert the driver
if there is any risk of roll-over.
At the top of the dashboard, a centrally positioned interactive screen
relays information to passengers, in particular a detailed trajectory
map.
The intuitive controls are true to the principles of Touch Design. The
central rotary speed selector benefits from simple ergonomic styling.
The ideally-located multimedia control lever makes for easy handling while
the steering wheel-mounted controls mirror the natural curve of the hand.
The 250hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, mounted north-south, gives Egeus
both power and agility. Euro 4 compliant, it is fitted with a particulate
filter.
The fully automatic 4WD transmission regulates traction on the four wheels
from 0 to 100% according to grip. This, combined with a seven-speed flick-shift
automatic transmission, ensures a high level of driving comfort while
substantially reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Striking a perfect balance between sensitivity and performance, these
tyres are ideally adapted to Egeus' dual function: the adaptability of
a roadgoing vehicle that can also handle off-road conditions. The front
and back tyres are mounted differently.
These tyres are designed to better withstand friction and in doing so
reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The compact, closed tread minimizes
deformation and therefore energy loss. The long, shallow grooves help
reduce road noise while ensuring a firm grip in off-road conditions. The
centre of the front tyres' tread, with a less open tread pattern and water-holding
capacity, is designed to transmit power to the ground and provide good
grip on wet roads. The rear tyres have rigid shoulders for optimal handling
during cornering.
Egeus’ boomerang-shaped headlamps function as running lights and
indicators, thanks to LED diodes in two different colours. This optical
system, developed in partnership with Valeo, matches efficiency with an
innovative and compact design.
All light comes from high-performance diodes and, as on Fluence, the amount
and direction is adjusted according to the steering angle. On twisty roads,
an electronic function automatically directs the beam.
On motorways, the diodes are automatically activated and modulated to
maintain a constant and optimal range without dazzle. Their colour is
similar to that of daylight for greater comfort and visibility. These
diodes have a significantly longer lifespan than any existing light source.
Clio Renaultsport Concept
Clio Renaultsport Concept is the ultimate development of the dynamic
new Clio III. Assertive lines, a powerful character and an exclusive interior
make this a show car that blends refinement with high performance. A demonstration
of Renaultsport Technologies expertise, it is set to become a worthy successor
to the Clio Renaultsport 2.0 182 and it brings a first to this market
segment: an underfloor air diffuser. Like the extractor vents in the front
wings, it is derived directly from Formula 1 racing cars. The independent
mountings for the front suspension guarantee that the handling will be
precise and sporting. Clio Renaultsport Concept heralds the production
model that is due to go on sale in 2006.
Retain the original spirit of the Clio III while enhancing its intrinsic
qualities and dynamic capabilities: this was the challenge Renault Sport
Technologies' engineers were asked to rise to with Clio Renaultsport Concept,
an exceptional car combining performance, excitement and driving pleasure.
The exclusive red of the Clio Renaultsport Concept is wholly in keeping
with its character. Although easily recognisable, the original lines are
emphasised by more pronounced curves. The specific styling of the side
bodywork side design accentuates the power and energy of the car's silhouette.
Enlarged front and rear wings, the lowered stance and the profiled side
skirts combine with the extractor vents and diffuser to enhance its aerodynamics
and high-performance pedigree.
Seven-spoke, 18-inch wheels with body-coloured highlights reveal large
brake discs and calipers. A large, chrome-zinc-coloured air intake grille
in the front bumper hints at the potential of the 2.0 16V's naturally-aspirated
engine developed by Renault Sport Technologies. The radiator grille and
the fog light surrounds are also chromed, along with the door mirrors,
which add a high-tech touch. At the rear, the diffuser follows the chrome-zinc
theme and the twin exhausts stress its competition heritage.
The Clio Renaultsport Concept benefits from exceptional aerodynamics.
The key innovation, both technologically and visually, is the incorporation
of a diffuser within the rear bumper. Currently available only on the
most expensive sports cars, it channels and accelerates air to create
a low-pressure area and hence downforce. The result negates the need for
any type of rear roof spoiler. To maximise the diffuser's effectiveness,
the dual exhausts are fitted within the side channels to maximise its
efficiency.
The extractor vents in the front wings also have an aerodynamic function,
reducing turbulence, while also improving hot-air extraction from the
engine bay. The grilles are positioned to direct air along the sides of
the car, thereby optimising performance.
Renaultsport’s new generation front suspension design features independent
mountings and aluminium components. Clio Renaultsport Concept thus enjoys
the highest standards of traction and road holding, with a superb ride
and precise handling. The 1520mm track and 2585mm wheelbase ensure that
the Clio Renaultsport Concept's cornering is efficient, safe and sporting.
This layout, along with the choice of high-performance tyres (215/40 R18)
have naturally involved extended bodywork.
The brakes offer exceptional stopping power and resistance to heat. At
the front, red-painted calipers have four aluminium pistons and cross-drilled
330mm Brembo discs (280mm at the rear).
The Clio Renaultsport Concept has been bred for performance, its dynamic
qualities fully exploiting the 2.0 16V naturally-aspirated engine. The
engine is both powerful and flexible, delivering sports response and exemplary
refinement via a six-speed gearbox.
Clio Renaultsport Concept's interior confirms that this is no ordinary
car. The chosen materials, chiefly chrome and leather, emphasise its finely
honed design. A generous, panoramic sunroof accentuates Clio III's innate
qualities and enhance the sense of space and comfort. The four individual
bucket seats are separated by an integral, chrome-zinc centre console.
A body-coloured strip underlines the purity of the design. Upholstered
in red and grey leather with built-in headrests, the seats are comfortable
yet supportive, while the leather-covered dashboard's fluid forms echo
the Clio III style.
White-faced instruments deliver essential information with optimum clarity
and include a gear ratio indicator within the rev-counter. Covered in
red and black leather with a flattened lower section, the steering wheel
falls perfectly to hand. A new ergonomically efficient handbrake design
is integrated into the centre console. Competition-style aluminium pedals
and footrest complete the sports character of Clio Renaultsport Concept's
interior.
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