PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Renault unveils Trezor concept

Renault has unveiled a new concept for a glamorous two-seat coupe that's claimed will "prologue the next chapter" of its design language and influence every single car it makes well into the next decade.

Borrowing its name from 'Tresor' the French for 'treasure', the all-new Trezor trades an 's' for a 'z' hinting at the zero-emission pure-electric powertrain that lurks beneath.

Measuring in at 4700mm long, 2180mm wide and standing just 1080mm tall, the Trezor rides on huge 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels that both vent cool air, along with carbon-fibre scoops, directly to the big brake discs.

Weighing in at 1660kg, the large coupe comes powered by an electric motor that's claimed to have been directly lifted from the firm's Formula E single-seat race car.

Generating 260kW/380Nm, this sees the coupe concept travel from rest to 100km/h in less than four seconds.

Featuring an unusual diamond-quilted metallic body, the bonnet features added air vents that open in diamond formation in the middle of the bonnet when needed.

Instead of conventional doors, access to the light and spacious two-seat cabin is via a huge one-piece clam-like bonnet.

Inside, the interior is dominated by two red leather-trim bucket seats, a simple electronic dash and an odd rectangular steering wheel.

Helping debut Renault's fully autonomous driving aids, when activated the steering wheel parts and expands to give the effect of a pair of curtains drawing to reveal a cinema's widescreen.

This, says the car maker, allows the driver a better view of the main dashboard's screen so they can better enjoy in-car entertainment while the car takes care of the actual driving responsibilities.

Central to the in-car experience is its virtual cockpit dash that's said to harness the power of a smartphone and rely on apps for its functions.

At the front of the car is Renault's new corporate snout that could star on the next, all-new Clio. If so, the small hatch might also share its large rectangular LED running light. At the rear of the car are fibre optic rear tail lights that use laser lighting.

A production version of the Trezor has already been ruled out by a Renault insider, even if the low-slung coupe were re-badged as an Alpine – the French car maker's relaunched sports-car brand.

Instead, the Trezor will follow in the tyre tracks of the Dezir concept that was launch back in 2010. That car directly inspired the current Clio that made its debut in 2012 and is said to have continued to inspire the French manufacturer's vehicle line-up right up until the launch of the current 2016 Megane hatchback.

Renault announced at the Paris motor show that the first car to draw styling cues from the Trezor will make its debut in 2018.