Renault's stunning coupe concept
Gallic brand pulls the wraps off its sexiest offering since the 1960s Alpine coupeRenault wowed Frankfurt show-goers with a stunning two-door version of its Laguna, and the design study derives its inspiration from the 2004 Fluence concept.
Touted as "a car for the car-lover", the coupe is aimed at "40-somethings who are passionate about automobiles and motor sport -- connoisseurs who are demanding, ambitious, and driven by a desire for professional success".
Built on the same platform as the new Laguna, the Laguna Coupe Concept is also billed as "a powerful, elegant affirmation of the long tradition of classic coupes".
Apart from being noteworthy for its sensuous, flowing lines, the coupe premieres the French marque's new V6 dCi turbodiesel engine.
The result of close collaboration with its Nissan partner, the new 3.0-litre V6 dCi pumps out 170-195kW (depending on the version) and peak torque of 450-550Nm (again, depending on the version).
Renault claims the new-age turbodiesel enables the coupe to bolt to 100km/h in a respectable 7sec, and it boasts the powerplant is also "outstandingly supple, rounded, and balanced".
Although no official economy figures have been announced, Renault says the engine provides "well-controlled fuel-consumption, and CO2 emissions lower than 200g/km".
Drive is relayed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, and the coupe concept is the first car to feature Renault's new four-wheel 'Active Drive' chassis -- the essence of which is a four-wheel steering system.
Renault claims this technology endows the coupe with good high-speed stability, as well as greater manoeuvrability at low speeds.
The coupe is now minnow, measuring 4.685m long, and its profile is distinguished by a long snout and miniscule rear overhang -- in the classic GT tradition.
It rides on 20-inch aluminium wheels, the helix design of which hides the nuts
and bolts from sight, as well as providing good cooling characteristics for the brake calipers.
The LED headlamps premiered on the Nepta concept car in 2006 and use a technology based on the "reflection and propagation of light".
The scissor doors have dedicated Stabilus hydraulic door stays, which hold doors open at any angle. And in a so-called nod to the design codes of high-end sports coupes, the spokes of the steering wheel are deployed like the petals of a flower, "guiding the driver's gaze to the binnacles on the dashboard".
Driver and passenger are housed in asymmetrical front seats, and the two individual rear seats are also asymmetrical. Both rear passengers can be kept entertained by the Samsung multimedia players housed in the back of the front seats.
Will the Laguna Coupe Concept make it to Renault showrooms? No official word as yet, but the odds seem high as the car looks virtually production-ready (barring the weird-burger interior).
Watch this space...
Fast Facts: Renault Laguna Coupe Concept
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
Power: 170kW to 195kW
Torque: 450 to 550Nm from 1700 to 3800 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Driving wheels: Front
Chassis: Active Drive four-wheel steer
Tyres 245/35 ZR20
Length 4685mm
Width 1964mm
Height 1372mm
Wheel base 2710mm
Kerb weight: 1685kg
To comment on this article click here
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
