Archive for the 'Renault' Category
The limited-edition Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 is based on the Collection 2012 version of the model to which a raft of technologies and sporty equipment has been grafted to satisfy even the most exacting drivers. The list of standard features includes a Cup chassis, a limited slip differential and red brake callipers. It continues with the R.S. Monitor which takes its inspiration from the on-board telemetry systems seen in motor racing. It allows purists to adjust the parameters of the driver aids and benefit from the display of data on the dashboard (automatic timing of 0-100kph acceleration, throttle settings, etc.).
Meanwhile, its stunning look is emphasised by the Etoilé Black body colour and the contrasting use of Renault’s Sport’s emblematic Sirius Yellow for the F1-style front blade, door mirror housings and diffuser. The roof sports a black chequered flag pattern decal, while Red Bull Racing’s official logo adorns the sides to highlight Mégane R.S. connection with the world of motorsport and Formula 1.
Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7’s exclusive sporty credentials continue inside the car with the fitment of Recaro bucket seats, a specific gear lever knob and a numbered plaque.
A car with two personalities: ‘reasonable’ and ‘fun’…
The chief new feature introduced by Renault Sport is the addition of Stop&Start technology for the 2.0 16V 265 engine. The hot hatch benchmark now benefits from optimised fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 7.5 litres/100km* (down 0.7 litres/100km) and 174g/km* (down 16g/km) respectively. As a consequence, the eco-surtax applied to Mégane R.S. in France has been reduced by €550, from €1,300 to €750.
Feel like being reasonable? Simple: select ‘Normal’ mode! The Stop&Start system is activated, while the engine delivers a power output of 250hp, plus peak torque of 340Nm. The emergency brake assist and ESC functions are also switched on to deliver a sensation of intense motoring enjoyment in everyday use.
Fancy a little more fun? Switch to the ‘Sport’ mode… The Stop&Start system and emergency brake assist are deactivated and maximum torque climbs to 360Nm. The engine produces an extra 15 horsepower, while the ESC switches to ‘Sport’ mode, enabling the potential of the chassis and engine to be exploited to the full. The pleasure is heightened by the rousing exhaust pitch.
Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 rounds off the series of limited-edition versions released to celebrate the brand’s association with the Renault-powered Red Bull Racing F1 team, winner of the Formula 1 World Championship in 2010 and 2011 and leader of this year’s provisional standings.
Twenty-eight years after the launch of the original, New Renault Espace continues the model’s success story which has seen sales exceed 1.2 million units.
New Renault Espace’s front-end styling features Renault’s new identity for even more dynamic and status-enhancing appeal.
More environmentally-respectful engines for significant fuel consumption and CO2 emissions savings, plus an appreciable reduction in the ‘eco-surtax’ applicable in France.
The MPV’s pioneer still stands out as the best travelling experience for seven occupants and the model continues to be perfected with the addition of even more technology, including a new reversing camera.
“It was important to restore Espace’s appeal and CO2 credentials in what is a very competitive segment,” says Laurent Bernard, the Espace Programme’s Deputy Director. “The aim is to keep our customers loyal and prepare a smooth build-up to the introduction of the next-generation Espace.”
A new styling identity which respects the Espace’s inherent iconic appeal
New Renault Espace features Renault’s new styling identity which reasserts the model’s personality by ensuring an even more dynamic stance. As is the case with all the brand’s new vehicles, the Renault logo is more prominent, more upright and stands out even more clearly against a broad black grille bar which is itself picked out by chrome strips.
Other details which accentuate New Espace’s more dynamic, status-enhancing looks include new ‘Hurlingham’ wheel trims and new ‘Monterey’ and ‘Dark Eptius’ alloy wheels.
Meanwhile, the elegantly-appointed cabin of the Initiale Paris version has been embellished with visible stitching for the model’s hallmark dashboard. The sensation of comfort and wellbeing for all occupants is further emphasised by the leather and Alcantara® upholsteries.
Even greater respect for the environment: CO2 emissions reduced by 20g/km (equivalent to a fuel consumption saving of 0.8 litres/100km) for the diesel version, and by 6g/km (0.3 litres/100km) in the case of the petrol version.
Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 130hp, 150hp and 175hp versions of the 2.0 dCi engine (M9R) emit just 150g of CO2/km* (a saving of 20g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.7 litres/100km* (down 0.8 litres/100km). The state ‘eco-surtax’ applicable in France has come down accordingly by €550.
Mated to automatic transmission, the same engines emit 169g of CO2/km* (a saving of 20g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 6.4 litres/100km* (down 0.8 litres/100km). Here again, the ‘eco-surtax’ applied by the French state has been reduced by €550.
The 175hp version with manual gearbox delivers the segment’s lowest CO2 emissions for its power output.
With the 2.0 dCi engine under the bonnet, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have come down by 1.7 litres/100km and 27g/km respectively over a period of six years since this powerplant became available for Espace in 2006.
In the case of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (F4Rt), CO2 emissions have fallen to 198g/km* (a saving of 6g/km), equivalent to fuel consumption of 8.5 litres/100km* (down 0.3 litres/100km).
These results were achieved by the engineers’ work on:
- Evolutions to the diesel engines: introduction of ESM technology (braking and deceleration energy recovery), a variable displacement oil pump, advanced cooling management and cold loop EGR (exhaust gas recirculation).
- Chassis and running gear improvements: a three-percent improvement in CdA thanks to revised underbody shielding, plus new low rolling resistance tyres and electro-hydraulic power steering.
The MPV’s pioneer continues to be perfected
All the strengths that have helped forge Renault Espace’s success have been carried over to the latest version, including vast cabin space and a modular layout, as well as a level of comfort and visibility that all occupants will appreciate.
New Renault Espace continues to propose the large seven-seat MPV segment’s most occupant-friendly cabin, including seven real seats and a brightly lit interior thanks to a large opening sunroof.
New Renault Espace’s upholstery features an innovative textile which repels water- and oil-based liquids. Renault is the first carmaker to propose Teflon® Automotive High Protection textile which protects individual fibres without affecting their appearance, comfort or feel. This innovation is particularly ideal for family vehicles since it prevents stains from becoming incrusted and facilitates the cleaning of upholsteries to ensure they maintain their ‘new’ feel durably.
To facilitate manoeuvring and parking, New Renault Espace is available with a reversing camera. The driver benefits from precise indications thanks to a graphic overlay of the vehicle’s volumes on the colour image displayed on the screen of the navigation system’s screen which is positioned centrally and high up on the dashboard.
Also available for Espace, irrespective of equipment level, is a DVD player complete with two seven-inch screens built into the back of the front head rests. This multimedia feature will delight children and is a factory-fitment in order to ensure an irreproachable quality finish and less risk of theft.
New Renault Espace’s equipment list continues with a range of technologies designed to take the stress out of motoring and make life easier for occupants. Standard features for all versions include connected Carminat TomTom Live® navigation system, a hands-free card, an electronic parking brake and comprehensive connectivity (Bluetooth® audio streaming, AUX and USB sockets).
Last but not least, New Renault Espace’s cabin layout is as modular as ever thanks to seat rails which enable the seats to be positioned exactly according to the needs of the moment. New Renault Espace’s interior can be rearranged at will to guarantee the highest level of comfort for up to seven occupants.
New Renault Espace, which is manufactured at Renault’s Sandouville factory (France), comes with the guarantee of Renault’s design, build and dynamic quality, as well as carefully selected materials to maintain the model’s status as a modern incarnation of French-made, high-end luxury.
To mark the start of spring, Renault is to extend its ‘ludospace’ line-up with the introduction of Grand Kangoo.
Two extra independent, removable seats make this model a genuine seven seater. The rearmost passengers benefit from unrivalled knee room, elbow room and comfort.
Grand Kangoo is notably designed for families, administrations and business customers looking for a multi-purpose vehicle with an extremely modular interior. The high number of layout combinations makes it possible to adjust the cabin precisely to the number of people and/or the amount of cargo being carried.
The seven-seat version will be available initially. Order books are due to open at the beginning of April, with prices in France starting from €20,750.
Grand Kangoo, the latest addition to the Renault range, can carry up to seven people in optimum comfort. Its exceptionally modular interior permits its cabin layout to be adjusted to meet all situations and to match the number of people and/or the amount of cargo being carried. Its 1.5 dCi engine is available in a choice of two power outputs (90hp or 110hp) and, like the entire Kangoo range, the newcomer is made at Renault’s MCA plant in Maubeuge, France. The seven-seat version of Grand Kangoo is due to go on sale at the beginning of April in France.
Tax-paid prices – Grand Kangoo (in France)
Version Authentique Privilège
Engine dCi 90 dCi 110 dCi 90 dCi 110
CO2 emissions (g/km) 135 144 135 144
Combined cycle fuel consumption (litres/100km) 5.1 5.5 5.1 5.5
Tax-paid price 20,750 21,450 22,550 23,250
Following its world debut at last autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the flurry of new arrivals at Renault continues this spring with the French marque’s new-look Twingo Renaultsport 133. The upgraded pocket-rocket bursts onto the scene on 2nd April when ordering opens, priced at £13,565 on-the-road.
The changes to the facelifted Renaultsport version of Twingo are immediately apparent at the front, including the new Renault visual identity of its more humble sibling, combined with the added visual drama of a new dynamic grille design with four lights and a front bumper incorporating an F1-style blade. This detail, which now runs across the full Renaultsport range, alludes to Renault’s success in Formula 1.
From the back, the halo model in the brand’s city car range, sports several model-specific additions including a black rear spoiler, a special rear bumper incorporating a diffuser and aerodynamic extensions on the rear wheel arches.
On the inside, the performance aura of the flagship Twingo continues with Renaultsport yellow stitching on the steering wheel and seats, together with white detailing for the top of the steering wheel, seat backs and cushions, rev-counter surround and air conditioning controls.
Aside from its new body-colour F1-style blade, core equipment on the latest revised Renaultsport includes 16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth™, cruise control, electric Gloss Black door mirrors, ESC (with on/off switch), speed limiter, extra tinted windows and tailgate, Renaultsport exhaust with chrome tailpipe, plus Twingo’s versatile independent sliding and folding rear seats.
Several options are available on the baby of the Renaultsport range, among them 17” Anthracite or Gloss Black alloy wheels for £500, curtain airbags for £250, metallic paint at £460, or the even more striking Renaultsport Liquid Yellow i.d. paint for £1,300 (from end May 2012). The unique-in-class Renaultsport Monitor telemetry system is also available at a tempting £125. Given its already purposeful stance, just one exterior pack is offered – Anthracite Style – for the front blade, door mirrors covers and rear spoiler, priced at £150.
Renaultsport expertise
Dieppe’s finest have chosen not to tinker with Twingo Renaultsport 133’s award-winning mechanicals, so its performance and grin-inducing driving characteristics remain intact. Its 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated powerplant still puts out a feisty 133hp at 6,750rpm, with 160Nm of torque available at 4,400rpm. Its top speed is a respectable 125 mph, with 0-62 mph dispatched in an impressive 8.7 seconds.
Although the new range offers one version of the 133 with the standard Renaultsport chassis, an optional Cup chassis is still available for £700. The latter includes a ride height lowered by 4mm, stiffer springs and dampers, 17” Anthracite or Gloss Black alloy wheels and wider 205/40 R17 tyres than its predecessor. In keeping with its potency, Twingo Renaultsport 133 features plenty of stopping power, with 280mm-diameter front discs and 240mm-diameter rear discs.
Despite its impressive performance credentials, the revised Twingo Renaultsport 133 boasts CO2 emissions of 150g/km, a saving of 3.2 per cent compared to its predecessor and improved fuel consumption of 43.5 mpg combined cycle, up by three per cent.
Since its launch in September 2008, Twingo Renaultsport has emerged as a top-three seller in its class, with sales totalling more than 10,000 vehicles.
