- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Renault
Click above to view the Renault Safrane in high resolution
The Persian Gulf is fast becoming a demanding market for luxury automobiles. So demanding, in fact, that some automakers have begun creating special models just for consumption there. Just days ago we brought you news that Rolls-Royce, having already shipped a golden Drophead Coupe for one special customer, was launching a limited edition Phantom saloon called the Peony edition.
This, however, is not a special Rolls-Royce. We won't list all the ways in which it isn't a Roller, but will save your time and ours by listing instead what it shares in common. It's a luxury sedan, and it's made specially to be engulfed by the Gulf market. That's about it. The Safrane nameplate was previously used for Renault's lackluster flagship sedan, replaced by the reviled Vel Satis in 2000. So what is this exactly that has revived the name? A rebadged Samsung SM5, essentially. That vehicle is produced in an 80.1% Renault-owned joint venture in South Korea. If you're noticing some similarities with our own Nissan Maxima, you've got a keen eye, as it shares its platform with the last-gen Maxima as well as the Nissan Teana (itself available only in the Asian market).
Unless you live in Dubai, you probably won't be seeing one of these any time soon, but you can check it out in the gallery below.
[Source: Renault via CarScoop]
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- Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Renault
Click above for hi-res gallery of the Twingo Renault Sport
After its initial unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, Renault has finally released full details - including pricing, equipment, and a whole $h!tload of new photos - of the new Twingo Renault Sport. Following the great line of eminently chuckable sport hatches from the French automaker - including the current Clio and Megane Renault Sport models - the Twingo Renault Sport upgrades the existing range-topping Twingo GT with a host of performance-oriented equipment inside, outside and underneath. Power comes from a 133-hp 1.6-liter 16-valve four-banger, and the Twingo RS comes right out of the gate with a choice of two chassis set-ups: Sport and Cup. The latter tightens up the suspension, cuts out 17 kg of weight and offers 17-inch dark anthracite wheels.
You'll recall that while its on-track rivals like Ferrari and McLaren turn their F1 know-how into six-figure supercars, Renault transfers its into sport hatches like this one. Renault Sport's latest offering will sell for just €15,601 in its home market, but includes a special bonus usually reserved for cars ten times its price. For a nominal fee of €1, Renault Sport Technologies is throwing in tutelage in its advanced driving course to show each new owner how to get the most out of their finely-tuned little chassis.
Follow the jump to get the full skinny on the little hatchback that could, and check out the hundred new images joining our live shots in the gallery below.
[Source: Renault]
Continue reading Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS
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- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault
Click for a hi-res gallery of the Renault Symbol/Thesis
As Russia develops into an increasingly important market for many Asian and European carmakers, the Moscow Motor Show is becoming a more important venue. Alongside such new launches as the Lexus LS460 AWD, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Audi RS6 sedan, Renault will be unveiling a new version of its simple Symbol sedan. The car will be sold in such markets as Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey and North Africa, labeled alternatively as the Symbol or Thalia. The styling is rather uninspired, and the mechanics are nothing to write home about, with power anticipated to come from the same range as found in the new Dacia Logan unveiled by Renault's budget subsidiary just last month. Hard to believe we almost didn't notice this one.
You know the drill: Follow the jump to read the press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view the images in our high-resolution gallery.
[Source: Renault]
Continue reading Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia
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- Filed under: Motorsports, Renault
The motor racing world was bereaved this week to learn of the passing of Dino Toso. The former director of aerodynamics for Renault F1 was diagnosed with cancer back in 2004, but continued to work until two months ago.
Toso came from the aerospace industry and started his career in motorsports in 1995 with BMW's GT program before being picked up by Jordan Grand Prix in 1997. He then moved with Mike Gascoyne to Renault in 2000, where he remained until this year, playing a central role in the back-to-back drivers' and constructors' titles which the team won in 2005 and 2006. He was named Aerodynamicist of the Year in 2005. In a statement released earlier, fellow Italian Flavio Briatore noted, "His contribution to the team, both through his results and his courage in the face of illness, are an inspiration. He will be missed enormously and the immediate thoughts of the whole team are with his family."
Dino passed away at the young age of 39 on Wednesday morning. Our condolences go out to his friends, family and colleagues.
[Source: Autosport, Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty]
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- Filed under: Motorsports, Green, BMW, Honda, Renault
Despite some serious reservations regarding the safety and high cost of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System
(KERS), the hybrid system has received the green light for introduction into the 2009 Formula 1 season. After BMW and Renault had some, uh, issues with KERS, Renault called a meeting to discuss whether the new flywheel-based system should be postponed until 2010. BMW Sauber, Honda Racing and Williams are apparently feeling confident enough in their own systems to resist the delay. Because F1 rules dictate that a consensus must be reached to change the previous ruling, F1 cars in 2009 will run with the new drivetrain. The only thing which could still hold back the new technology would be if the teams were unable to guarantee the safety of their systems, and this seems unlikely given that Honda has already completed a successful track test last week.
[Source: autosport.com]
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- Filed under: Etc., Renault
Employees and management at Renault were shocked and saddened to discover the body of William Millar dead last week at the company's racing headquarters in Enstone with a mortal bullet wound to the head. The 53-year-old R&D engineer had been with the team for 27 years, remaining at his post as the team changed ownership and name from Toleman to Bennetton and then Renault. Sources suggest that Millar had shot himself in the head with a firearm, and police are not treating the incident with suspicion. Our condolences to the colleagues, friends and family of the departed.
[Source: F1-Live]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchbacks, Renault
While French authorities go after the journalists and photographers who obtained images of the new Renault Megane, an undisguised, production-ready example of the vehicle was spied undergoing testing right here in the good old US of A.
The new Megane III was previewed by the Megane Coupe Concept unveiled at the 2008 Geneva show. The production version will be officially launched in October at the Paris show, where we'll be on hand to bring you live shots, hopefully without test crews trying to block the car.
[Source: World Car Fans]
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- Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Nissan, Renault, Rumormill
We've been following the developments of Renault's revival of the Alpine marque since earlier this year, and its been confirmed that the first of several new models will debut sometime in 2010. From the beginning, Renault made it clear that Alpine would benefit from dedicated models, rather than rebadged or re-engineered Renaults. Earlier reports suggested something mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive and similar in size to the Mazda Miata or last-generation Toyota MR2, but a new report suggests that Nissan might be tapped to provide a platform and drivetrain.
The director of Renaultsport supposedly sat down with CarTribe to discuss the future of the automaker's high-performance offerings and when asked if a new Alpine model could be based off the Nissan GT-R, he denied it, instead hinting at the use of Nissan's FM platform that underpins the G37 coupe, G35 sedan and upcoming Nissan 370Z. The new model could be more geared towards track duty, with a serious diet and some tweaks to the drivetrain.
While the revival of Alpine is primarily a way for Renault to capitalize on its participation in F1, a Nissan-based model would all but negate such an effort. Then again, with 60 new models expected to come from Renault and Nissan in the next four years, the automaker will use any platform it can get its hands on to expand its lineup.
[Source: CarTribe]
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- Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault
While most of our recent hot hatch affection has been aimed at the Ford Focus RS, Renault brought its own racy three-door to the London Motor Show party, and now we're torn. Admittedly, the Focus RS is easily the more suitable day-to-day driver - it's got a full interior and air conditioning -- but the Renaultsport Megane R26.R has all the kit for a serious track-day assault. Hell, it even has two Rs in its name.
With the new Megane slated to appear at this year's Paris Motor Show, Renault wanted to give the current model a fitting send off. To that end, it took the existing Megane F1 Team R26, left the engine, gearbox and limited slip differential intact, modified the suspension and hacked off 271 pounds from its curb weight. The diet included the removal of the rear seats, passenger side airbag, climate control, fog lamps, headlight washers, rear windscreen wiper and the majority of the soundproofing material. In exchange, the R26.R received a carbon fiber hood, polycarbonate quarter and rear windows and a titanium exhaust.
Inside, the Renaultsport hatch makes the RS look positively pedestrian, with a set of carbon fiber Sabelt seats, six-point harnesses, leather and suede swathed steering wheel and gear knob, and an optional four-point roll cage. While output remains the same, at 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft. of torque, the stripped R26.R lapped the Nurburgring in 8:17 - a new lap record for a front wheel drive production car.
Only 450 examples will be made available when sales begin in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain this October. And unlike the Chevy Camaro, Renault released a video of the R.26R doing it's thing around the 'Ring... three seconds faster. Check it, along with the press release, below the fold.
Continue reading London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R
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- Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault
Click above for high-res gallery of the Renaultsport Megane R26.R
The Renault Megane, with its "iconic" (read: quirky) styling, is on its way out, but that's not about to stop the speed demons at Renaultsport from having some fun with the hatchback before it's replaced. Sources indicate that the French automaker is preparing to take the wraps off a new hardcore hot hatch at the British Motor Show opening tomorrow.
Dubbed the R26.R, the vehicle is based on the existing Renaulsport Megane R26, only more track-focused with a full roll cage, carbon fiber seats and an aggressive weight-saving regimen that includes some carbon body panels and polycarbonate windows. The surfacing of these shadowed-out teasers seems like strange timing, considering that full images have already shown up on the radar a month and a half ago. However, a Nordschleiffe track decal suggests that the R26.R may have set a new Nurburgring record for a front-drive production vehicle.
[Source: CarScoop]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Economy, Euro, Government/Legal, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Renault
If you're in France, the phrase caveat emptor can probably be joined by caveat reporter after police raided the French magazine Auto Plus. The po-po were called last August to begin an investigation because the magazine published detailed photos of the coming Renault Megane, which Renault said wasn't supposed to hit showrooms for another three years. The raid was the next step in the Sherlock Holmes treatment.
Renault, of course, says that it is not after the press, it's simply trying to protect its intellectual property. The shots are so clear, and there are so many of them -- including the interior -- that it's obviously an inside job. The press, of course, feels that this is an attack on its freedom. The French press and the French government are engaged in a complicate dance, and this doesn't help things.
The police removed one reporter and a passel of computers. They don't want the reporter, though, they want the source. Auto Plus will have to wait to find out how much of that ever gets returned. But since the photos are out, we might as well take the time to say it's a nifty looking little car.
[Source: Reuters]
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- Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Renault
Click above for high-res gallery of the Dacia New Logan
Hot on the heels of the new Sandero five-door hatch, Dacia has unveiled a redesign of the cheap, little car that started it all for the offshoot of Renault, the Logan. Now dubbed the New Logan, Dacia's inexpensive four-door economy car gets spruced up on the outside with a new front fascia inspired by the Sandero, as well as additional chrome brightwork on some models. While just an evolutionary upgrade of the Logan's original four-year-old design, the mid-cycle refresh is well timed as the Logan line has now grown to include a pickup and now a hatchback. The interior has also been upgraded to include the new dash introduced in the Sandero, and we expect the new looks inside and out to make their way to the Logan Pickup, as well. There aren't really any mechanical upgrades of note, except the inclusion of the Sandero's new Emergency Brake Assist function, but what do you expect for a base price of €7,400?
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]Continue reading Dacia unveils the New Logan
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- Filed under: Ford, Volvo, Renault
As Ford reportedly prepares to offload Volvo and dismantle the last remaining vestiges of its once proud Premier Automotive Group, reports indicate that discussions were, once again, held with Renault.
The French automaker was tipped as a potential buyer when Jaguar was on the table, expressing interest in acquiring a luxury brand (and evidently forgetting it had Infiniti up its sleeve). Along with Chinese automakers, Renault has reportedly been in on-again, off-again discussions with Ford over the sale of Volvo as well, though Ford insists that its Swedish subsidiary is not for sale.
[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]
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- Filed under: SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Nissan, Renault
Times are tough in the US auto industry, and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn doesn't see the situation improving any time soon. Ghosn and company are planning under the assumption that overall US sales won't break 15M units for the year, which is a substantial 2M units less than just three years ago. To complicate matters, the Japanese automaker expects steel prices to rise either later this year or early in 2009, which would put further strains on the entire industry.
While times are tough, Ghosn does see a silver lining for Nissan, as the Japanese automaker has a full lineup of fuel efficient cars that customers are buying. That should translate into increased market share, though since it's a larger piece of a smaller pie, it probably won't translate into more year over year volume. While that isn't reason enough to break out the Dom Pérignon, it's better than most automakers can say these days.
[Source: Forbes]
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- Filed under: Car Buying, Euro, Renault
Click above for gallery of the R26 R
Even though the official launch of the hot Renault R26 R isn't scheduled until the London Motor Show at the end of July, a couple pics of the race-ready hatch have been leaked. Powered by the same 169kW (225 hp) 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as its sibling, the R26 Megane, the R26 R differs with a serious performance edge. The interior features a roll cage and carbon-fiber seats -- best to match the new carbon-fiber hood. The dual exhaust is upgraded to lightweight and corrosion-resistant titanium alloy. New bright-red 18-inch wheels shod with optional semi-slick tires connect the performance-tuned suspension to the asphalt. Compared to the Megane, the R model trims 125 kg (275 lbs) of weight, bringing it down to a svelte 1,235 kg (2,722 lbs). With a limited-slip differential driving the front wheels, performance is said to include a sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than six seconds, but we bet its true performance capabilities are much more evident carving curves on the track. Production of the R26 R will begin in November. As expected, don't plan on seeing any in the States.
[Source: Autocar]
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Archive for the 'RENAULT' Category
Thursday, March 20th, 2008
Geneva 2008: Renault Megane Coupe Concept - more details, more pics, more slick -
Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Hatchbacks, Renault
 
Renault is known for doing hatchbacks, and it does them well, but that’s about it. Seeking to increase its market share, Renault’s range is rapidly expanding to include a more diversified line-up. Unveiled alongside the new Laguna GT and the Koleos crossover - both also divergent models from the company’s small hatch mainstream - the Megane Coupe Concept aims to show the way forward for Renault.
Although what you see here is not what will hit the road when the new Megane arrives, Renault insists that its “dynamic voluptuousness” is a direct indicator of the more fluid form its upcoming Golf-fighter will take. While everyone else was scrambling to come up with new ways to reinvent the wheel internal combustion engine, Renault’s new concept is powered by a regular old 2-liter turbocharged four with 200 horsepower, which frankly doesn’t seem that impressive considering that the Clio Renaultsport’s naturally-aspirated 2.0 produces just three negligible horsepower less. Fine, so notwithstanding its F1 cars, big impressive engines aren’t Renault’s thing. Meanwhile, the big gullwing doors are the most obvious element to get axed along the next Megane’s road to production, but if the road car bears even a passing resemblance to what could easily be labeled as Renault’s most engaging show car in years, European customers will have reason to celebrate and we’ll have one more entry on our list of cars we wish we could get Stateside.
Right up until its unveiling, Renault was highly secretive on the Megane Coupe Concept, revealing only that there would be a fourth model premiering in Geneva alongside the Koleos and Laguna GT. Now that the veil has been lifted, however, we’ve garnered all the details in the press release after the jump and Renault’s images, which join our own in the gallery below. Check ‘em out to learn more about Renault’s vision for the future of the automobile.
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Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, RENAULT, Concept Cars, Hatchbacks | No Comments »
Sunday, November 25th, 2007
Renault hasn’t done much to tap into its Formula One successes, nor has it provided credible competition to the RX-8s and 350Zs of the world. That’s all going to change come 2010. Renault is expected to revive the much-loved Alpine name and slap it on the back of two-door coupe powered by a turbocharged engine mounted amidships. AutoExpress has it on good authority that designers are wrapping up the exterior and that a Megane-bodied mule caught testing on the Nurburgring is actually the new Alpine being put through its paces. Renault is confident that the new coupe won’t go the way of the Sport Spider that was dropped in 1997 after it was maligned for offering little refinement and even less practicality. We’re hoping to see the Alpine make its concept debut in Paris next year.
[Source: AutoExpress]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, RENAULT, Coupes | No Comments »
Friday, January 17th, 2003
Details info: Clio II (Facelift) (X65)
The Photo preview - please click on the Link \”Review Big Image\” below
Alternative names:
Renault Thalia(Sedan) (Hungary)
Renault Thalia(Sedan) (Czech Republic)
Renault Clio Symbol(Sedan) (Romania)
Renault Thalia(Sedan) (Slovak Republic)
Renault Thalia(Sedan) (Poland)
Hatchback 3d (2001 - )
Hatchback 3d (V6)
(2002 - ) Hatchback 3d
(Société Van) (2001 - )
Hatchback 5d (2001 - )
Limousine 4d (Symbol)
Renault Clio II (Facelift) Hatchback 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.0
1.0 16v
1.2
1.2 16v Quickshift
1.2 16v
1.2 LPG
1.4 16v aut.
1.4 16v
1.5 dCi 48kW
1.5 dCi 59kW
1.5 dCi 74kW
1.6 16v aut.
1.6 16v
Sport - 2.0 16v
Previous version:
Variation:
Esquiss (France) Renault tuning
Assembly Plants:
Renault (Argentina)
Renault (Brazil)
Renault (Russia)
Renault (Slovenia)
Renault (Spain)
Renault (Turkey)
SOFASA (Colombia)
Info:
Having recently undergone a minor facelift, the Clio is still riding the crest of a wave in Europe, even in the face of increasing competition from the likes of Ford, GM and VW. The diesel models are worthy of note.
Description:
Possessing the same fresh qualities as the three-door version of the Clio, the five-door adds a shot of extra practicality.
Donors:
Posted in RENAULT | No Comments »
Friday, January 17th, 2003
Details info:
Type : bus to specifically small capacity
Amount of the Doors : 5
The Place Seatings : 5
The Place Seatings ìàêñ. : 7
Sizes and mass : Length x width x height, mm : 4517 x 1810 x 1690 : Wheel base, mm : 2702 : Mass, kgs : 1490 : Full mass, kgs : 2250 : Service load, kgs : 760 : Volume of the luggage rack, l : 275 : Volume of the luggage rack on roof, l : 2850
Type of the engine : gasoline
Preparation to air gas : forced
Design of the engine : order right
Íàääóâ : No
Amount cylinder : 4
Amount valve on cylinder : 2
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 1998
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : 83 / 114
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines : 5400
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 168
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines : 3500
Class bad material : D3
Drive : front
Gearbox : manual
Amount of the issues : 5
Front springs : spring
Back springs : spring
Front brake : disc
Back brake : drum
Buses : 195/65R15
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 13.7
Maximum velocity, km/ch : 175
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km : 12.8
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km : 7.9
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km : 9.7
Volume of the tank, l. : 78
Type fuel : Super
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Thursday, January 16th, 2003
Details info:
Type : bus to specifically small capacity
Amount of the Doors : 5
The Place Seatings : 5
The Place Seatings ìàêñ. : 7
Sizes and mass : Length x width x height, mm : 4517 x 1810 x 1690 : Wheel base, mm : 2702 : Mass, kgs : 1490 : Full mass, kgs : 2250 : Service load, kgs : 760 : Volume of the luggage rack, l : 275 : Volume of the luggage rack on roof, l : 2850
Type of the engine : gasoline
Preparation to air gas : forced
Design of the engine : order right
Íàääóâ : No
Amount cylinder : 4
Amount valve on cylinder : 2
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 1998
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : 83 / 114
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines : 5400
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 168
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines : 3500
Class bad material : D3
Drive : front
Gearbox : manual
Amount of the issues : 5
Front springs : spring
Back springs : spring
Front brake : disc
Back brake : drum
Buses : 195/65R15
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. : 13.7
Maximum velocity, km/ch : 175
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km : 12.8
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km : 7.9
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km : 9.7
Volume of the tank, l. : 78
Type fuel : Super
Posted in RENAULT | No Comments »
