The Renault Wind

The new Renault Wind rekindles a tradition of building fun, affordable sports cars from the humble bones of their hatchback siblings.

Expensive parts such as the engine and crash structures dictate that the "Renault Wind" has the same high bonnet line and windscreen base as the upright city car. To give the impression of sitting in a cocooning sports car, Renault’s designers have raised the side window line as high as possible, creating a very deep body side.

This system avoids the problems usually associated with folding hardtops, namely weight, cost and lack of boot space. With the Renault Wind, the large boot remains unaffected by the position of the roof, while the simple system weighs just 21.8kg.

Thankfully very little of the Twingo’s cheap-feeling interior has found its way inside the Renault Wind. The driving position is the lowest of any current Renault model but steel feels more hatchback upright than sportscar bum-skimming.

So does the Renault Wind drive like a Twingo? It shares both its 1.2-litre TCe turbocharged engine and the larger, un-turbo’d 1.6-litre from the Twingo RS 133. The lack of roof has been countered by extensive body strengthening, meaning that Renault Wind feels impressively stiff even over broken surfaces, while the handling has the same precise, playful and well-resolved quality as cars like the Clio 200 and Twingo 133.

It is better-suited to everyday driving with good pulling power from low revs but it sounds whiney and lifeless at higher revs.

More seriously, the Renault Wind braking performance is unacceptable. Good value fun The Renault Wind has no real rivals currently. Overall the Renault Wind is a surprisingly characterful, fun and practical two-seater sports car. Renault expect most Renault Wind buyers to be urban-dwelling females and the styling, practicality and clever roof are spot-on for the target audience. However, the engaging driving experience and the lure of the RenaultSport association may open the demographic to include more serious driving enthusiasts.

Car manufacturers are always plugging gaps in their ranges with models that you never thought you needed, and generally don't, but Renault might just have found a little niche that is worth exploiting with the Renault Wind - the small budget convertible that sits between the Twingo city car and supermini Clio in size.

Strictly speaking there are a few of these on the market at the moment, with Smart, Mini, Peugeot and Fiat all making tiny droptops. The Renault Wind is refreshingly different and, dare we say it, trendy compared to the rest of the Renault range, and is aimed squarely at younger drivers. Part of the cost cutting that permits this price tag is a simple range that consists of just two engines and three trim levels, with the top spec model still coming in well under £20,000. The pick of the engines is the 1.2-litre 99bhp turbocharged version. Beyond the low price, the roof will be what appeals to most of the Wind's buyers.

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Renault Fluence Saloon Testing

Renault definitely seems to have big plans for India. As reported by Autocar India Renault Fluence saloon was recently caught testing in Chennai by an eagle-eyed chap. In an attempt to boost its brand image, Renault will compete for market share in the Rs. 12 lakh plus saloon segment.

Only time will tell how the potential buyer reacts to this car.

A 1.5 litre dCi diesel engine with 105 horses will power the sedan. Expect Renault to offer a lot of toys including keyless start and bluetooth connectivity.

Renault’s upcoming sedan model "Renault Fluence "was caught testing by AutoCarIndia on Chennai roads last week, The French carmaker is currently testing the car in Chennai and will be assembled from CKD kits shipped from the company’s Turkey plant.

The Renault Fluence is expected to have exceptional ride quality and will be powered by a more powerful 1.5 liter diesel producing 105bhp. It will compete with models like Skoda Laura, VW Jetta and Toyota Corolla Altis.

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2010 Renault Fluence Review

Renault Fluence is following the philosophy of Dacia Logan. Renault Fluence will also be offered in Israel too. Renault Fluence is a relatively large car and it is between C and D segment. With this car Renault likes to bring a more space for the passengers in the relatively small package. In the cabin there are 9 liter refrigerated glove box in front of the front passenger and 2.2 liters of space in the central console. The interior of the Renault Fluence is modern but simple.

Driver can adjust the driver seat by 240 mm fore/aft and 35 mm in height. He can choose to enter the car with a key or to use wireless system and enter the car hands free with a card which transmits the signals to the car. The new “2010 Renault Fluence” will have excellent choice of engines. Actually it is the one 1.5 dCi diesel engine in five variants. Clients who prefer diesels can choose: dCi 85, dCi 90 DPF, dCi 105, dCi 110 DPF and dCi 110 DPF with the new dual clutch transmission (DCT). The price for the new 2010 Renault Fluence in the South East Europe, Turkey and Israel is going to start from 15.000 Euros ($19.100) for the model with a petrol engine and lowest trim option.

Renault Fluence comes with 4620 mm long, 1809 mm wide, 1479 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2702 mm, 530dm3 the boat, more people room of a major rival to move them from room to 1480 mm and 1475 mm front and rear

Renault Fluence also comes with a choice of five engine variants of the diesel 1.5 dCi: dCi 85, dCi 90, dCi 105, dCi 110 DPF3, dCi 110 DPF with a new dual clutch transmission (DCT), available at the end of the 2010

Renault Fluence is the brand new saloon from Renault. Exterior Design:

Cockpit controls are easy to use including the navigation system and the climate control. Radio control that is mounted on the steering wheel and cruise control are all easy to use.

Cargo spacing could be said one highlight of the car as it can accommodate 23 liters of storage space along with a 9-liter glovebox and a 2.2 liter console and 2.6 liter bin in both the front doors. Even an entry level Renault Fluence features a climate control as a standard equipment. Automatic dual zone climatic control is available as an option for some trims. The Nav system is been integrated to the dashboard offering supreme quality and security. Plug and Music option helps using auxiliary devices like USB or iPod. Safety features include ABS with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), emergency brake assist, speed limiter, fully loaded air bag protection etc.

Outstanding stopping power and durability is achieved by the effective braking system.

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2011 Renault Fluence Announced Launch

Renault Australia has this week announced the local launch of the 2011 Renault Fluence, starting at $22,990 and set to go on sale in Australia from November.

The 2.0 litre engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.

In Australia, Renault will offer the Renault Fluence sedan alongside the Megane hatch, with both models starting at the same price. Along with the Koleos SUV, the Fluence and Hatch will stand as Renault's volume-selling consumer offerings.

“Renault is announcing significant investment in Renault Australia that will deliver the Renault brand long term status as a key player in the Australian automotive market. Like the upcoming Renault Megane, the Fluence's features list includes the Renault smart key card (for keyless unlocking and engine starting), integrated satellite navigation (standard on Privilege), Bluetooth connectivity, multimedia connectivity and dual zone climate control air conditioning - an uncommon advantage in the small car segment.

Key new models from France, South Korea and Turkey unveiled at the Sydney motor show are all on the menu for introduction here in early 2011 by Motorcorp Distributors.

The show stand newbies presently on display across the Tasman cover virtually the full gambit of Renault's passenger range.

The Megane family spans a new Golf-fighting hatch, a glass-topped Coupe-Cabriolet and a larger sedan spin-off, the 2011 Renault Fluence, plus two versions of a new performance model, 250 coupe.

Though Motorcorp recently appointed a new brand manager for Renault, the brand has definitely lost pace in New Zealand.

It seemed the distributor has been upset about Renault's apparent indifference toward the difficulties it has faced placing the right cars in the market at the right price.

The tension seemed to have eased on Friday when, at the invitation of Motorcorp boss Russell Reynolds, I met with Sylvain Martin-Villa, Renault's Melbourne-based operations manager for this region. Mr Reynolds says he is confident that a Renault relaunch can be affected, with sharper-priced and more relevant cars.

We have always wanted to keep Renault. Asserts Mr Martin-Villa: "For now, you are a different country."

Renault could recover lost ground, he believed. Renault's strength continues to be that it offered a very broad range of cars, from the mainstream (Koleos, Fluence and Megane) in petrol and diesel through to the extrovert performance RS-badged Clio and Megane coupe cars. "Overall, Renault has got the product range that suits the direction to market is going. Motorcorp is still evaluating the Latitude, which in Europe Latitude replaces the slightly smaller outgoing Laguna.

The car boasts a host of features including sunroof, leather upholstery, electric seats with memory and massage functions, a satnav system with rear view camera, keyless entry, air purifier with freshener, multimedia connection box, Bose sound system, automatic parking brake, rear sunblind and auto headlamps and wipers.

The exciting new sports models are the Megane Renault Sport 250 Cup and Cup Trophee, ultimate derivatives of the RS225.

Renault also made a show of its full-blown racing heritage at Sydney, showing a stunning race-ready V6-powered version of the car.

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Renault Zoe

Lawyer David Koubbi sued Renault on behalf of all of the women in France named Renault Zoe, and in particular two girls (aged two and eight) named Zoe Renault.

Mr Koubbi contended that girls and women named "Renault Zoe" (the 11th most popular given name in France, possessed by an estimated 35,000 French citizens) could face a lifetime of taunts and teasing if Renault was allowed to use the name.

The judge threw out the case, ruling that people named renault Zoe would only have a case if they had proof the car’s name would lead to “certain, direct and current harm”.

It's non for two girls named Zoe Renault; the automaker whose name they share has the right to name its forthcoming electric vehicle the Renault Zoe. A French court dismissed a lawsuit by the parents of the two girls, supported by the French pressure group ADNP — the Association for the Defense of Our First Names — which had claimed that the choice of that model name would be harmful to the 35,000 French women and girls who are named Zoe.

A bizarre legal battle over the name Zoe has been won by Renault. The families of several girls called Zoe Renault took the firm to court in France over its plan to call its new electric car the Zoe. Renault already uses girl’s names for its Clio and Mégane models.

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The Renault Clio V6

The Renault Clio, a run of the mill small hatchback aimed squarely at the mass market. A reliable super mini driven by new drivers, mothers on the school run and old dears popping down to the shops. So what happens when you add an insane body kit, rip out the rear passenger seats and shove a growling 3.0 litre V6 in the back of one these sedate little motors? Well Renault decided to find out in 2001 when they did just that and unleashed the Renault Clio V6 Sport in Europe.

The Clio V6 was superficially based upon the MKII Renault Clio although in reality the two cars share few components. This was quite necessary to transform the standard Clio from a front wheel drive, front engine car typically using a 1.2 or 1.4 litre engine, to a mid engine rear wheel drive hot hatch. The major difference is of course the engine - the 3.0 litre V6 being sourced from the Laguna, Renault's large saloon model, before being heavily tuned to deliver 252bhp.

The most obvious difference to the untrained eye is the Clio V6's looks. You can still see the standard little Clio underneath the body kit if you squint but it's a tough job, the original styling drowning in huge bumpers, air intakes and almost ridiculously wide wheel arches. This is not a subtle car and was not designed to go unnoticed. The design ethos extends to the cars practicality - it's not. With the rear end of the car dominated by the engine, rear passenger seats are gone, the boot is gone, fuel economy is, yes, gone.

Even being as heavily modified as it was, the Clio V6 was not a class leader by any means. Unrefined and very heavy for its humble size, the Clio was little match around a track against the Japanese rivals of the time. And despite the engine, the extra weight meant that much more modest hot hatches could keep up with the Clio V6 in a straight line. Ownership was not a walk in the park either, the Clio V6 having a high price tag, low fuel economy and a high Clio insurance group. This was ultimately beside the point however. In a time of restraint and blandness in the motor industry, the Clio was a breath of fresh air. Quirky, a little bit mad and most importantly - fun.

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Ondelios Flax Car

Ondelios Flax Renault Concept Car, revealed today as a new eco concept car partly made from flax.

The Ondelios is a 6-seater diesel hybrid that Renault says represents the "medium term future" of motoring. It'll be on show at next month's Paris Motor Show. Renault claims the flax bodywork is there for "for greater recyclability." Flax is certainly a renewable resource - unlike oil-based plastic - but I'm sceptical it has great potential for recycling in the car industry.

A more credible eco claim is the use of carbon fibre and polycarbonate in the car's bodywork, which should reduce its weight and fuel consumption (like, say, the Axon).

Renault reckons the car will manage 120g/km CO2, thanks to its aerodynamic design, light body, low resistance tyres and stop-start technology that saves fuel when you stop at lights. 120g would be pretty impressive for a car this size.

The hybrid tech inside is of the 'mild' variety, meaning it'll assist your diesel driving for fuel efficiency. You can't, however, run on 100 per cent electric alone. The lithium-ion battery recharges when you brake, and the car has electric motors front and back.

The Ondelios certainly looks nice for a concept car -- I'm a sucker for roof-hinge doors -- but the eco claims are a tad oversold. It's basically a luxury concept with decent fuel economy and okay performance of 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds.

My favourite 'eco' element is the promise of a Samsung multimedia gaming gadget for every passenger. Maybe Renault didn't notice, but people already one iPhones and PSPs. If a son of the Ondelios ever sees the light of day, let's hope the Samsung gadgets are an optional extra.

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Renault Twingo Gordini RS: It's All About Style - but Nothing Else...

Boasting one of the longest names in the auto biz, the Renault Twingo Gordini RenaultSport marks the revival of the Gordini badge that will soon find its place on all RenaultSport products. Despite the sporty heritage of Gordini, these models will not carry any engine or chassis upgrades with improvements limited to the cars' styling. Now, what's the French word for 'lame'?

The first Gordini product is based on the Renault's pocket-rocket, the Twingo RenaultSport 133 that's powered by a 1.6-liter four-pot with 133 horsepower.

On the outside, the upmarket Gordini is distinguished by the traditional blue metallic finish with two white racing stripes. A closer look reveals that the bumpers are enhanced by gloss black centre sections, while the fog lamp surrounds, exterior door mirror housings and rear tailgate spoiler are trimmed in a contrasting white finish.

A set of 17-inch alloy wheels with a polished face and a choice of the inner rim finished in either blue or black complete the exterior package.

Moving on into the cabin, Renault says that the sport seats are now trimmed in blue and black leather with the same colors making their appearance on the door panel inserts, leather steering wheel and instrument panel.

Furthermore, there's a blue gearlever gaiter and Gordini-badged gearlever knob and a leather trimmed dashboard cowl.

Along with the styling additions, the Renault Twingo Gordini RenaultSport gains extra standard equipment including automatic climate-control, automatic headlamp activation, automatic wiper activation, cruise control, fully disconnectable ESP and an upgraded MP3 audio system.

The first Gordini model will make its physical debut on January 10 at the Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées, with sales set to begin across Europe in March.

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Produce Electric Fluence Sedan at Bursa Plant in Turkey from 2011

Having already confirmed the production versions of the Twizy and Zoe Z.E. electric concept cars, Renault today announced that the third member of its new family of EVs, the all-electric Fluence sedan, which was also presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September, will be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault Bursa plant in Turkey. The French automaker said that it plans to launch the Fluence EV first in Israel and Denmark, followed by other countries, from the first half of 2011.

Evidently, the electric saloon will be based on the recently launched Fluence sedan, but it is unclear if Renault will spice up the looks of the car in the same way it did with the Frankfurt Show concept model.

Renault said that owners of the electric Fluence will have three battery charge options: standard charge, rapid charge and a 'QuickDrop' battery exchange that allows that removal and replacement of the batteries in a mere three minutes.

We don't have any details on the vehicle's specs yet, but it is safe to assume that the production model will be powered by the same 95HP electric motor found in the concept car.

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Renault Car Reveals

Two new entry level rally cars based on the Twingo RS are joining Renault's range of competition cars that also includes the Clio Renaultsport R3 Access and Maxi. Aimed at budget conscious buyers, the Twingo R1 and R2 come in the form of a motorsport kit featuring all the required parts aside from tires. Renault said that customers who buy the kit will be able to purchase a Twingo Renaultsport 133 at a special price.

First up is the Twingo RenaultSport R1, which can participate in all regional, national and international rallies. In essence, the R1 is a production car fitted with some essential safety equipment such as a welded roll cage.

The R1's 133HP 1.6-liter engine and gearbox are identical to the production model though Renault said that an ECU setting giving torque at lower engine speeds will be homologated to improve mid-range performance.

Along with the safety equipment, the Twingo RenaultSport R2 package adds an array of performance upgrades including a more powerful 1.6-liter unit with 160HP at 7,200 rpm and a peak torque of 160Nm at 5,500rpm. The four-cylinder unit is coupled to a five-speed 'dog' sequential gearbox and steering column mounted shift lever while there's also a ZF limited slip differential.

In addition, the Twingo Renaultsport R2 is fitted with bump- and rebound-adjustable shock absorbers, motorsport brake pads and one-piece aluminium wheel rims that are available in 6.5x16" (tarmac) and 6x15" (gravel) sizes and can be fitted with 195/50 R 16 (tarmac) or 195/65 R 15 (gravel) tires.

Inside, the R2 features the same dashboard and central console as on the road car, but comes with two Sabelt Renaultsport seats and harnesses as well as an LED instrumental panel that displays all the necessary information.

Renault said that both kits go on sale in early April, 2010, with the R2 package (not including the price of the car) starting at €27,990 without tax. The French automaker did not release pricing for the basic R1 kit.

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Dacia Reveals

Dacia, or to be precise, its parent company Renault, has released the first photos and technical information on a competition version of the Romanian brand's forthcoming Duster, an affordable 4x4 that will be officially revealed at next year's Geneva Show. Earlier this year, a set of photos depicting the 2010 Duster SUV without a single trace of camouflage, made their way onto the interwebs revealing the 4x4 in all its glory.

It goes without saying that the competition version of Dacia Duster, which was developed by Renault Sport Technologies, and the actual production model have nothing in common other than the exterior silhouette, and the front and rear fascias.

Under its glass-fibre body, the Duster ice-racer features a tubular chassis that houses a mid-rear mounted, 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range, tweaked to develop 350hp at 7,500rpm, and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm. Power is sent to the wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Other highlights of the Duster that weighs in at just 950kg or 2,100 lbs, include the double wishbone suspension arrangement with long-travel dampers and a mechanical four-wheel steering system that links the front and rear wheels, and can be rapidly adjusted to match the characteristics of different circuits.

The Romanian budget brand's competition model will make its debut at France's famous Trophée Andros ice-racing series. Four-time Formula 1 Drivers' Champion Alain Prost will get behind the wheel of the Dacia.

"I am delighted to be driving the Dacia Duster," said Prost. "It is a brand new vehicle, and I am proud to be able to play a part in its promotion to the unusual backdrop of the Trophée Andros. Thanks to the work put in by Renault Sport Technologies, I have every confidence in Dacia Duster's potential and reliability which together point to an extremely exciting season," he concluded.

DACIA DUSTER COMPETITION CAR - TECHNICAL DATA

CHASSIS

Tubular steel chassis
Double wishbone suspension

ENGINE

Renault-Nissan Alliance VQ 30
Position: mid-rear
Six cylinders (V6)
Number of valves: 24
Cubic capacity: 2,987cc
Bore x stroke: 93mm x 73.3mm
Maximum power: 257kW EEC (350hp) at 7,500rpm
Maximum torque: 360Nm EEC at 5,500rpm

TRANSMISSION

Six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox

BRAKES

Front: 260mm-diameter vented steel discs
Rear: 265mm-diameter steel discs.

WHEELS

5.5" x 16" (magnesium)
Tyres: Continental Racing Contact 3

DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT

Length: 4,001mm
Width: 1,900mm
Front/rear track: 1,690mm
Wheelbase: 2,500mm
Weight: 950kg
Fuel tank capacity: 25 liters.

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Renault UK Launches New Entry-Level Version of Laguna Coupe

Just in time for the Christmas season, Renault's UK arm has introduced a new entry-level version of the Laguna Coupe that's priced at £19,995 MRRP. Based on the dCi 150 diesel model, the Laguna Coupe Tom-Tom adds a Carminat TomTom navigation system, automatic parking brake and a satin chrome centre console with Renault claiming that the price represents a saving of over £2,100 compared to the previous entry-level version when equipped to a similar level.

Other standard features include an Arkamys 3D Sound 140W audio system with MP3 CD reader and Bluetooth, 18-inch alloy wheels, eight airbags, automatic lights and wipers, dual zone climate control, electric heated door mirrors, MP3 player connection, rear parking sensors, "Super Fold" rear seat system and xenon headlights.

The new Laguna Coupe Tom-Tom dci150 is available for order now with first deliveries expected in January, 2010.

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Car Pigeot Bike Meets Car in Three-Wheeled Can-Am Spyder

Car Pigeot Design

Ostensibly opening up the pleasures of the motorcycling to would-be riders who, for any or all of a variety of reasons related to fear of falling over, haven't taken the plunge, the slightly odd new Can-Am Spyder promises to keep things upright by putting three wheels on the ground instead of two. The latest offering from Bombardier Recreational Products, the company that gave the world the truly revolutionary Ski-Doo in the late 1950s and the similarly significant Sea-Doo in the 1970s, the Can-Am Spyder merges the drivetrain of a motorcycle with the front end of a sports car to create something, well, different. The look is undeniably novel, and with 106 horsepower from a 998-cc V-twin, it offers performance that, while a far cry from even a low-end sport bike, is still on par with, say, a Porsche 911 (which isn't bad at all). Sixty miles per hour arrives in about 4.5 seconds, and the Spyder will scoot to an electronically limited 110 mph. It's on sale now, priced at $14,999. A manually actuated five-speed sequential transmission is standard; an electronically controlled version will add $1500. Specify yellow paint instead of the standard silver for an extra $300. We love the concept of a motorized trike, although we'd prefer one that came at the idea from more of an automotive perspective, like the spectacular Renault 20Cup concept from a couple of years ago. The Can-Am Spyder is not without its charms, but it seems to us that for five or six grand more, a Mazda MX-5 Miata or a Pontiac Solstice makes vastly more sense — no helmet required.

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Concept Cars The Paris Motor Show

Bizarre City Car

Car Lada Revolution 3

Assystem City Car concept

Solo concept car

It's no newsflash that Russians have money these days, but what remains to be seen is whether rich Ruskies would be willing to spend their flash cash on cars built by the home team, Lada. But the home team may be ready to find out. Behold the Lada Revolution 3, a Russian supercar. Mid-engine, six-speed, rear-drive, low-slung, adjustable wing in back, this thing apparently has it all. Under the rear glass, under a cover that suggests it might be concealing a V-8, beats the heart of a Renault F4R774 2.0-liter four cylinder, making 245 hp, which is supposedly enough to hustle this thing to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 155 mph. Pagani has nothing to worry about. Yet. If you think Russian concepts are weird, try this Hungarian one from the Andros Group. Called iSolo, it's an ultra-light (770-pound), aero-slick (0.22 Cd) three seat electric car that can run on solar energy gathered from the roof panels, plug-in power, or pedal power. That's right, each seat has two pedals that can be pumped to generate electricity. Top speed is said to be 80 mph. A multi-fuel range-extending combustion engine is in the works for a future show. The name of this one almost says it all: Assystem City Car. w's this for a wacky hybrid. Four wheels arrayed in a diamond pattern. The front and rear wheels can turn fully 90 degrees in either direction, allowing the car to pivot about its center, or to drive into a parallel parking space and then pivot into position. Here's where it really gets weird. The front wheel is electrically driven, with the motor and four batteries all mounted on a turntable that includes a control arm and spring/damper for the wheel (the drivetrain is not unsprung, thankfully. The rear wheel is powered by a Honda scooter's 600cc motor, which again is mounted along with a small gas tank, on a turntable. Assystem is an engineering company, working with Franco Sbarro design, that is looking for a licensee to build the bizarre City Car. We wish them luck. Lumeneo Smera. Billed as a 1+1 tandem, this four-wheeled enclosed motorcycle of sorts is powered by electricity, using a 30kW motor and a 10 kW-hour battery good for 150 km (93-mile) range. It rides on four 145/70R-14 tires and can lean 25 degrees in the turns. I wouldn't hold my breath for production ever reaching U.S. shores.

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