Renault has announced the new facelifted version of Kangoo Van. Brand new to the car body of Kangoo Express 2013 includes front, a new bumper, wider and with the “logo” Renault, larger and vertical and at the rear the shape of groups are Optical.
The revised Kangoo has a bolder front-end, with new light clusters and a different grille design but the improvements should also mean lower running costs for fleet operators.
The Renault Kangoo Van ZE features the logo behind the socket of the charger, the batteries need 6 to 9 hours to charge fully through simple household outlet. And also get the pedestrian alert sound system, which operates at speeds up to 30 km/h.
There are also further changes in the shape of the door mirrors. Worth noting is the unusual configuration with three front seats, an option not available for Kangoo ZE Maxi Maxi ZE of 5 seats. Inside the side panels and door panels have changed while maintaining the ability to completely break down the rear seats and provide maximum load capacity.
Press Release
The New Year sees Renault, Europe’s number one van manufacturer; renew its compact van line-up (Kangoo Van was the best-selling model in its class in 2012, with a market share of 17.4 per cent). Significant changes have been made to Kangoo Van, which now features Renault’s new styling identity, following the introduction of a new front bumper. In the cabin, the dashboard has been revised in order to heighten the impression of quality.
Kangoo Van Z.E. is even more clearly identifiable as an electric vehicle. Europe’s leading electric van comes with a new specific front bumper which incorporates the flap for the battery charger behind the bigger, blue-tinted, more vertically-positioned logo.
The new Kangoo line-up features best-in- class engines for fuel efficiency. The dCi 75 and dCi 90 diesel engines are available with Stop&Start.
New equipment includes ESC with Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend, plus, the connected in-dash Renault R-Link multimedia system.
Renault’s range of small vans is made exclusively at the firm’s MCA de Maubeuge plant in France.
Since its launch in 2008, the second-generation Kangoo Van has already found favour with more than 400,000 business customers. Renault’s compact van, which tops the European market, returns in strength this year with the release of a brand new Phase 2 version which covers the entire range, from Kangoo Van, and Kangoo Maxi, to Kangoo Van Z.E. and Kangoo Maxi Z.E. The changes are immediately apparent, including the introduction of a new front end which incorporates the styling cues of Renault’s new design language, with a more prominent, vertically positioned logo. The new design highlights its robustness and modernity. New door mirrors and headlights blend more harmoniously with the vehicle’s overall lines and the cabin, too, benefits from a new design in the form of a superior quality centre console and new steering wheel. New Kangoo Van range The Kangoo Van range offers two wheelbase lengths, three versions of the popular 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine (75, 90 and 110hp) and a choice of two- or five-seat versions of the Kangoo Maxi. The five seat “Crew” version features a rear seat that can be tipped forward to accommodate particularly long loads. Class-leading fuel consumption The latest Kangoo line-up builds on the strengths of its predecessor, especially when it comes it fuel-efficiency. The line-up includes a choice of responsive, yet economical powerplants, two of which return the lowest fuel consumption in their segment. The dCi 75 Stop&Start and dCi 90 Stop&Start engines boast NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 4.3 litres/100km or 65.7mpg (equivalent to 112g/km of CO2). To help drivers reduce their fuel consumption further still, the latest-generation engines available for Kangoo come with a gear shift indicator as standard equipment, as well as an ECO mode that can achieve fuel savings of up to 10 per cent by acting on engine torque, the gear shift indications and accelerator pedal mapping. The result is lower running costs and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) savings, two fundamental considerations for business owners. Costs have been further reduced by longer engine servicing intervals for core versions (every two years or 25,000 miles, instead of every two years or 18,600 miles previously). An impression of quality that expresses New Kangoo’s inherent robustness During the development of New Kangoo Van, significant attention was paid to improving the impression of quality. A thorough review process lasting several months was implemented with a view to identifying those areas which permit the van’s strength to be instantly recognisable. The areas to benefit from attention include:
Spot weld finishes,
Crimping quality of door panels (cleaner, more consistent finish),
Innovative equipment: Renault R-Link, ESC with Hill Start Assist and Grip Xtend New Kangoo Van benefits from a connected multimedia system thanks to the introduction of R-Link (optional, or standard equipment for ‘Sport’ versions). This system incorporates the in-dash TomTom® LIVE navigation previously available for Phase 1 Kangoo, plus numerous new functions, such as advance warning of hazardous zones and the ability to download applications like the reading out of e-mails. The range of radios has evolved, too, with a choice of three solutions. All radios come with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, while the next level up is equipped with a CD player. The premium radio integrates with the Renault R-Link system. Also available is new-generation ESC combined with Hill Start Assist, plus Grip for improved traction in difficult conditions. It goes without saying that New Kangoo Van continues to be available with the many innovations that have forged its reputation, including the sliding rear roof flap. New Kangoo: made exclusively at Renault’s Maubeuge plant All New Kangoos will be made exclusively at Renault’s MCA de Maubeuge facilities in France. This factory is notably acclaimed for its ability to cover a wide range of vehicles and options (63 versions of Kangoo[1], 21 engines/motors, the Mercedes Citan, 200 colours), as well as for its uncompromising quality inspection procedures. The factory has made more than 4.9 million vehicles since 1971, including almost three million small vans and ludospace derivatives. The Maubeuge plant also houses a Renault Tech facility. Kangoo Vans can consequently be converted on site as they come off the line, allowing business customers to take delivery of quality, tailor-built vehicles directly. A more assertive ‘electric’ look for Kangoo Van Z.E., Europe’s number one compact electric van Like the whole Kangoo Van range, New Kangoo Van Z.E. comes with a new front end which features the brand’s latest styling identity. The differences between the electric and internal combustion-engined versions have been accentuated. New Kangoo Van Z.E. comes with a blue-tinted logo, for instance, and blue rear light trim extensions, as well as new black headlight masks. The socket for New Kangoo Van Z.E.’s battery charger is now located behind the logo, at the front. By plugging in the cable provided, owners can benefit from a complete charge in between six and nine hours using a Wall Box at their home or at a roadside charging station. Another specific feature is the Z.E. Voice function which emits a sound to warn pedestrians of the vehicle’s approach. This system is activated at speeds of between 1 and 19mph (no sound at a standstill). Meanwhile, in order to benefit from off-peak electricity rates, owners can programme the charging of New Kangoo Van Z.E.’s battery remotely using their computer or smartphone thanks to the ‘My Z.E. inter@ctive’ pack. Unanimously acclaimed by the media, New Kangoo Van Z.E. has secured a long list of awards – including “International Van of the Year 2011”. It has also been endorsed by its early customers who have been swift to praise its driveability and battery charging capacity. The model stands out as Europe’s best-selling electric LCV with almost 7,000 vehicles sold to date, including 4,000 in France.
French carmaker Renault plans to extend the life of its fourth generation Espace MPV for at least a year or so with a minor update that brings its front-end styling in line with the rest of the brand while also improving the 7-seater model's environmental and fuel economy credentials.
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.
Under the hood, two different engines are available. The 2.0-liter dCi has outputs of 130 PS (96 kW / 128 hp), 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp) and 175 PS (129 kW / 173 hp). When connected to a manual transmission, the engine averages 5.7 L/100km (41.3 mpg US / 49.6 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 150 g/km. With the automatic gearbox, the figures drop to 6.4 L/100km (36.8 mpg US / 44.1 mpg UK) and 169 g/km.
Inside, the luxury Initiale Paris version has been updated with visible stitching for the dashboard and new leather and Alcantara upholstery for the rest of the cabin.
Press Release
New Renault Espace: continuing to define luxury...
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.
Renault announced that will release a special limited edition Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7.
According to the car manufacturer, the Renault Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7 is coming with a Profond Black exterior and Sirius Yellow accents, Red Bull badging, checkered roof and 18-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone RE050A tires. The car is powered by the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 203-hp and 215 Nm of torque, enough to accelerate the small “monster” from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 140 mph.
On the inside the car received a pair or yellow fabric Recaro bucket seats, an RS badged gear lever knob, a personalised numbered plaque, an audio connection box and an RS Monitor which displays performance related data such as 0 to 100 Km/h times and other information aimed at fine-tuning driving styles - in real time.
The new Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 was built as a tribute to Renault Sport Technologies and Renault Sport F1, and will be offered in limited edition to just five European countries. It will be priced at €27,900 (about $36,600 at the current exchange rates).
Press Release
Renault Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7: quintessentially sporty
To celebrate its Formula 1 Constructors' world crown with Red Bull Racing in 2011, Renault Sport has released a limited edition version of Clio R.S.: Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7...
A vehicle dedicated to performance (Cup chassis, 18-inch black Interlagos wheels, R.S. Monitor, etc.), with forceful looks
Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 will be marketed in five countries: France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria. Order books open on March 14 in France where the car's tax-paid price will be €27,900
"Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 is a hot hatch combining stunning looks with the very latest features to have been developed by the wizards at Renault Sport Technologies," enthuses Jean-Maxime Boulanger, Clio Renault Sport Product Manager. "Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 is a dynamic car which will definitely turn heads. It is a tribute to the very close ties that exist between Renault Sport Technologies and Renault Sport F1!"
A powerful design and cutting-edge technologies Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7, the latest limited-edition version of Clio R.S., capitalises on the basic model's acclaimed strengths, something which is sure not to escape sporting car and motorsport enthusiasts. Its 18-inch black Interlagos wheels are equipped with Bridgestone RE050A tyres, the same as those fitted to Mégane R.S. Trophy which established a new lap record round the Nürburgring's Nordschleife in June 2011. Its Profond Black body colour provides a striking contrast with its Sirius Yellow F1-style blade, door mirror housings and diffuser. Meanwhile, its two-litre 203-horsepower engine has been carefully tuned to deliver more than 100hp per litre! These sporty credentials are echoed by the Renault Sport chequered-pattern roof decal which combines with the Red Bull Racing badging on the doors. These exterior features merely serve to highlight Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7's extreme, powerful stance.
High-end sporty interior appointments Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7's excellence and aggressive, sporty looks are mirrored by an interior equipment package to match. The list includes automatic climate control, automatic headlight activation, a hands-free card, yellow fabric Recaro bucket seats, a Renault Sport-badged gear lever knob, a personalised numbered plaque and an audio connection box. It also features R.S. Monitor, an electronic on-board driving coach which displays performance-related data - such as 0-100kph times and other information aimed at fine-tuning driving styles - in real time. Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7's exceptional equipment specification is sure to find favour with owners who have a taste for technology and sporty performance. The car eloquently showcases the transfer of skills between Renault's expertise in Formula 1 (Red Bull Racing, Lotus F1 Team, Caterham F1 Team and Williams F1 Team will all benefit from Renault power in 2012) and the brand's road cars. Clio R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 badge is the first limited edition in a series which go on to include Twingo R.S. and Mégane R.S.
Clio R.S. background information Since its launch in the second half of 2006, Clio R.S. has been made in Dieppe, France, and is today marketed on four continents: Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. It was developed by Renault Sport Technologies and has always sought to stand out as a benchmark in hot hatch comparison tests. It is this approach which has led Clio R.S. to be fine-tuned over time thanks to a number of improvements, including the introduction of revised styling in 2009. Its career has been buoyed by the release on all its markets of bespoke limited editions versions like Clio R.S. Ange & Démon, R.S. 20th Anniversaire and the emblematic Gordini R.S.
Renault has releases the 2012 Koleos Bose special edition. According to the carmaker, the Renault Koleos Bose Special Edition, is coming with Bose side badging, aluminum colored door mirror housings, Bose sound system with seven loud speakers and a subwoofer, CD player with MP3 playback, a 60/40 split rear bench seat without the Easy Estate system, the Bose badge aluminum sills and some visible grey stitching.
Interior styling - 60/40-split rear bench seat without “Easy Estate” system(- “Bose”-badged aluminium sills(- Specific Black Lacquer interior trim details(- Mixed black fabric upholstery with visible grey stitching
Power comes from a 2.0-liter dCi diesel engine with 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It can be paired to a six-speed manual with front-wheel drive or six-speed manual with all-wheel drive or six-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.
Prices for New Renault Koleos Bose® Edition start from €29,400 in France. Order books open in January 2012.
Press Release
Koleos takes front stage once again with the release of a new 'Bose® Edition' version
Early 2012 will see the New Renault Koleos range extended with the introduction of a limited edition Bose® Edition version.
In addition to a Bose® audio system that has been tailor-engineered to match the properties of Koleos' cabin, the new version will feature specific exterior styling and interior appointments.
The Bose® Edition version of the Phase 1 Koleos proved extremely successful, accounting for almost 30 percent of the model's sales in 2011 across Europe.
Prices for New Renault Koleos Bose® Edition start from €29,400 in France. Order books open in January 2012.
Available in some 20 countries worldwide, the initial Bose® Edition limited edition version of the model accounted for almost 30 percent of Phase 1 Koleos' sales across Europe in 2011. This popularity did not only concern Koleos, however, since Mégane and Laguna have both also benefited from the innovative partnership Renault enjoys with Bose®.
To build on this success, this limited edition has been carried over to New Renault Koleos and is poised to appear in Renault's French showrooms next March. Its return is seen as an opportunity to pursue the positive dynamic which followed the launch of New Koleos in September.
New Renault Koleos Bose® Edition is positioned as an attractive core-range version, which combines the refined listening pleasure delivered by Bose® Premium sound, with modern, distinctive styling. Based on the Carminat equipment level, it is powered by the reliable and highly efficient 2.0 dCi 150 engine which can be mated to one of three types of transmission: six-speed manual/front-wheel drive, six-speed manual/4x4 or six-speed automatic/4x4.
Koleos Bose® Edition's appeal has been further enhanced thanks to the incorporation of a number of specific styling details, including:
- aluminium-coloured door mirror housings, - extra-tinted rear glass, - coloured 17-inch alloy wheels, - and Black Lacquer interior trim details, plus mixed black fabric upholstery.
imited edition Koleos Bose® Edition = Carminat equipment level, plus: (for a description of the Carminat equipment level, see the 'French Range' press release dated July 5, 2011)
Exterior styling
- "Bose" side badging - Aluminium-coloured door mirror housings - Extra-tinted rear glass
Equipment
- Bose® Sound System with seven loudspeakers and woofer, CD player with MP3 playback - Plug&Music digital connectivity (USB + jack)
Interior styling
- 60/40-split rear bench seat without "Easy Estate" system - "Bose"-badged aluminium sills - Specific Black Lacquer interior trim details - Mixed black fabric upholstery with visible grey stitching
Chief options available for the limited edition Koleos Bose® Edition
- 18-inch "Australe" aluminium alloy wheels: €500 - European mapping for Carminat TomTom navigation: €120
Available body colours
Glacier White / Perle White / Mars Grey / Minéral Beige / Metallic Black
Unveiled at the Rock En Seine music festival, Renault and Gibson collaborate to create a one-off special based on the Renault Wind Gordini. Some otakus are familiar because this is the brand of the guitar Yui Hirasawa used on K-ON (take note, the Gibson Les Paul).
Wind ‘Gordini by Gibson’ features a blue livery with two white stripes, yet the colours and materials it employs also explore one or two other ideas.
The Wind Gordini by Gibson’s interior is a little more original. Six real guitar strings are hand-stitched into each leather seat back and the radio knobs are replaced with Gibson guitar knobs. The Gibson logo is proudly featured on the leather-upholstered dashboard and on the seat backs, just above the Gordini logo. There are other minor changes like chrome air vents, chrome door handles and white seat belts.
Press Release
Renault Gordini and Gibson in tune with a special show car and guitar at the Rock En Seine Festival
To mark its second year at the Rock En Seine music festival, near Paris, France, Gordini has teamed up with Gibson to produce a one-off show car and an equally unique 'Gordini by Gibson' electric guitar. Gates open at 2:30pm on August 26, 2011.
- The leather seats of the Renault Wind-based 'Gordini by Gibson' show car incorporate real guitar strings, in addition to a host of other rocking details.
- Gibson's iconic SG model from 1961 has been treated to a stunning makeover featuring the familiar Gordini blue with white stripes.
Gordini and Gibson: a shared passion for innovation
There will be plenty to please the ears and eyes of Parisian festival goers this weekend thanks to a display comprising the one-off Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' show car plus five striking Gibson SG '61 guitars in Gordini colours. The early 1960s saw Gordini and Gibson both revolutionise their respective worlds with the introduction of a sporting version of the Renault 8 for the former and the release of the SG electric guitar in the case of Gibson. The two brands have long been reputed for the accent they place on innovation and their open-minded approach to the future is founded on the same sense of freedom. The fact that Gibson and Gordini have joined forces for this project could but inspire Renault's designers...
"We had tremendous fun designing the Wind-based 'Gordini by Gibson' show car and carrying Gordini's visual identity over to the Gibson SG '61 guitar," says Julia Macfarlane, colours and materials designer at Renault. "I hope that we succeed in conveying the passion that fired us throughout the project and that visitors to the Rock en Seine festival will like the result."
Guitar strings for the Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' show car's leather seats
Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' is a two-part harmony based on the two brands' respective styling cues. Unsurprisingly, Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' features a blue livery with two white stripes, yet the colours and materials it employs also explore one or two other ideas. In addition to the two hallmark white stripes which extend over the bonnet and blue roof, hints of gloss black feature across the bodywork, while Gibson logos are visible on the doors. An original attraction of the show car's blue and white leather upholstery is the incorporation of genuine guitar strings which have been hand-sewn into the leather seats. Meanwhile, embroidered Gibson logos feature on the seat backs and blue leather-trimmed dashboard, while the seat belt straps are white and chrome has been used for the air vents and door handles. Last but not least, the guitar potentiometer knob used for the audio system's volume control adds a 'fun' touch to the intrinsically switched-on and off-beat Wind 'Gordini by Gibson' show car.
Gordini treatment for the SG '61 electric guitar
The guitar selected by Gibson to fly Gordini's colours is a reissue of the original 1961 SG, a radical electric guitar in its day which went on to make its own contribution to the Gibson legend. The striking graphics formed by the Gordini blue and two white stripes lend themselves perfectly to a variety of schemes, as illustrated by the special Gordini SG '61's blue solid body and two white stripes, plus a Gordini logo on the headstock which tops its ebony neck. As they play this magnificent object, those festival goers who take part in the Gordini guitar solo competition will get a chance to sample the model's timeless looks, playability and technical strengths. Contestants also stand a chance to win one these fine guitars as a function of the number of votes they receive on the web for their playing.
Renault has unveiled the Frendzy concept,which is meant to be a commercial business vehicle which can double as a comfortable passenger car. It brings the “Office on Wheels” by adding the BlackBerry PlayBook into the dash.
The Frendzy concept is a just under 14 feet in length and features a whole host of technology worthy of any concept car, including the ability to fully integrate with BlackBerry’s latest tablet, the PlayBook. Power for the Frendzy concept is provided by an electric motor producing 40kW of power and 226Nm of torque. Top speed for the concept is listed at 130km/h.
Inside, the driver’s cockpit looks like a futuristic work bench made of molten metal and the same design is adopted for the rear right door panel.
Press Release
RENAULT unveils ‘FRENDZY' concept ahead of Frankfurt motor show 2011 WORLD DEBUT
Ahead of the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, Renault has revealed details of its latest concept vehicle, FRENDZY.
After the notion of ‘love at first sight' expressed by DeZir, discovering the world with Captur and starting a family with R-Space, FRENDZY presents the world of work. It is the fourth step in Renault's design strategy, based on the different stages of the human life cycle.
The latest concept to be produced under the leadership of Laurens van den Acker is the perfect multi-talented vehicle. As a commercial business vehicle which can double up perfectly as a comfortable car, it meets the requirements of business users on the one hand and those of families on the other.
Fully electric, asymmetrically body compact vehicle, with series of clever innovations: BlackBerry® PlayBookTM controls 37-inch digital screen on sliding rear door, unique ‘sound signatures' inside and out, fabric roof adapts to shape of bulky objects, magnetic fixings allow loads to be secured to floor, slate board in rear cabin for children to sketch on, touch-sensitive pad slides out from driver's seat for rear passenger movie watching or gaming, two colour ambient lighting settings to differentiate family and work time
Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Design Renault: "FRENDZY is the fourth vehicle to illustrate Renault's new design strategy, a series which started with DeZir. It takes an original and innovative stance on the world of light commercial vehicles - a key part of Renault's activities".
FRENDZY, a multi-faceted friend Renault's latest concept car has a dual personality. These days, professional and personal lives are so interwoven that drivers constantly find themselves swapping from one world to the other. The role of FRENDZY is to be a partner that takes the strain out of this busy lifestyle.
Axel Breun, Design Director, Concept and Show Cars: "FRENDZY is the must-have vehicle for flexibility and versatility. It is efficient and modern as a work tool, yet sporting and warmly welcoming for the family".
On the outside...
On the passenger's side, there's no glazing or centre pillar, just one conventional door and one sliding side door which incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. This is the world of work. The driver's side, complete with side windows, still no centre pillar, but with centre opening doors, represents the world of the family. Ease of loading and ease of entry go without saying in both worlds.
Exterior designer, Deyan Denkov: "The concept of an asymmetric body design was the most logical way to express this vehicle's two roles. From the very start, I wanted to move away from the traditional format for commercial vehicles and, in doing so, show that this type of vehicle could also be more emotional, more dynamic and more attractive. I took inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including unconventionally shaped aircraft such as the Airbus Beluga and the Antonov 224."
On weekdays, FRENDZY is a vehicle that adapts to the requirements of the business user, with a large external screen that can display useful messages or information (such as "making deliveries" or "back in five minutes", the battery-charging method or the remaining charge) or advertising messages, either whilst parked or on the move. Come the weekend, the vehicle transforms itself into a family vehicle, with a comfortable passenger seat and, in the rear, a big bench seat. Depending on their mood of the moment, children can watch a film or play games on the touch-sensitive pad which slides out from the back of the driver's seat. They can even draw on a special blackboard-style slate integrated into the sliding door.
The driver, likewise, can adapt the vehicle to his or her needs. In ‘work' mode, the rear-view mirrors sit upright and the interior lighting is green; in ‘family' mode, the mirrors swivel round to the horizontal position and the interior is bathed in a radiant orange ambience. Coloured repeater lights in the headlights and tail lights provide an external indication of the mode in which FRENDZY is operating.
With FRENDZY, Renault, Europe's light commercial vehicles market leader for the past 13 years, is once again able to showcase the practicality, modularity and versatility already proven by the Kangoo, Trafic and Master on our roads today.
On the inside...
The driver's side cockpit is designed around the theme of a futuristic ‘work bench' featuring a structure which appears to be made from molten metal. Green light emanating from the dashboard brings this smooth and organic architecture to life. These lights signify the ‘work' mode and tie in with the colour displayed on the exterior of the vehicle. In the ‘family' mode, the atmosphere becomes warmer as the green lights turn orange - a subtle reference to the colour of the previous concept car, the family-oriented R-Space.
Dominant throughout is the sense that the interior forms a cosy cabin which echoes the simple, yet practical, world of camping, and this is further reflected by extensive use of wood. Indeed, as much a symbol of warmth as it is of strength and timelessness, wood forms a link between the two modes. The leather latticework seats and removable accessories also refer to the camping metaphor.
Antoine Génin, Design Director, Interior and Colour/Materials: "Our research into materials centred on the area where the technology of industry meets the cosy softness of the family nest. This modern combination of wood and metal picks up on Renault's strategic design values of simplicity, sensuousness and warmth."
On a practical level, the fabric roof adapts itself to the shape of bulky objects, magnetic fixings allow the load to be secured to the floor, and modular stowage systems are a practical bonus for business users. The single-piece rear seat is integrated into the floor, while the front seat folds forward in order to free up space. Thanks to its practical, modular interior, FRENDZY lends itself perfectly to the requirements of business users and tradespeople.
Interior designer Ana Zadnik explains: "The interior of the vehicle reflects its double identity: on the one hand, it provides a roomy, uncluttered cargo carrying space and, on the other hand, a space that's fun and interactive and which seats up to four people. The organic volumes of the dashboard and rear door panels are extruded by strikingly shaped "nozzles", which become "receptors" for accessories, which can be plugged directly into the dashboard and door panels."
An innovative office on wheels The user-friendly layout of the driver's environment and tablet turn FRENDZY into a truly interactive and communicative tool. The BlackBerry® PlayBookTM tablet recently launched by Research In Motion (RIM), plugged into the dashboard, has enabled the concept of an office on wheels to become reality. BlackBerry PlayBook is ultra-portable (seven-inch touchscreen, 425g in weight, measuring 130mm x 194mm x 10mm), yet it delivers advanced performance, uncompromised web browsing with support for Adobe® Flash®, HD multimedia, advanced security features and out-of-the-box enterprise support.
BlackBerry PlayBook can allow users to benefit from an effective workplace and unrestricted mobility while on the go. This makes it particularly well suited to neighbourhood deliveries and local craftsmen, for whom it is a genuine work tool, both inside and outside of the vehicle.
The tablet connects directly into the centre console, ensuring perfect convenience of operation once on the move. As soon as it is plugged in, it becomes an integral element of the vehicle and configures itself into the Renault environment. Continuity of work is assured once the device is removed, and it can of course be used for all of the renowned BlackBerry PlayBook tablet features.
The device has an important role to play, too, in the customisation of the vehicle as it controls the exterior screen while the vehicle is in motion and when parked, for business as well as for personal uses - pictograms illustrating life with electric vehicles, or the viewing of a film, for example.
Sensors located on each door sill log the loading or unloading of packages equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) chips containing key information such as destination address, weight and dimensions. This gives users a real-time inventory of the goods being carried in their vehicle. In addition, tradesmen can automatically calculate or re-calculate their itineraries on the basis of this information.
FRENDZY - a commercial vehicle that's also electric Like DeZir, which was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, FRENDZY is an electric vehicle. Its powertrain is the same as that of Kangoo Van Z.E., although the charging point - located under the Renault logo at the front of the vehicle - is identical to that shown on ZOE Preview.
The chief new feature of FRENDZY as an electric vehicle is the extensive work that has gone into the sounds it produces. This work was carried out in conjunction with IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique / Musique). Electric vehicles are silent, so one of the big challenges facing Renault is customising the sound they produce for safety reasons, notably at slow speeds.
The collaboration between Renault and IRCAM began with the creation of a sporty sound for DeZir which conveys the driving enjoyment associated with the car. In the case of FRENDZY, the aim was to produce a custom sound which corresponds with the new concept car's calling as an "office on wheels".
FRENDZY's dual personality prompted Renault and IRCAM to develop a broad range of sounds. The programme has led to a variety of sounds that are emitted both inside and outside of the vehicle to ensure that everyone can tell whether it is in business or passenger car mode, thanks simply to its sound signature.
More impressive still, it is possible to distinguish the passenger side (the world of work) from the driver's side (the world of the family) merely by the sound produced by FRENDZY.
The life of the vehicle and its functions as a mobile office are highlighted by a diversity of sounds composed by Andrea Cera using IRCAM's Modalys software. As he says himself: "Exploring the most informative sounds possible led me to work on variations in speed in order to express them in a clear manner. When accelerating hard, the sound becomes sharper, with a little wind noise. For deceleration phases, I added a more prominent notion of wind which provides greater scope for adapting the sound as a function of how the vehicle is being employed."
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