11 Sep 07
The new Laguna hatchback goes on sale imminently, the Sport Tourer estate follows shortly - and then comes the two-door Coupe, a rival for the Peugeot 407 Coupe previewed by this 2+2 'grand tourer' concept car.
The Coupe concept features a six-speed Proactive automatic gearbox and an all-new 3.0-litre V6 dCi diesel engine that delivers up to 265bhp and 406lb ft of torque; this is both 'high-performance and refined', says Renault, and sets 'a new standard in terms of acoustic comfort.' Acceleration 0-60mph in seven seconds is promised; the engine will also be offered in 230bhp/332lb ft form.
It's clean, too, with a nitrogen oxide processing system and particulate filter enabling it to meet both the upcoming Euro 6 emissions standards and stringent US legislation on diesel engines, though carbon dioxide emissions only just come in under the 200g/km mark. Renault is also showcasing its new Active Drive chassis in the Coupe concept: an active four-wheel-steering system that will be offered in the Laguna range shortly.
Renault says that this Coupe has been inspired by the earlier Fluence concept, though it does look larger and, as a nearer-production proposal, considerably more conventional. It's 4685mm long with a lengthy bonnet but very short rear overhang, a wide aluminium grille, wraparound LED headlamps (as in last year's Nepta concept) and 20-inch aluminium wheels.
The frameless, scissor-opening doors won't make it to the production version, however - they're just there to attract attention, and to open wide to reveal the show car's cabin. This is a 'more exclusive' development of the mainstream Laguna, with a full-width strip of air conditioning vents, wide jet-plane-type display screen and full navigation, Bose ten-speaker audio, multimedia, video and Bluetooth kit. The screen can also display 'ambient images inspired by the science of light therapy', whatever these might be. The dash is finished off with matt aluminium trim, with grey faux-leather for its top, the central tunnel, roof and lower door panels, and real leather for the seats, door pillars, armrest and top of the instrument cluster, with copper-coloured stitching and copper metallic highlights. The floor has a protective metal mesh covering.
The front seats are asymmetrical, with swivelling backrests and sliding seat cushions allowing for easy access into the rear where there are two separate, sculpted seats. It looks plenty roomy and comfortable enough: we await confirmation that this Coupe has been given the green light for production.
Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage
