Renault
2011 Renault Laguna – initial images released
Pictured above is the 2011 Renault Laguna which will be officially launched at this month’s Paris Motor Show. We have initial images of the refreshed Laguna to share with you and they depict both the lift-back and Sports Tourer models. The images suggest that the 2011 Laguna is treated to a new front fascia.
It is made up by new headlights as well as a different bumper with a revised grille. Updates have also been carried out under the hood. The new model will offer a cleaner 110hp 1.5 liter dCi diesel unit which outputs 120 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer. Also in the list is the company’s 4Control all wheel steering system which will be available with the 130hp and 150hp dCi engines.
The third generation Laguna was introduced into the market in 2007 following a launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It sits on Renault-Nissan’s D-platform which underpins the Nissan Altima and the Murano. It is sold as a 5-door lift-back, an estate (Sports Tourer) and a 3-door coupe.
Continue reading to view high-res images of the 2011 Renault Laguna. Read the rest of this entry.
Official photo of 2012 Renault Clio 4 leaked?
This is apparently a leaked image depicting the fourth generation Renault Clio. The text on the leaked image indicate that the new Clio’s designation is added with a number ’4′, which should mean that it is a fourth generation model. The image was picked up by Autoblog.fr but the website wasn’t sure about the image’s authenticity. Couple of months ago in April we published a story containing two leaked images of the new Clio, also not fully substantiated.
Those image depict a model that is not finished, it could have been just clay model. This time around the leaked image is consistent but adds on more accessories such as door handles and headlights. The new Clio is expected to be powered by the same 3-cylinder gasoline engine used in the Nissan Mirca. It is unknown when Renault will unveil the new Clio however a prototype could be shown in Paris.
Renault unveils Samsung SM5-based Latitude sedan
This is Renault’s latest offering called the Latitude sedan. It looks very familiar because it is heavily based on the latest generation Renault-Samsung SM5 which recently went on sale in Korea. The sedan goes on to replace the odd-looking Renault Vel Satis.
It sits on the Laguna III platform and measures 4,890mm long, 1,830 mm wide and 1,490 mm high. You will walk home with features like bi-Xenon adaptive directional headlamps, triple-zone air conditioning, fragrance diffuser air conditioning, driver’s seat with massage functions, premium audio from Bose and more. This helps give the Latitude a more premium feel although ultimately it sits below the Laguna.
This 4-door sedan is scheduled for its debut launch at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show happening in August, before making a presence at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Renault also said that the Latitude will go on sale in markets including Russia, Asia, Africa, Turkey, Gulf, Australia and Mexico by autumn this year. Europeans will get it shortly after.
The company has yet to release more information pertaining to its options and drivetrains. We don’t have images of the interior as well. Overall just like the SM5 its a looker. Very sleek and slightly betters the SM5. An image gallery can be found after the jump. You can compare the Latitude with the SM5 as well. Read the rest of this entry.
Nissan places bid to acquire Ssangyong
It was revealed recently that Nissan has placed a bid to acquire Korean auto maker Ssangyong which entered bankruptcy protection in February 2009. Nissan is leading Renault, the company that holds the biggest share in the Japanase brand into the potential acquisition. Apparently up to seven parties have expressed interest in Ssangyong and one would need to fork out 700 billion won or US$572 million to purchase a controlling stake in the company.
Companies that are part of the seven include India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Ruia Group who are owners of Dunlop India and Korean aluminium manufacturer SM Group. Having Ssangyong in Renault-Nissan’s umbrella would help Renault’s Korean unit Renault Samsung Motors achieve more capacity in the country while Nissan can begin manufacturing its cars there.
Ssangyong will short list the bidders for an auction by June 4th and the candidates are expected to submit binding bids by July 20th. More will be revealed soon, stay tuned!
Collaboration agreement reached between Daimler and Renault-Nissan
Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Aliance have sealed a collaboration agreement which will see both entities perform platform and drivetrain sharing. Both companies now have 3.1% stakes in each other. The agreement will affect Mercedes, Smart, Nissan, Renault as well as Infiniti brands but both companies assured that the collaboration will not affect their brand identities.
The partnership will enable the companies to save billions of Euros per annum. The collaboration has given birth to Project Edison. Via this program, a platform will be created to underpin the next generation Smart Fortwo, Forfour and Renault’s Twingo. Apparently these models will feature a rear-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration. These models are expected to be launched from 2013 onwards.
It was also said that Smart’s plant in France will output the fortwo while Renault’s plant in Slovenia will manufacture the forfour. The program will also include the development of an electric powertrain based on the Smart ED. New 3 and 4-cylinder powerplants will be introduced as well. These engines should range between 1.2 to 1.8 liters.
Other efforts will include the supply of Daimler’s current diesel and petrol engines (V6 and V8 units) to Infiniti as well as the development of light van projects where Renault-Nissan will supply diesel engine and transmission technology for Mercedes’ Vito.
New Renault Megane CC revealed: Goes on sale in spring!
Renault has officially revealed the new Coupe Cabriolet version of the Megane following the release of a teaser image not too long ago. On the outside, the Megane CC which goes on sale spring this year notably features a large glass roof which is finished in high-gloss black. The two-part glass roof is fully automatic and takes 21 seconds to be folded down. Renault also revealed that the roof “guarantees outstanding acoustic and thermal comfort, as well as the reassurance of greater protection from vandalism”.
The CC is also fitted with a fixed glass wind deflector which is positioned behind the back seat headrests. This allows the occupants to enjoy draft-free driving at speeds of up to 90 km/h. Inside, the Megane CC which measures 4,485 mm in length has memory front seats, height-adjustable steering wheel, boot with automatic closing and with a capacity of 417 liters with the roof up (211 liters otherwise) and so on.
The Megane CC is available with a total of six engine options, half from the petrol family and half from the diesel front. Petrol units include a 110hp 1.6 liter, 130hp turbo-charged TCe as well as a 2.0 liter powerplant that is good for 140hp. The first two engines are available with the a 6-speed manual while the 2.0 liter is equipped with a CVT.
The diesel family is made up by a 110hp dCi, a 130hp dCi and a 160hp dCi. The first engine can either be mated to a 6-speed manual or to a 6-speed EDC which is a dual-clutch tranny. The rest are paired with a 6-speed manual.
The Megane CC also features hands-free starting, directional bi-xenon headlights, daytime running lights and more. Potential buyers can also opt for, among others, a tire monitoring system and automatic windscreen wipers. The Renault Megance Coupe-Cabriolet will be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show happening next month. Pricing wise, expect it to be priced at about 20,000 Euros. Check out an image gallery after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Renault reveals the Wind roadster, to premier in Geneva
Renault has released official photos of its new product called the Wind. As you can see from the image above its a two-seater roadster. It measures 3.83 meters long (longer than the Twingo by about 230 mm) and has an electric roof that takes 12 seconds to open up.
Thanks to a not-so-conventional roof mechanism that uses a central pivot, the Wind can still offer up to 270 liters of space even when the roof is both up or down. This is a big accomplishment considering its 40 liters more than the space offered by the Twingo hatch.
Two engine options are expected to be made available following its official launch at the Geneva Motor Show next month, including a 100hp 1.2 liter as well as a 133hp 1.6 liter unit. More information will be released once the Wind hits the stand at the motor show, meanwhile you can feast on a high-res image gallery after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
