Renault Megane Coupe: winged concept set to fly
Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 by admin
The radical, ‘dragonfly’-doored Megane Coupe Concept gives a glimpse into the future of Renault. By TOBY HAGON in Switzerland.
2008 Renault Megane Coupe concept
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Renault has given a radical tease of an upcoming production car with the Megane Coupe Concept revealed at the 2008 Geneva motor show.
With butterfly-style doors that lift up and a sleek shape dominated by angular headlights and a big Renault badge on the bonnet, the Megane Coupe Concept was one of the few cars to really stand out visually at this year’s show.
The unique doors are the key styling standout on the Megane Coupe Concept. As they open upwards each door splits into two elements in what Renault describes as being like “dragonfly wings”.
Renault says the Megane Coupe Concept “foreshadows a compact production coupe to be released at a later date”.
Specifically, the Concept hints at a production coupe version of the car maker’s Megane small car, which could be unveiled towards the end of 2008.
“This show car emphatically showcases the evolution of Renault design,” says Patrick Le Quemont, Renault senior vice president, corporate design. “Its squatter proportions and powerful, energetic styling talk directly to the driver’s senses. The spectacular, unprecedented door-opening kinematics add that little touch of magic which contributes to the dream factor associated with the automobile.”
The Renault concept extensively uses more efficient, longer lasting LED lights, from the front lights and fog lights to the rear of the vehicle.
Inside, each seat is thin and minimalistic but in keeping with the futuristic flavour.
There’s an analogue speedo coupled with a digital one, so that all tastes are catered for.
Technology is also abundant inside, incorporating Bluetooth phone connection, rear-vision cameras and rear TV screens that double as individual MP3 players. Instead of a key the Megane Coupe Concept is locked and unlocked with a mobile phone.
Under the bonnet is a 147kW, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and is capable of launching the Coupe to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
source:smh