UNDER STRICT EMBARGO: 07:30 10,317 WORDS
TUESDAY 2ND MARCH 2010
RENAULT AT GENEVA 2010: FUN IS BACK ON THE MENU
As a champion and pioneer of the principle of sustainable mobility for all, Renault sees the automobile as a means for mankind to progress. In keeping with this ambition, the brand sees the Geneva Motor Show as a chance to revive the tradition of affordable cars that place the emphasis on motoring enjoyment thanks to a combination of exciting styling, performance and innovation.
At Geneva, Renault premieres two new convertible models: New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet and Wind.
The former is the Renault’s fourth consecutive C-segment cabriolet. Its arresting looks combine the elegance of a coupé with the promise of the pleasure that goes hand-in-hand with open-top motoring. Meanwhile, Wind gives a completely new take in the world of compact roadsters. It is an inventive, fun-to-drive coupé-roadster that lends itself perfectly to everyday motoring.
The addition of GT and GT Line versions to the Mégane line-up provides the model's range with even racier, more distinctive appeal thanks to a mix of striking looks and a sporty interior, combined with a carefully-tuned chassis and a range of responsive powerplants.
Another exciting development is the extension of the Gordini 'French Touch' treatment to Clio. The smart blue livery and famous white racing stripes are now available for two Renault hot hatches, namely Twingo Gordini 133 and Clio Gordini 200.
DRIVE THE CHANGE: THE MOBILITY OF TOMORROW BEGINS TODAY
Renault has stepped up its effort on the environmental front and chosen the Geneva Motor Show to provide hard evidence of the progress achieved by its Renault eco² programme. The brand's new baseline, Drive the Change, refers notably to its ongoing bid to reduce the ecological footprint of Renault vehicles throughout their lifecycle (production, on-road use and end-of-life).
Renault's approach is illustrated by the brand's determination to market vehicles that are both respectful of the environment and affordable to as many motorists as possible.
To achieve this, Renault is focusing its efforts on two fronts:
Renault is targeting the number one status in Europe with regard to the lowest CO2 emissions.
A RANGE OF ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES FROM 2011
Electric vehicles represent a genuine clean-break solution when it comes to making affordable Zero-Emission mobility, when in road use, available to all and to achieving real environmental progress. The Renault-Nissan Alliance aims to become the number one producer of mass-marketed Zero-Emission vehicles.
The range of affordable, production Renault Z.E. electric vehicles will begin to be rolled out in 2011:
Visitors to the Geneva Motor Show will have the opportunity to see three of the four electric concept cars which preview Renault's forthcoming range of Zero-Emission road cars and which were shown for the first time in Frankfurt in 2009.
WIND
A NEW TAKE ON THE COMPACT CONVERTIBLE
The Geneva Motor Show sees Renault celebrate the world premiere of Wind, a 3.83m two-seater coupé-roadster which features a highly innovative roof opening mechanism. With its novel roof panel that pivots open swiftly, this coupé-roadster brings a completely fresh take on open-top driving.
Aimed at drivers who want a car that is not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible and practical enough for everyday use, Wind’s compact dimensions make it nimble in and around town. Crucially, it is the only car of its class to provide the same luggage space (270dm3 VDA) roof up or down.
After making its world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Wind will go on sale in the UK during the summer.
NEW MÉGANE COUPÉ-CABRIOLET
THE ELEGANCE OF A COUPÉ, AND THE ENJOYMENT OF OPEN-TOP MOTORING
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet rounds off the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with the introduction of the line-up's sixth body type. The newcomer's striking looks combine the elegance of a coupé with the promise of the thrills that go hand-in-hand with driving a cabriolet.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet builds on the strengths that forged the success of its predecessor – including a large, folding glass roof and a raft of user-friendly equipment – yet it goes further still by offering customers:
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is manufactured alongside Scenic and Grand Scenic at Renault's Douai plant in France. It consequently benefits from the experience gained since the start of the Mégane programme, including the assembly of the former-generation Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet will go on sale in the UK this summer.
CLIO GORDINI 200
ONE GORDINI IN THE SLIPSTREAM OF ANOTHER…
Following last year's unveiling of Renaultsport’s pocket rocket, Twingo Gordini 133, Renault reveals its new Clio Gordini 200 at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
A modern interpretation of classic Gordini styling cues, the Clio Gordini 200 will appeal to the ever-growing number of drivers who are looking for an exclusive vehicle with an unmistakable French touch:
Clio Gordini 200 goes on sale in the UK in late summer.
MEGANE GT AND GT LINE
TWO NEW SPORTS DERIVATIVES ROUND OFF THE MÉGANE FAMILY
Two new sport-oriented models – Mégane GT and Mégane GT Line – add a further dash of appeal to the Mégane family. Developed with special know-how from Renault Sport Technologies, the new models are on a mission to open up the world of driving thrills and sportiness to as many motorists as possible.
Available for the Hatch, Coupé, Sport Tourer and Coupé-Cabriolet versions of Mégane, these two packages include the following special features:
The GT version – the most exclusive of the two – is only available in combination with the TCe 180 petrol engine or with the powerful, high-torque dCi 160 diesel powerplant. Also the specification includes a number of chassis components drawn from Mégane Renaultsport.
Based on the Dynamique equipment level, the GT Line version uses Mégane Coupé's sport chassis, in combination with a choice of fuel efficient, eco-friendly engines including the dCi 110 DPF (114g of CO2/km), now available with the very latest EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic dual clutch transmission.
The GT and GT Line versions of Mégane will go on sale in the UK in summer.
ENGINE TECHNOLOGIES
RENAULT IS PREPARING FOR THE MOBILITY OF TOMORROW AND IS TARGETING ZERO CO2 EMISSIONS
The Renault group is continuing to promote its Renault eco² environmental hallmark which reasserts the carmaker's determination to reduce the ecological footprint of its vehicles at every stage of their lifecycle (manufacture, on-road use, and end-of-life recycling). The objective is to market a range of environmentally respectful vehicles that are affordable for the majority of motorists.
Renault is targeting the number one status with regard to lowest CO2 emissions by 2015 and is focusing its efforts on two fronts:
To power its forthcoming range of electric vehicles, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is also developing a range of all-electric powertrains with outputs of between 15kW and 70kW (20hp to 95hp).
These motors will be used for the comprehensive range of Zero-Emission vehicles that are due to be launched from 2011.
A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF ALL-ELECTRIC ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES FROM 2011
In line with the values championed by the brand, Renault electric vehicles will offer customers a spacious interior, comfort, quality and safety. Renault is also working on the development of battery charging infrastructures which will become operational when the Renault Z.E. models are rolled out. To develop these solutions, Renault has entered into a long list of partnerships with governments, energy companies and other organisations, such as Better Place for example, so that mass-market electric vehicles can become a reality.
The Geneva Motor Show sees Renault celebrate the world premiere of Wind, a two-seater coupé-roadster of 3.83 metres in length which features an innovative way of opening. With its novel roof that quickly pivots open, this coupé-roadster brings a completely fresh take on open-top driving.
The stylish new model is aimed at drivers who want a car that is not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible yet practical enough for everyday use.
Wind’s compact dimensions make it nimble in and about town, whilst it is the only car of its class to provide the same amount of luggage space (270dm3 VDA), roof up or down.
A coupé-roadster for year-round use
From coupé to roadster in just 12 seconds
After making its world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Wind will go on sale in the UK this summer.
WIND – IT WILL CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK ON OPEN-TOP CARS
As an innovative, compact (3.83m) and practical coupé-roadster, which is fully usable 365 days a year, Wind gives a fresh take on the convertible.
Its low-set driving position and upright steering wheel entice you to just fire up the engine and drive. Securely planted on 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and with high-waisted flanks, its sporty silhouette invites the driver to enjoy tackling twisty roads. Distinctive headlights up front and the boomerang-shape of the rear lights give it a unique lighting signature.
Inside, everything in the cockpit is focused on the job of driving. The instruments are recessed in metallic tunnels and circled with a touch of chrome, while the driver slips into a sports seat which comes with built-in head rest and substantial extra lateral support.
THE THRILL OF DRIVING A SPORTS ROADSTER
Wind has the advantage of a platform that has been engineered by Renault Sport Technologies to provide outstanding steering precision and thrilling responses for the driver.
Wind is available with a choice of two engines:
With its integral roll hoop, rigid roof panel and high waistline, Wind is also reassuring and safe, with a level of protection that’s among the very best in the convertible segment.
Wind has generously-sized tyres (195/45 R16 or 205/40 R17) fitted to alloy wheels housing 280mm-diameter discs at the front and 240mm discs at the rear for powerful, fade-free braking performance.
FROM COUPÉ TO ROADSTER IN 12 SECONDS
Wind needs just 12 seconds to open or close its roof, effortlessly. That’s twice as fast as the norm for its class. Its secret lies in inventive, but simple kinematics that uses very few moving parts. By cleverly stowing the roof panel below the boot lid, the purity of the exterior design can be maintained and the amount of useful boot space remains unchanged, regardless of whether the roof is up or down. A boot cover protects the roof from the elements when in the open position.
Clio-sized boot capacity
With a generous and easily accessible 270 dm3 VDA of boot space that stays the same whether the top is up or down, Wind allows you to set off on holiday with all your luggage, confident that you can open the roof at will. The boot opens with no more effort than would be needed for a conventional saloon or hatchback, a gas strut providing the necessary assistance.
A RANGE OF PERSONALISATION OPTIONS
Customers can enhance Wind’s exterior with a range of styling options, including front foglight surrounds, rear diffuser with twin exhausts and chrome-effect for the door mirrors and roof cover bumps.
Wind's interior can be personalised, too, thanks to a range of different instrument housing designs and door pulls, plus an alternative gear lever knob or pedal set.
A range of five body colours is available: Azzurro Blue, Pearlescent Black, Glacier White, Mirage Grey and Ruby Red.
AN EQUIPMENT LIST TO SATISFY THE MOST DEMANDING CUSTOMER
Wind has a level of standard and optional equipment worthy of a premium-class model.
Standard equipment:
Options:
UK pricing and specification and pricing will be announced nearer the car’s summer launch date.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet builds on the strengths that helped forge the success of its predecessor – including a large, folding glass roof and a raft of user-friendly equipment – yet it goes further still by offering customers:
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is manufactured alongside Scénic and Grand Scénic at Renault's Douai plant in France. It consequently benefits from the experience gained since the start of the Mégane programme, including the assembly of the former-generation Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is an open invitation to enjoy an alternative way to go motoring, and is an elegant illustration of Renault's new brand signature, 'Drive the Change'.
Sales of New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet will begin in the UK in the summer.
ARRESTING LOOKS FROM EVERY ANGLE
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet completes the renewal of the New Mégane family in style with a car whose style is sure to turn heads.
Its looks exude a distinguished elegance accentuated by the large glass roof that immediately tells you that this is a cabriolet, even in its coupé configuration. This high-gloss finish black glass roof contrasts with the satin-effect chrome windscreen frame and door-top trim which extends around the rear of the car to add an unmistakably high-end feel that more than does justice to the newcomer's cabriolet persona. The dark red taillights feature a linear lighting pattern and LED brake lights to provide a distinctive rear lighting signature.
The interior layout carries over the same prevailing elegance and refinement, thanks not only to the quality of the materials employed and to the high standard of finish, but also to the three choices of trim, which range from dark charcoal and light beige to a charcoal/red two-tone finish with leather seats.
Although the floating dashboard is identical to that of New Mégane Hatchback, the seats offer additional lateral support, while the 'butterfly wing' door trim motif is specific to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet and adds to the new car's inherent elegance.
CHIC AND PRACTICAL
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's occupants benefit from unruffled open-top motoring in all conditions.
The standard folding glass hard-top boasts a transparent glazed area of 0.47 sq. metres (best-in-class) to ensure a brightly lit cabin and a sensation of space and freedom. It also guarantees outstanding acoustic and thermal comfort, as well as the reassurance of greater security. The fully-automatic, electro-hydraulic opening mechanism of the two-part roof enables the driver to lower the top in just 21 seconds at the press of a button.
With the top down, the driver and passengers alike enjoy a real sense of freedom. Cabin entry is made easier by the position of the windscreen header-rail which has been moved forward by 6cm compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet.
To ensure that all occupants can benefit from travelling al fresco without the drawbacks, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is equipped with a fixed glass wind deflector (unique in the segment) positioned behind the rear seat headrests. This enables four people to enjoy draft-free driving at speeds of up to 56 mph and, when used in conjunction with the removable mesh deflector screen located behind the front seats, allows the driver and front passenger to travel free from buffeting whatever the speed.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's driver and three passengers benefit from a standard of comfort worthy of a touring car, with a 4,485 mm length.
The driver is treated to a carefully thought-through environment and conveniently positioned controls which carry over solutions previously employed for New Mégane Hatchback and New Mégane Coupé:
In addition to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's carefully-honed lines, special attention has gone into ensuring that it is a practical package, too, and that includes the boot:
A RAFT OF PRACTICAL, USER-FRIENDLY HIGH-TECH FEATURES
Like all the models that make up the New Mégane family, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a long list of high-tech features, most of which are more readily associated with the next segment up:
A PERFECTLY SMOOTH RIDE
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet delivers the same high standard of driving precision as Mégane Hatchback and Mégane Coupé to provide an enjoyable, responsive ride:
- The MacPherson-type front suspension is attached to a 'horned' subframe, an arrangement that ensures a level of lateral rigidity that is three-times superior to that of the former-generation Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.
- The rear suspension's torsion beam features a lighter, closed-profile beam that delivers enhanced torsional stiffness.
- The new electric power steering system is more responsive and refined, and gives even more accurate feedback of information from the road.
The torsional rigidity of the body shell has been uprated by 80 per cent compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet in order to match the increased stiffness of the suspension and for even greater handling precision, whether the roof is up or down.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a choice of efficient, eco-friendly petrol and diesel powertrain configurations.
Petrol engines:
- The TCe 130 (Turbo Control efficiency) driving through a six-speed manual gearbox.
- The 2.0 16V 140hp engine available with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for even greater driving comfort thanks to smooth gearshifts.
The diesel engine range comprises the following Euro5-homologated powerplants:
- The dCi 110 FAP, mated either to the brand new six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic dual-clutch transmission (see below) or to a manual six-speed gearbox.
- The dCi 130 FAP which drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Further engines are available in the GT version.
EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission
The six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission fits perfectly with Renault's bid to combine ride comfort, driving pleasure and respect for the environment.
Based on DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) technology, it stands out as a genuine clean-break solution compared with conventional automatic transmissions thanks to:
THE PLEASURE OF OPEN-TOP MOTORING IN TOTAL SAFETY
When it comes to safety, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet reaps the benefits of the brand's extensive expertise in this field. Like all the models that make up the New Mégane range, it has been engineered to boast exemplary passive and active safety performance.
An extensive range of equipment is available to help drivers anticipate risk situations:
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet comes with a comprehensive range of driving aids, too:
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's key passive safety features are:
Further details, specification and pricing for the UK will be announced nearer the launch in the summer.
GT LINE AND GT VERSIONS
The New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet line-up includes two versions that have their own specific sports appeal:
Full details of these versions are available in a separate press release entitled 'Mégane GT and GT Line, distinctive styling and everyday motoring pleasure'.
Following last year's reveal of Renaultsport’s pocket rocket, Twingo Gordini 133, Renault unveils its new Clio Gordini 200 at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
A modern interpretation of classic Gordini styling cues, Clio Gordini 200 will appeal to the ever-growing number of drivers who are looking for an exclusive vehicle with an unmistakable French touch:
Clio Gordini 200 packs the best of the Clio line-up:
CLIO GORDINI 200: A PERFECT BLEND OF POWER AND CONTROL
The new Gordini benefits from all the latest features that Renault Sport Technologies developed for Clio Renaultsport and reflects Gordini’s proud racing heritage.
Clio Renaultsport is renowned for being entertaining and fun to drive, in no small part due to its chassis that perfectly matches its highly potent engine. The wizards at Renault Sport Technologies have been lauded many times for their development work on Clio Renaultsport which the motoring Press has acknowledged as the best car in its class.
The Gordini version packs all the ingredients that have helped make Renaultsport models such a success:
A DESIGN THAT REFLECTS STRENGTH OF PURPOSE... AND PURE DRIVING PLEASURE
Several factors underline Clio Gordini 200’s muscular personality. They include:
The Gordini Series badge on each flank refers to the former Gordini Cup, qualifying rounds for which used to be known as "Series".
Diamond-effect 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels with black inserts add the finishing touch to this exclusive design.
The Gordini spirit is equally apparent in the cabin. Features include:
THE CLIO SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES
A resounding best-seller ever since it was first launched in 1990, Clio has set the class standard for 20 years (more than 10 millions sales). And with more than 70,000 sales since 2000, Clio Renaultsport. has become the most popular competition car in Europe, where it has been used in both rallying and racing. Clio is currently Europe's second best-selling car in its segment.
The launch of a Gordini version, with distinctive, refined looks that will appeal to the most demanding of customers, broadens Clio’s battleground. The Gordini name epitomises the proud sporting heritage that is so much a part of the Renault bloodline... and adds an unmistakable French touch to the successful range of sporting Clios.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT WORTHY OF A LARGER TOURING CAR
A number of features set Clio Gordini 200 apart from its rivals:
- four body colours: Malta Blue, Pearlescent Black, Glacier White and Pearlescent White,
- 17-inch diamond-effect aluminium alloy wheels with black inserts,
- rain sensor and automatic headlamp activation,
- dedicated cornering lights,
- electrically-folding exterior mirrors,
- cruise control,
- speed limiter,
- hands-free key and ignition card,
- automatic climate control,
- fully disconnectable ESP,
- 4x20W radio CD with MP3 reader and Bluetooth hands free system with fingertip remote controls and multi-functional TunePoint with USB connection
- extra-tinted rear glass.
Two new sport models – Mégane GT and Mégane GT Line – add a further dash of excitement to the Mégane family, following the success of the Renaultsport 250. Developed with the special know-how that only Renault Sport Technologies can provide, the new models are on a mission to open up the world of sporty driving thrills to as many motorists as possible.
Available for the Hatch, Coupé, Sport Tourer and Coupé-Cabriolet versions of New Mégane, these two new specifications include the following special sporting features:
The GT version, the most exclusive of the two, is available exclusively with the TCe 180 petrol engine or the powerful, high-torque dCi 160 diesel powerplant. A number of chassis components are drawn from Mégane Renaultsport 250.
Based on the Dynamique equipment level, the GT Line version uses the Sport chassis from the Mégane Coupé, and comes with a choice of efficient, eco-friendly engines. These include the dCi 110 (114g/km of CO2), now available with the very latest EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic dual clutch transmission.
Mégane GT and Mégane GT Line will go on sale in the summer.
DISTINGUISHED STYLING FOR EVERYDAY MOTORING
Mégane GT and Mégane GT Line stand out from standard versions of the Mégane family thanks to sports styling cues both outside and in the cabin, accentuated by design elements finished in dark metal (anthracite grey) and polished carbon that are unique to these versions.
The GT Line version has a new front bumper design with a reshaped centre air intake highlighted by a gloss black cross-piece that supports the licence plate. The foglamps are housed in profiled, dark metal-lined recesses either side of the bumper. In combination with black headlamp masks, these unique design cues give Mégane GT Line a particularly strong personality.
The body colour lower section of the rear bumper includes an aerodynamic diffuser, while the package is completed by 17-inch Celsium alloy wheels, dark metal exterior mirror housings and GT Line-badging on the grille and bootlid/tailgate.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet gets two further distinctive features: a dark metal finish for the windscreen surround and dark metal body side trim strips.
This sporty theme is immediately apparent inside the cabin, too, with:
- Renaultsport 250-style dark charcoal cloth sports upholstery[1]
- aluminium pedal covers,
- dashboard incorporating analogue rev-counter with grey background,
- polished carbon interior door handles, air vents and dashboard trim,
- GT Line logo on dashboard trim strip, head rests and front door sills.
The same seats as those developed for New Mégane Renaultsport provide maximum passenger comfort and increased lateral support during cornering.
More exclusive still, the GT versions of New Mégane include the same styling features as GT Line versions, plus:
- thick-rimmed, leather-trimmed steering wheel with thumb grips, as developed for Mégane Renaultsport,
- sill plates incorporating Renaultsport2 logo,
- GT-badging on dashboard trim strip and front seat head rests,
- 18-inch dark metal Jetow aluminium alloy wheels,
- GT badging on grille and bootlid/tailgate.
Nine body colours are available in total for these two new versions:
- one colour (Malta Blue) is reserved for GT and GT Line versions of the Mégane range,
- three colours are only available for Mégane Hatch, Coupé and Sport Tourer: Cayenne Orange, Glacier White and Mercury,
- two colours are specific to Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet: Pearlescent White and Royal Blue,
- Three colours are available for all four body styles: Ruby Red, Pearlescent Black and Eclipse.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVING ENJOYMENT
Mégane GT Line: a sporty touch and a clear environmental conscience
The engine choices available for GT Line versions are the same as those offered on the Dynamique equipment level of the core model range[2]. The options for Mégane GT Line versions include:
- the diesel Renault eco²-compliant 1.5 dCi. The 110hp version of this engine drivers through the all-new EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic dual clutch transmission,
- the very latest TCe 130 turbocharged petrol engine.
Renault engineers have enhanced the handling dynamics of the Hatch, Coupé and Sport Tourer[3] GT Line versions by using the Sport chassis developed for New Mégane Coupé (compared to the Hatch, the springs are stiffer (17mm/100DaN front, 22mm/100DaN rear) and the front roll centre height has been lowered by 30mm. Front and rear dampers are also stiffer and overall the car’s centre of gravity is 112mm lower).
Mégane GT, inspired by Mégane Renaultsport 250
Available exclusively with the TCe 180 and dCi 160 engines noted for their performance and refinement, Mégane GT delivers driving pleasure of the highest order.
In addition to the upgraded specification of the GT Line chassis, Mégane GT uses the same rear suspension bump stops as new Mégane Renaultsport 250. This gives a more balanced ride with the larger 18-inch wheels. The power steering calibration is also revised to match the tyre specifications and specific chassis settings. Braking on all GT versions is even more powerful thanks to 296mm-diameter ventilated discs at the front and 260mm-diameter discs at the rear, together with the adoption of the master cylinder from Mégane Renaultsport 250.
RENAULT IS PREPARING FOR THE MOBILITY OF TOMORROW AND TARGETS ZERO CO2 EMISSIONS
These motors will be used for the comprehensive range of Zero-Emission vehicles that are due to be rolled out from 2011.
RENAULT'S POWERTRAIN STRATEGY
Targeting number one status in Europe with regard to low CO2 emissions
Renault is fully aware of the importance of the stakes regarding global warming and has been working for many years on cutting the CO2 emissions of its models – across their full lifecycle – with a view to reducing the automobile's ecological impact. As it has shown with its environmentally respectful Renault eco² policy, Renault believes it is essential to make the most effective technologies available to as many motorists as possible, at prices they can afford.
Tangible results:
Renault's longstanding efforts have seen the brand achieve significant, ongoing savings with regard to the CO2 emissions of its vehicles. Indeed, it today figures among Europe's most efficient carmakers in this field.
Renault is working on two fronts in its bid to become the best-placed European car manufacturer in terms of CO2 emissions, thanks to:
NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
In parallel to its work on curbing the CO2 emissions of its engines, Renault is working on:
Two concrete examples of this work are on show in Geneva:
NEW EDC AUTOMATIC DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
The driving comfort associated with automatic transmission, plus fuel efficiency and response equivalent to the performance delivered by a manual gearbox
Renault has developed a new, six-speed, automatic dual-clutch transmission called EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) which delivers a standard of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions that marks a significant step forward compared with conventional automatic transmissions (a gain of up to 17 per cent, i.e. a saving of approximately 30g of CO2/km).
This work is based on the following solutions:
In recent years, several new types of automatic transmission have arrived on the market, delivering a steady improvement to the overall performance/driving comfort/fuel consumption and CO2 emissions package. Dual clutch automatic transmissions are an example of this progress.
Advantages of EDC automatic transmission:
Renault's new EDC automatic dual clutch transmission dispenses with the need for a clutch pedal, while gearshift control is of the 'P-R-N-D' type, plus an 'up/down' shift mode. The ideal gear is selected by an electronic control unit and gearshifts are both automatic and seamless.
To optimise efficiency and minimise fuel consumption, Renault has chosen a dual dry clutch system for its EDC transmission. The first of the two clutches looks after the odd-number gears (1st, 3rd and 5th), while the second covers the even-number gears (2nd, 4th and 6th), as well as reverse. The gears are carried by four shafts: two concentric primary shafts (each of which is connected to a clutch) and two secondary shafts. Gears are matched by means of synchronizers, as is the case with a manual gearbox. These synchronizers, like the clutches, are operated by electric actuators which are in turn controlled by a control unit.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions performance comparable with that of vehicles equipped with a manual gearbox. It was this target that steered Renault's engineers in their decisions regarding the new transmission's technical specification:
Reassuringly smooth, fast gear changes
As with any automatic transmission, gearshifts are carried out under load, i.e. the transmission of torque from the engine to the wheels is not interrupted.
When the vehicle is moving, one clutch is engaged and transmits engine torque via the selected gear, while the other clutch remains disengaged but connected to the next, pre-selected gear. At the ideal moment, the gearshift takes place by switching from one clutch to the other: the first clutch becomes disengaged at the same time as the second clutch engages, ensuring that traction is not uninterrupted during the shift (under load).
Gear changes are fast and free of jarring to ensure a reassuringly smooth ride.
Instant response to the driver's demands:
With its six speeds and ultrafast shift time (290ms), the new EDC automatic dual clutch transmission is extremely responsive and is as enjoyable to drive as a manual gearbox, whether in automatic or 'up/down' shift mode.
In automatic mode, the electronic control unit takes onboard a number of parameters to select the ideal gear. The system adapts instantaneously to the driver's demands by selecting the gear which delivers just the right amount of power the instant it is required.
The driver is free to recover control of the system thanks to the 'up/down' shift mode.
Optimised ‘creep’ control for smoother starts
As with conventional automatic transmissions, the vehicle pulls away gradually when the brake pedal is released. This feature is particularly welcome in stop/start traffic or when parking.
Hill-start assist
When starting on a slope, the system continues to apply pressure to the brakes to keep the vehicle stationary for a few seconds as the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Coupled with the creep control system, this prevents rearward movement to ensure safe hill starts.
This new EDC transmission will initially be available for the 1.5 dCi 110 diesel versions of the Renault Mégane range. With this automatic transmission, New Mégane Hatchback will emit just 114g of CO2/km. This will be the first automatic transmission to qualify for the Renault eco² signature.