Renault Captur: Juke-Sized Crossover Convertible Concept Demonstrates New Design Language

Remember the Renault DeZir sports coupe concept from the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show? If you don't, you can refresh your memory here, but in short, the two-seater study herald the French firm's new and more curvalicious design strategy on a sports car. Fast forward to today, and Renault has unveiled a new concept model called the Captur, which applies the DeZir's design philosophy on a three-door small crossover with a removable hardtop.The Captur will receive its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Salon.

“It takes as its basis the fundamental design language introduced on the DeZir concept car but adds a more technical dimension – more functional but still highly sensuous," said Renault's director of concept cars, Axel Breun,

The French firm said that for the exterior designer, the main sources of inspiration were athletes and radical sports with styling references to equipment such as helmets, gloves and other protective gear.

The Captur, which is close in size to alliance partner Nissan’s Juke, is crafted from carbon fiber and features a removable hardtop that allows it to transform from a coupe to a convertible crossover. Other highlights include the butterfly doors and extra-large tires fitted to 22-inch black and white rims.

The colorful and futuristic-looking interior that can seat four passengers features fluorescent highlights picked out by a constant stream of light. "My main sources of inspiration were the human body, outdoor sports and urban styling," explains the colour and trim designer, Kana Watanabe. "I wanted Captur to radiate warmth and dynamism."

Power for the Captur comes from a 1.6-liter twin-turbocharged diesel engine concept with 160HP, developed from the new Energy dCi 130HP that will eventually replace the firm's current 1.9 dCi unit. The oil-burner is paired to a dual clutch EDC gearbox, and according to Renault, it emits less than 99g of CO2 per kilometer.

The Captur also comes with numerous technological advancements including a new RX2 mechanical self-locking differential and the Visio-System with a forward-facing camera mounted at the top of the windscreen providing driver-assistance functions.

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Renault Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited edition

Renault has unveiled the Megane Coupe Monaco GP limited edition, that will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Based on the trim level that sounds like a Drum Beat – Dynamique TomTom – the Megane Monaco gets some pretty Arctic White pearlescent paint set off with gloss black alloys and gloss black mirrors, rear diffuser and fog surrounds.

All three models allotment accepted administration treats such as a bespoke pearlescent white acrylic developed accentuated by Etoilé atramentous physique apparatus including the ancillary mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds, atramentous headlight masks and “Monaco GP” brand plan on the sides. Inside, the Monaco GP analysis adds pearlescent white berth data (console, strip, aperture handles), “Monaco GP” bond on the seats, a numbered bowl and “Monaco GP” careful mats.

There are 5 engine options available: – dCi 110 EDC, dCi 130, dCi 160, Tce 130 and Tce 180. Renault brings the Mégane Renault Sport Monaco GP with 2.0 L 16 valve turbo engine making 250 hp, 18-inch Keza gloss black rims, leather upholstery with an electrically-controlled heated driver’s seat with Monaco GP stitching, gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gear-knob.





Press Release

MONACO GP LIMITED EDITION EXTENDED TO MÉGANE COUPÉ AND MÉGANE R.S.

• Having played a headlining role in the finest moments at the motorsport mecca that is the Monaco Grand Prix, Renault has developed the Monaco GP limited edition for its coupé models, aimed at fans of elegance, sport and style.

• Launched in 2010 on Laguna Coupé, the luxury signature is now featuring on two new models:
? Mégane Coupé Monaco GP, based on the Dynamique trim level.
? Mégane R.S. Monaco GP, based on Mégane R.S.
• The three models will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show.
• Launch will begin in March 2011. The Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited edition models will be sold in 14 countries.

• A new version of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP will also be launched from March 2011 in 14 countries.

A shared signature for the Monaco GP limited edition: elegance, sport and style

Sporty, elegant bodywork
The Monaco GP limited edition models are big on personality. On Mégane Coupé, the front end with its sleekly drawn headlights and large air intake expresses a resolutely forward-moving style, while the rear end features a broad shoulder line. The sporting credentials of the line are emphasized by classic styling, rigorous proportions and a harmonious whole.

? The pearlescent white paint developed specially for these models underlines their exclusive air.
? The dynamic and powerful design is accentuated by Etoilé black body components (including the side mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds), black headlight masks and "Monaco GP" badge work on the sides.

Exclusive interiors
Everything inside the two new models expresses build quality, stylish sportiness and a passenger-centric approach. Originality is boosted by:
? Pearlescent white cabin details (console, strip, door handles),
? "Monaco GP" stitching on the seats, a numbered plate and "Monaco GP" protective mats.
Athletic and reassuring roadholding
Both models feature the very best in technology for unrivalled efficiency and peace of mind, with a precise course regardless of grip conditions thanks to ESP, together with bi-xenon directional headlights and latest-generation dual-chamber airbags. The chassis was specially designed to bring drivers optimal control and driving thrills, with no detriment to comfort. The Monaco GP models are concentrates of agile handling, dynamism and precision. These qualities are further emphasized on the R.S. version, which is fitted with an independent pivot arm on the front axle for pure motoring pleasure. The vehicle course is precise and reassuring whatever the grip conditions, whether on track or in town.

Two Mégane Coupé versions
The Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited editions features all the equipment of the Dynamique trim model plus:
- 17-inch Celsium gloss black rims
- GT/GT line front and rear bumpers
- Fabric/TEP upholstery with Monaco GP stitching
- Rear parking assist
- Power-folding side mirrors
Five engines are on offer:
- The dCi 110 EDC provides optimized torque and power levels and the best fuel economy/driving thrills combination on the market. The six speeds of the exceptionally smooth EDC gearbox are controlled automatically or manually. Double clutch and twin mass engine flywheel technology ensure fast and imperceptible gear changes.

- The dCi 130, astonishingly powerful and silent, uses the best in dCi combustion and turbo technology and emits just 130 g/km of CO2.
- The dCi 160 brings drivers a top-level balance of performance and fuel consumption and is impressively silent in operation.
- The Tce 130 benefits from the latest advances in downsizing, enabling a 1.4-liter powerplant to boast the torque of a 2 liter and the power of a 1.8 liter.
- The Tce 180 is exceptionally responsive while offering a gradual increase in available torque, for spritely acceleration from the lowest engine speeds.
Mégane Renault Sport Monaco GP limited edition features all the equipment of the R.S. version plus:
- 18-inch Keza gloss black rims
- Leather upholstery with an electrically-controlled heated driver's seat enhanced with Monaco GP stitching.
- Gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gearstick handle.
Main options for this version: Bose Sound System, Cup Chassis with limited slip differential, 19-inch diamond-effect STEEV rims.
One engine on offer: 2.0 16V turbo, 250 hp.

A new edition of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP
In response to the success of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP limited edition, a new version is set for launch in the spring. It will retain the exclusive pearlescent white body paint but also come in pearlescent black.
Five engines available, depending on the country:
- 2.0T 205 hp.
- 2.0T 170 hp, auto box
- 2.0 dCi 150
- 2.0 dCi 180
- 2.0 dCi 175, auto box
The wealth of equipment and comfort features rivals the car's elegance and sportiness:
In all countries:
o 18-inch Interlagos Chrome Shadow rims
o Fabric/TEP upholstery with Monaco GP electropatch
o Rear parking assist
o NFA Live Navigation system
In some countries:
o 4 Control (4RD)
o Bose Sound System
o Leather seats with Monaco GP stitching
o Hands-free card
o Power-folding side mirrors

Le Chic...Renault “XV de France” Clio and Megane Editions

For the third year in a row, Renault will have “XV de France” editions of the Clio and Megane models in its lineup, marking the automaker’s involvement in rugby as a sponsor of the French national team. The difference is that this year, the “limited editions” have become full-fledged “versions”, fully integrated into the brand’s catalogue and available for purchase all year-round. The Megane is available in estate, hatch and coupe body styles, while the Clio can be ordered as a 3-door, 5-door and estate.

“The 2011 ‘XV de France’ versions are very different from the limited editions of previous years”, explains Megane product manager Raphaelle Jarry. “As well as being true to the rugby spirit, they introduce a new angle”.

Based on the Dynamique (Megane) and Dynamique TomTom (Clio) trim levels, the “XV de France” versions boast a unique Marron Glace paintjob (except the Clio estate), accompanied by special upholstery in the interior. Distinctive alloys are also on the menu, while the French Rugby Federation emblems applied to the front wings and inside the cabin represent the finishing touch.

The “XV de France” Clio’s standard equipment list includes navigation, 80W CD/MP3/Bluetooth sound system with speech recognition and streaming capabilities, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and 16-inch wheels.

The “XV de France” Megane comes with satnav, plus front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable fold-back mirrors and bigger, 17-inch alloys.

Engine choices include two diesel (95/105HP) and two gasoline (100/110HP) units for the Clio and one gasoline (130HP) powerplant and four diesels (110/130/150HP) for the Megane.

A total of 15,500 “XV de France” vehicles will be built, including 5,500 Meganes and 10,000 Clios.

By Csaba Daradics

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Geneva Preshow: Renault's New Monaco GP Limited Editions

Apparently, last year's limited run Laguna Coupe Monaco GP special edition was a success as Renault has just announced three new models featuring the same styling recipe, including the Megane Coupe, Megane Coupe R.S. and the 2011MY Laguna Coupe. The new Monaco GP special editions will go on sale in Europe right after their world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.

All three models share common styling treats such as a bespoke pearlescent white paint developed accentuated by Etoilé black body components including the side mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds, black headlight masks and “Monaco GP” badge work on the sides. Inside, the Monaco GP treatment adds pearlescent white cabin details (console, strip, door handles), “Monaco GP” stitching on the seats, a numbered plate and “Monaco GP” protective mats.

The Megane Coupe Monaco GP model, which is available with a choice of five engines, including 110HP, 130HP and 160HP diesels, and 130HP and 180HP petrol units, also gets 17-inch gloss black rims, GT front and rear bumpers, fabric upholstery with special stitching, rear park assist and power-folding mirrors.

The 250HP Megane Coupe R.S. Monaco GP benefits from 18-inch Keza gloss black rims, leather upholstery with special stitching, plus gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gearstick handle.

Finally, the Laguna Coupe Monaco GP returns for 2011 and will be available with five engines, depending on the country (2.0 dCi with 150HP, 180HP and 175HP + Auto Box, and 2.0 Turbo with 205HP and 170HP +Auto Box). Aside from the exclusive pearlescent white body paint, buyers of the special edition will also be able to opt for a pearlescent black.

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