|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| 4th June 2004 | Home: Automotive & Design News: Design: Renault Fluence Unveiled |
| Renault Fluence Unveiled
Renault today unveiled its latest concept car at the Louis Vuitton Classic.
"Fluence is both a drawing and a sculpture. It blends bearing, generosity, elegance and fluidity," explains Patrick le Quément, Head of Design.> Fluence is a 4.6m long coupé whose voluptuous forms are sculpted from simple, structured lines. It is a modern expression of the principle that underlies all coupés: pleasure of movement. This pleasure of movement is suggested by the visually dynamic contrast of a sloping front and a vertical rear. The frontal design is streamlined: the radiator grille is absent to focus attention on the lozenge logo and to evoke other prestigious Renault cars. Narrow indicators juxtapose the headlamps, whose shape reinforces the purity and fluidity that characterize Fluence’s frontal styling. A double strip of LEDs set at different angles is housed behind two transparent curved glass lenses. The diodes illuminate as the steering angle changes to provide multi-directional lighting when cornering. Two air intakes extend and accentuate the headlamps’ form, bridged by a third narrow, horizontal inlet. In contrast with the flowing frontal treatment, the vertical profile of Fluence's rear conveys a strong sense of energy. This impression of energy is underpinned by the contrast between wide wings, highlighted by the elongated, horizontal lights, and a taller central section in a different colour. This section connects the rear window with a twin centre exhaust outlet, framed by an air extractor. In between its very different front and rear, Fluence is structured around a horizontal plane. Lines of force emerge at the front to converge at the centre of the tailgate. Two run almost symmetrically the length of each side. Two others frame the bonnet, then the roof and the rear window. This V-shaped rear window connects seamlessly to the windscreen by two strips of glass that stretch the length of the roof before dropping down towards the tailgate. The base of the body shell, with its aluminium finish, encircles the body to help reduce drag, a function also performed by the wheel rims. "Fluence's interior is simple and easily remembered, with natural harmony," explains Patrick le Quément. Light pours in through the glazed area to bring out the full intensity of the prevailing Rouge Margaux red. The printed leather seats are mounted on runners. The sides of the seat back and cushion fan out when the doors are opened, ready to welcome occupants. The lateral seat supports can then be adjusted to suit individual preferences. The door armrests, which are also on runners, adjust their position in conjunction with the seats. The leather dashboard is again predominately red with beige accents. Using a joystick, the driver selects the car's main functions which are shown on a fold-away screen in the upper part of the dashboard. Instruments use both digital and analogue display against a black and Rouge Margaux background. Special attention has been paid to comfort in the back, beginning with the vast and welcoming enveloping rear seat. Renaultâs designers looked to home furnishings as inspiration for the reading lamps. These fit flush with the headlining and, when required, are released by pulling a leather tab then tilted to the ideal angle.
Although elegant, the Fluence is one of the most conservative concepts the French manufacturer has put forward for the luxury market for years. With its high level of production refinement, it is more than a little likely that this vehicle is destined for showrooms in the not too distant future.
Specifications Overall length: 4,600 mm Width exc. wing mirrors: 1,890 mm Height: 1,390 mm Wheel base: 2,750 mm Front overhang: 920 mm Rear overhang: 960 mm Ground clearance: 200 mm Weight: 1,500 k Engine: Euro 4-compliant 3.5 litre V6 24V petrol engine Power: 206kW / 280hp power rating and 365Nm maximum torque Gearbox: Six-speed automatic transmission with sequential control Performance 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds |
|
All Content © ConceptCar | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
An automotive design resource dedicated to vehicle design and development, product design, industrial design and automotive engineering. Automotive interiors and exteriors, news on automotive technologies and the latest developments in the industry. |
