Renault/Nissan CEO, Carlos Ghosn, said that General Motors Company would have been better off if it had formed an alliance with his companies in 2006. GM and Renault/Nissan called the talks off in October 2006.

“Without any doubt,” he said during a forum sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations. “We knew fundamentally that this would work, but only if it was a collaborative effort.”

Ghosn said that there was huge “possibility to create something that would be extremely competitive.” He said the alliance would have allowed both companies to share technology, practices and a common approach.

When asked if he was happy that the alliance with GM fell through, Ghosn said: “When you see the disaster and the waste of energy and skills and talent, nobody can be happy.”

He went on to say that the auto industry had become much more interconnected.

“When General Motors was in danger, everybody was scared. We were scared. Because some of our suppliers are big suppliers of General Motors,” Ghosn said. “If they go down, we would not have been able to assemble any single car in the United States.”

- By: Omar Rana

Photo Copyright © 2009 Jack Rosenfeld – egmCarTech.

Source: Detroit News

Coming as a shocker to most of us, Penske Automotive Group announced yesterday that it has “terminated its discussions with GM to buy Saturn, citing concerns directly related to the future supply of vehicles beyond the supply period it had negotiated with GM.”

Originally, Pesnke’s plans were to sell GM made models for the next three years. After the three year period, Penske was to fill Saturn dealerships with other products from various automakers. Sources continually said that Penske was in talks with French automaker Renault and its South Korean unit, Samsung to supply Saturn dealers.

Renault COO Patrick Pelata confirmed today that talks with Penske to sell vehicles through Saturn broke down last minute.

“We negotiated with them but we were unable to reach agreement at the end,” Renault COO Patrick Pelata told Bloomberg News in an interview.

Pelata said that Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn was not in favor of supplying Penske with cars to sell through Saturn showrooms.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Bloomberg (via AutoObserver)

Top Gear has finally gotten around to testing the 2009 Ford Focus RS; however, instead of just concentrating on the Focus RS, Richard Hammond joins Jeremy Clarkson in a head-to-head battle with Renault Megan R26.R powered by a 2.0 turbo making 227-hp.

So how does it compare to the 300-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec with a large Borg Warner K16 turbocharger in the Focus RS? Find out in the video after the jump.

Follow the jump for the video.

2009 Ford Focus RS:

2009 Ford Focus RS:

- By: Kap Shah

Earlier this month, Roger Penske of Penske Group hired former Chrysler co-president Tom LaSorda to consult him on a bid to buy Saturn and its dealer network from General Motors. According to Automotive News, Penske now plans on using the Saturn network to sell vehicles made by Renault Samsung Motors, which is owned 80.1 percent by Renault and 19.9 percent by Samsung (yes, the folks that own Samsung Electronics and manufacture cell phones).

The publications says that Roger Penske recently met with Renault and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn to discuss the plan in Paris.

No word on whether Penske plans on using Renault Samsung’s current models or plans to use Renault’s platforms to build new ones.

Renault Samsung currently uses Nissan platforms for its four passenger vehicles; SM3, which is based on the Nissan Bluebird; SM5 and SM7, which are based on the Nissan Teana; and the QM5, which is based on the Nissan Rouge.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoWeek

The Chrysler bankruptcy is like a test drive for General Motors. The struggling U.S. automaker is surviving on $15.4 billion in government loans and is under pressure from the government to restructure its debt and make concessions with the union by June 1 or face bankruptcy.

GM talking to Renault for potential sale, Geely bids for Saturn: According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, General Motors’ talks with selling Saturn to Renault SA, giving the French automaker a “launching pad for growth in North America.” The report also said that Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. has put out a bid to buy Saab. – WSJ

Ferrari opens up a new store in London: Ferrari opened up a new 5,705 square-foot store in London. The company opened the store on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting by Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen. – AutoWeek

GM plans to wipe out current shareholder: In a plan released to the U.S. government yesterday, GM said that it plans to wipe out the holdings of remaining shareholders by issuing up to 60 million new shares in a move to pay off debt to the U.S. Treasury, bondholders and the UAW. – Reuters

F1 Chief Max Mosley’s son found dead: Formula 1 chief Max Mosley’s son was found dead in his home in Notting Hill. Reports suggest that Alexander Mosley’s death is related to drug overdose. – Inside Line

- By: Omar Rana

Nissan Motor Co and its French alliance Renault said last week that they will be supplying electric-cars to one of the most polluted countries in the world – China. The Renault-Nissan alliance said that they will work with the Chinese government to supply a comprehensive plan for marketing and for a battery-charging network.

The alliance plans on selling electric-vehicles to China in early 2011. The capital city of Wuhan has been selected as the first city under a memorandum of understanding signed by Nissan and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China.

I will be attending an event here in Los Angeles tomorrow where I will test drive a Nissan all-electric-vehicle (which I’m guessing will be based on the Nissan Cube) and will speak with Nissan’s management on the company’s overall EV strategy.

Stay tuned for that.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Reuters

Dacia, an automaker with Romanian origins and is now subsidiary of Renault, will be unveiling its first concept at this year’s 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The Dacia Duster concept is a crossover coupe that has one-door on one side and two-doors on the other side. So while it can be pitched as sporty crossover, it can also come in handy as an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle).

The Dacia Duster crossover concept is powered by a 1.5 dCi engine making 105-hp. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the Duster can run from 0 to 62 mph in 9.6 seconds while returning a fuel-economy of 53 mpg (44 mpg in U.S. terms).

No word on whether Renault and Dacia will put Duster into production but it sounds like a good idea for the European market.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res images.

Dacia Duster Concept:

Press Release:

DUSTER: THE CONCEPT CROSSOVER FROM DACIA UNVEILED AT GENEVA MOTORSHOW

    – Dacia is breaking fresh ground and springs yet another surprise with the unveiling in Geneva of Duster, a futuristic, image-building crossover that promotes the same values for which the brand has stood from the beginning.
    – Duster is Dacia’s first concept car and the fruit of close collaboration between Renault Design Central Europe in Bucharest, Romania, and Renault Design Technocentre in Guyancourt, France.
    – Duster’s athletic stance adds an undeniable sporty feel to the brand’s hallmark robustness.
    – Inside, the use of colour, generous cabin space and an original modular layout ensure a
      particularly convivial ambience for occupants.

ROBUST AND SPORTY

Duster – Dacia’s first concept crossover – is proud to be different. Seen from the driver’s side, it is visibly a sporting coupé, yet passengers entering from the other side will see it as an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with a traditionally opening front door and rear-hinged rear door which suggest plush travelling refinement. Duster’s height of 1.49 metres, short front and rear overhangs (65cm and 80cm respectively), generous wheelbase (2.80m) and compact volumes (4.25m long, 1.64m wide) exude an overriding sense of robustness and sports appeal.

The front end features a broad bumper with two horizontal air-intake slits that suggest power. The grille
features evident Dacia styling cues and is flanked by headlamps which wrap over the front wings to form a tapering line of light that stretches rearward towards the doors.

Viewed from the side, the clear-cut lines of the wheel arches and tall doors reinforce the impression that Duster sits squarely on the road. The Anthracite Grey bodywork and extensive one-piece glazed sweep – made possible by the absence of a central pillar – highlights the styling of the sides which are unmistakably reminiscent of Duster’s graphic identity.

At the rear, the engraved Dacia logo further emphasizes the concept car’s robust, dependable credentials. Like Logan, Duster is just 4.25 metres long, and its inherent agility ensures that it is perfectly at home in the urban jungle. Meanwhile, its 21-inch, five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, exterior mirrors positioned on the window surround and trapezoidal aluminium exhaust tailpipes are telltale signs of its sporting pedigree. Special care has gone into Duster’s aerodynamic efficiency (Cd: 0.30) and the fluid lines of the body sides enable air to flow freely along the vehicle’s flanks before being jettisoned through the rear lights. The aerodynamic, wing-like forms of the roof-mounted direction indicators also channel airflow towards the rear. The sum of all this work has naturally been beneficial to fuel consumption, and Duster stands out as a particularly environmentally-respectful crossover. Despite its performance potential, the particulate filter equipped 1.5 dCi 105hp engine (77kW) emits just 139g of CO2/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.3 litres/100km.

A CROSSOVER WITH DACIA HALLMARKS

This futuristic crossover showcases the brand’s core values – namely simplicity, robustness and authenticity – in a surprising form, yet Dacia’s hallmark ingenuity and generosity are immediately apparent in the way designers have approached Duster’s cabin.

The concept car’s two-tone chocolate and blue interior exudes a sense of well-being and conviviality. The fully glazed roof floods the cabin with light, while the enveloping forms of the staggered slim-line front seats provide first class comfort and support. The driver’s seat is incorporated in a structure which extends all the way from the sill to the centre console, forming a sculptural, one-piece ensemble that echoes the exterior’s sporty appeal.

The user-friendly dashboard features fluid, expressive lines while employing simple materials. The driver’s side front airbag is housed in the lower part of the steeringwheel which has made it possible to position the screen centrally and free up appreciable stowage space on the dashboard. The latter’s receding lines also provide record kneeroom of 280mm for the front passenger who benefits from an exceptionally comfortable seating position. The bellows-like form of the original two-tone dashboard incorporates a 20-litre glovebox, while the door inserts each include eight-litre stowage bins. Another bin has been cleverly concealed in the back of the rear right-hand seat. A simple push causes a box to slide forward from the boot which itself is in total keeping with the Dacia spirit, with the upright tailgate providing a carrying capacity of 470dm3 (VDA), a remarkable achievement for a vehicle of Duster’s compact overall dimensions .

Duster is an adaptable, modular concept car. The four-seat ‘daily driver’ layout can be swiftly converted into a leisure configuration in a matter of seconds. The passenger seat slides underneath the driver’s seat on rails concealed in the floor to leave just one front seat and consequently free up a total carrying volume of two cubic metres. Thanks to a recess in the floor and a strap located under the dashboard, this space can be used to carry a trials mountain bike.

Source: Renault (via WCF)

Update: Chrysler dropped us a short e-mail saying:

“Chrysler Vice Chairman and President denied reports and rumors that the Company is in discussions to sell its brands or plants. LaSorda, in a conference call with reporters this morning, also addressed rumors regarding deals with specific companies.” 

——

According to sources familiar with the matter, Chrysler is once again in talks with Nissan/Renault and supplier Magna to sell key assets. Chrysler and Renault/Nissan were in contact last year before Chrysler headed to Congress to ask the U.S. government for federal loans.

Sources are now saying that the talks are once again gaining momentum and include discussions about a deal to sell Chrysler’s Jeep brand.

At the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli said that it is not looking for a buyer or a merger. He said he would like to pursue more alliances like the ones the company has with Nissan and Volkswagen.

Follow the jump from a video from Reuters.

During his speech at the 2008 LA Auto Show, Renault/Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said he supports aid for automakers by world governments including a U.S. government bailout of the Detroit Big 3. Ghosn said that he is no longer interested in any mergers or expanding its product sharing with company’s like Chrysler due to his company’s tight credit condition.

“The likelihood of some companies going bankrupt in 2009 is very high,” he said. “The year looks really bad.”

Ghosn said that governments should provide financial aid to struggling automakers to help them come out of their current conditions and build more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“If we want to transform this industry, in a radical way, we are going to need a lot of investment. You cannot take an existing car and retrofit it and say, ‘It’s electric.’ You have to start from zero,” Ghosn said.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Renault is showing its new Sand’up Concept at the Sao Paulo Auto Show this week. The concept is said to be a 2+2 coupe-convertible pickup design study that looks a lot like an SUV.

The Sand’up Concept can run on petrol and ethanol with the 1.6L engine produing up to 110-hp with maximum torque of 109 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in about 10.5 seconds.

It’s kind of cool, kind of a pickup and kind of an SUV.

Follow the jump for more images.

Renault Sand’up Concept:

According to sources familiar with the talks Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault and Nissan, has sent a formal proposal in recent days including a revised copy of an agreement prepared by Cerberus. Ghosn has proposed to acquire 20 percent of Chrysler LLC and bring the American automaker into his French-Japanese partnership.

Insiders say that Nissan will acquire the stake since it has cash on hand, whereas Renault has debts of more than $5 billion.

Nissan and Chrysler both are working on join projects including a small car for Chrysler and a next-generation Titan pickup for Nissan. While the two work well together, sources say that Cerberus CEO Stephen Feinberg favors GM, thinking of it as a good solution to the sour U.S. auto industry.

Source: Detroit News

While the GM/Chrysler talks could end in a total wipe out of Chrysler’s 83-years of existence, the Jeep brand may have some hope. As we’ve reported before Renault is also a key player in these talks. Reuters is now reporting that Renault is interested in an acquisition of Jeep, known as the most valuable Chrysler brand.

The deal could put the best-known SUV brand back into the hands of Renault that it sold to Chrysler along with American Motors back in 1987. Renault had purchased American Motors, which owned Jeep, in 1979.

Former Renault chairman Louis Schweitzer said last year that he regretted selling AMC and Jeep. He wrote: “It would have been clever to make full use of Jeep. If we had done so, we would have been in a good position today in the U.S.”

Source: Reuters

Cerberus is speeding up efforts to sell Chrysler LLC to GM. According to The Wall Street Journal, GM wants to get a deal done with Cerberus by the end of this month; however both parties are said to be far from having a firm decision. But it seems another key player has jumped in on the action.

Reuters is reporting that parts of Chrysler may be broken up between both Renault and GM. Renault has been in talks to deepen its relationship with Chrysler, which as of right now just includes sharing products and technology. Nonetheless, it seems GM is still favored over Renault.

All three companies have groups of teams working on analyzing the situation on hand. According to The Wall Street Journal, GM has identified about $10 billion in cost savings and access to $11 billion in cash that Chrysler has on its books. It is also reported that Cerberus wants to maintain its 80.1 percent stake in Chrysler after GM and Chrysler join forces.

Let’s not forget Cerberus also wants to increase its stake in GMAC up to full ownership of the finance company. We’ll keep you updated as this story develops. Stay tuned.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

It seems like Chrysler isn’t only in bed with GM. Sources say that Cerberus officials are also talking to the Renault-Nissan alliance along with Fiat and India’s Tata Motors. Chrysler and GM made headlines this past weekend about a possible merger.

Chrysler LLC CEO Bob Nardelli recently sent out a letter to employees saying: “I can tell you that we have approached and have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities with Chrysler.”

Sources have confirmed that most of the negotiations with Renault-Nissan, Fiat and Tata have been put on hold since the recent industry conditions. 

Most of the talks held with these three companies have been mostly about product-sharing. However, insiders familiar with the talks with Nissan say that talks had gotten to the point of a possible deeper relationship. That probably made Ghosn happy since he’s been looking for an American partner.

Source: Detroit News

Based on the Renault Kangoo Compact Concept shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault today revealed the Renault Kangoo be bop (we’re tempted to keep going with that name but we’ll stop). The two-tone color compact car offers room for four with a unique motor-powered open-top at the rear with a sliding roof and rear tailgate window.

Powertrain choices include two diesels and one petrol. The diesel lineup consists of a 85-hp dCi and a 100-hp dCi while the petrol choice includes a 105-hp 1.6L 16V unit.

For the first time in the Kangoo range, the Kangoo be bop adds the option of Carminat Bluetooth CD navigation system with a 7-inch full-color display.

Check out the high-res pics after the jump along with the press release.

Renault Kangoo be bop:

Press Release:

Based closely on the Renault Kangoo Compact Concept show car unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault Kangoo be bop is the latest addition to the Kangoo family. The compact size (length: 3.87 metres), original two-tone colour scheme and exclusive interior appointments of this innovative vehicle combine to produce a particularly forceful personality. Its extensive glazed area and four roomy seats afford a sense of space and light. Ideal for escaping the crowd, Renault Kangoo be bop offers open-top motoring at the rear thanks to its glazed sliding roof and rear tailgate window which slides out of sight. At the front it has two tilting glass panels, plus a fixed central glass panel.

This new car is ideal for customers who wish to move away from established automobile cues and who are looking for a vehicle that expresses optimism and joie de vivre without being showy.

A truly original reworking of a show car

Renault Kangoo be bop came into being in the wake of the enthusiasm prompted by the Kangoo Compact Concept show car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. A compact leisure vehicle with an original design and strong personality, Kangoo Compact Concept showed that an unusual car could appeal to active, sporty urban dwellers who share the values of fun and friendship. In addition to its design, the originality of the concept lay in its extensive glazed area and unique convertibility solutions, with the emphasis on space and light. Renault Kangoo be bop’s designers have succeeded in producing a production model which echoes the strengths and features of the concept car.

Renault Kangoo be bop has the Kangoo front end with its short bonnet and droplet-shaped headlamps. Light floods into the cabin through the sweeping, steeply raked windscreen for outstanding visibility. Renault Kangoo be bop differs from its elder sibling by being even shorter (less than four metres in length), as well as through some original styling details, such as the black headlamp masks, specific bumpers, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Ground clearance has been raised 20mm compared with Renault Kangoo, while protective side mouldings lend the look of ‘urban adventurer’, ready to confront the great outdoors. Its robust, expressive lines are energized by the standard two-tone colour scheme handed down from the concept car. The bonnet, grille, outside rearview mirrors, front bumper bib and tailgate panel are Sideral Grey, while the rest of the bodywork is another colour, e.g. Etincelle Orange, borrowed from Kangoo Compact Concept. Another similarity is the elongated, semi-circular form of the side windows, which make Renault Kangoo be bop instantly recognisable.The large tailgate window slides right out of sight into the door. It is operated by a switch on the instrument panel or by a third button on the ignition key, and makes it possible to access the boot without having to unlock the car or open the tailgate. The system naturally incorporates an anti-pinch safety function.

Renault Kangoo be bop features the same convertible roof configuration seen on the concept car, with a fully glazed, forward-sliding panel at the rear. With the rear section of the roof and rear window in the open position, Renault Kangoo be bop’s rear passengers are able to enjoy the delights of open-air motoring. The roof opens at an angle which creates a deflecting effect to prevent bothersome turbulence while on the move. Its ‘open’ and ‘closed’ positions are secured by two side locks. It opens independently of the tailgate with the help of two small rams.

The wide, fixed middle glazed panel contributes to the cabin’s brightness, while the two front tilting glass panels ensure that front-seat occupants also get a taste of the open air. Even when open, the panels do not interfere with the forward-sliding rear roof. The glazed roof panels have all been treated to filter out the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Although Renault Kangoo be bop’s dashboard and front seats are the same as Renault Kangoo’s, the rear features two individual, raised seats which make the interior redolent of a four-seater lounge on wheels.

The different exterior colour schemes and interior trim are reminders that Renault Kangoo be bop is at home in the city as it is on jaunts in the great outdoors and can look either ‘chic’ or ‘fun’. The chic look is derived from the Nacré Black, Pavot Red and Glacier White body colours, combined with the red and black upholstery and dark charcoal dashboard. The funloving be bop comes in a choice of an Etincelle Orange or Glacier White exterior together with silver, blue, and orange upholstery, plus a blue dashboard, as featured on Kangoo Compact Concept. The white instrument backgrounds and satin-finish chrome climate control console further emphasize the exclusive feel of the car’s interior.

For the first time in the Kangoo range, Renault Kangoo be bop can be ordered with Carminat Bluetooth® CD navigation. In addition to its attractive price, this system offers all the fundamental multimedia features, namely GPS navigation with traffic information, a 16/9 seven-inch colour display and Bluetooth® telephony.

Renault Kangoo be bop features numerous travel accessories that mark it out as a car for getting away from it all. A luggage rail above the tailgate window can be used for carrying long items such as surfboards, while a range of decals and stickers permits customers to customise their Renault Kangoo be bop. If they wish, occupants can to listen to their own playlists thanks to the Plug and Music option.

It is located in the glovebox and has USB, MP3 player, and iPod® connection ports. It is controlled via the steeringwheel-mounted fingertip remote control. Rounding off the multimedia equipment is the hands-free Bluetooth® telephone control.

A unique ride experience

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, Renault Kangoo be bop affords an amazingly generous, warm living space. The emphasis is on space and light. Its extensive 3.9 sq. metres of glazed area (roof and windows) flood the cabin with light. Front occupants benefit from the sweeping windscreen inherited from Renault Kangoo, while the large, semi-circular side windows heighten the rear passengers’ sense of travelling comfort, redolent of the tranquillity afforded by a modern high-speed train such as the TGV. The rear windows also permit excellent threequarter rear vision for manoeuvring and overtaking.

All four passengers benefit from individual seats which enable them to profit fully from the ride experience. The front seats are as spacious as those of Renault Kangoo and benefit from 1,510mm of elbowroom, as wide as anything on the market. The ergonomically designed driver’s seat is worthy of the best MPVs. Although the dashboard’s colour scheme and cladding are different from those of Renault Kangoo, its forms, as well as its ease and comfort of use are identical. Deeply recessed below the dashboard lip, the displays are always shaded from the light and easy to read. The gearshift control on the centre console falls naturally to hand, as do the very short stalk switches and audio remote control. The radio display screen is also remote for greater comfort. Thanks to its original aviation-style design, the handbrake frees up an appreciable nine litres of stowage space in the armrest between the two front seats. Very special attention has been lavished on the quality and finish of materials used.

Rear passengers enjoy unique travelling comfort. The individual seats are inspired by those of Scénic. They are fore/aft-adjustable and their backs can be reclined. They are mounted 9cm higher than the front seats, producing an amphitheatre arrangement that affords an astonishing 180° panoramic view. Looking out through the glazed roof and sweeping side windows from the rear seats, passengers experience a heightened sense of well-being and space. On each side is a wide armrest with two deep, easily accessible stowage bins, one of which can be closed. Rounding off the outstanding comfort at the rear are the loudspeakers mounted in the side panels. The model’s spaciousness is reflected in impressive figures worthy of E-segment vehicles: elbowroom 1,220mm and kneeroom 250mm, while at 998mm, headroom is far superior to that of rival leisure vehicles. Rear passengers can conveniently slip their personal effects into the 24cm gap between the two seats. Passengers can access the rear seats in one of two ways.

The first is through the front doors, using a handle that folds down the back of the front seats and slides them out of the way. It is easier to get in on the passenger side, where the seat slides further forward than on the driver’s side. Passengers can also climb into the rear seats through the open tailgate and the gap between the rear seats, which affords ample space. Children will particularly enjoy climbing into the car in this way. Indeed tailgate access is facilitated by the low sill and bumper which can take weights of up to 100kg.

The tailgate incorporates a handle that can be used to pull it shut from the inside. Reassuringly for parents, however, it cannot be opened from the inside.

The rear of the car is fully modular. The capacity of the luggage compartment ranges from 174 to 1,462dm3 depending on whether the seats are in their rearmost or foremost position. Like Scénic, the rear seats can be folded and tipped forward with a built-in notching system to hold them in place. It is also extremely straightforward to remove one or both seats to free up additional carrying capacity. Luggage can then be placed either on them or in the space vacated by the seats, which are also easy to remove. Two side anchorage points help hold items in place when the car is moving. With the seats removed, maximum luggage space capacity is 1,462 dm3 (with the retention net in place).

When the rear window (operated by a driver’s side switch or a button on the ignition key) has slid away into the tailgate, the car can be loaded without opening the tailgate, e.g. when doing some quick shopping or if the car is too tightly parked to open the tailgate. Two hooks on the left of the luggage compartment are intended for hanging small bags. The tailgate has two open positions: an intermediary one for accessing the luggage compartment in a restricted space, and an 85° opening for full access to the luggage compartment. And with the glazed rear roof and tailgate window both open, Renault Kangoo be bop’s carrying capacity is further extended to take even more luggage or tall loads, while longer items can be attached to the luggage rail which is available as an accessory.

At home in town and country

At only 3.87 metres in length, Renault Kangoo be bop is perfectly at home in towns and cities. Its wheelbase is 38cm shorter than that of Renault Kangoo which permits a smaller turning circle. Renault Kangoo be bop can be turned round between kerbs just 9.7 metres apart, making it as agile as the most manoeuvrable city car.

Even so, Renault Kangoo be bop is always ready to head for the wide blue yonder, whisking off its occupants for a jaunt in the open air. Like Renault Kangoo, it benefits from Scénic’s chassis, which lends it dynamic performance qualities that are quite exceptional for such a compact vehicle.

Renault Kangoo be bop’s front and rear track, which are respectively 1.52m and 1.53m wide, make it remarkably stable. It shares Renault Scénic’s suspension: MacPherson type with rectangular lower arm and anti-roll bar at the front and, a programmed deflection torsion beam with coil springs and anti-roll bar at the rear. The entire chassis is designed for cornering stability and reassuring handling. With its wide, 16-inch wheels it holds the road with precision, while the dimensions of its four vented brake discs (280mm at the front, 274mm at the rear) ensure prompt, efficient stopping power.

A vehicle for leisure and pleasure, Renault Kangoo be bop is powered by engines that yield genuine driveability and which are robust, economical, and kind to the environment, including two diesel powerplants – the 85hp dCi and the 100hp dCi which comes with a particulate filter and drives through a six-speed gearbox – and the petrol 105hp 1.6 16V unit.

The dCi 85hp (63 kW), which delivers peak power at 3,750rpm, is particularly versatile. With 200Nm of torque available from 1,900rpm, it is equally at home in urban environments as it is on the open road. With this powerplant, Renault Kangoo be bop ensures a particularly impressive trade-off between equipment and performance and its combined cycle fuel consumption which stands at 5.3 litres/100km. This is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 140g/km, making Renault Kangoo be bop eligible for the Renault eco² signature.

With the more powerful version of the 1.5 dCi, which also equips Renault Clio, Modus, Mégane, Scénic and new Laguna, Renault Kangoo be bop benefits from maximum power of 105hp at 4,000rpm, as well as 240Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. Thanks to its second-generation common rail injection, variable geometry turbo and 1,600-bar injector pressure, this powerplant yields sprightly performance for combined cycle fuel consumption of just 5.4l/100km (142g of CO2/km) thanks to its piezoelectric injectors and six-speed manual gearbox. Noise is minimised thanks to a twin-mass flywheel damper which reduces boom at low engine revs.

On certain markets, the 105hp engine is available with a particulate filter which comes with a fifth injector on the exhaust line.

The 1.6 16V petrol engine develops 105hp at 5,750rpm and maximum torque of 148Nm at 3,750rpm. It delivers outstanding driveability and low combined cycle fuel consumption (7.7 litres/100km) thanks to the use of lightweight materials and a timing system with roller cam followers.

Whether on city streets or open country roads, occupants will be reassured by Renault Kangoo be bop’s safety credentials, with active safety on a par with that of a family saloon. It is equipped with Bosch ABS incorporating electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and automatic activation of hazard lights. Bosch ESC 8.0, combined with understeer control, comes as standard on Renault Kangoo.

ASR traction control and an engine torque overrun regulation function ensure the car is able to pull away and drive in conditions where grip is at a premium and also prevent wheel-lock in the event of sudden loss of traction on slippery surfaces.

Numerous driver aid systems come as standard on Renault Kangoo be bop. These include cruise control with speed limiter, automatic headlamp and wiper activation and a rear parking proximity sensor.

To enable occupants to travel in safety, Renault Kangoo be bop has inherited Renault Kangoo’s body structure, made of steel and materials that absorb and dissipate impact energy. Kangoo be bop’s front seatbelts are equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners to hold occupants safely in place in the event of a collision. All seatbelts incorporate load limiters calibrated to optimise protection of the thorax. Renault Kangoo be bop is available with up to four airbags, two front airbags and two thorax airbags.

To reduce the risk of groin injury in the event of a head-on collision, the front seats are equipped with anti-submarining humps. Renault Kangoo be bop is also equipped with a retractable brake pedal to prevent injury to the driver’s ankle.

As part of the ongoing quest for greater safety and comfort, Renault Kangoo be bop’s front seats and headrests are designed to absorb energy in the event of impact from the rear. Clio III debuted this technology, which has helped to considerably reduce whiplash injury. Headrests are adjusted to the right height by sliding them up and down their support struts and no longer by sliding the struts in and out of the seatbacks. To complete the passive safety picture, the front passenger seat and both rear seats are equipped with Isofix child seat anchorage.

Whether driving along coastal, mountain, or country roads, Renault Kangoo be bop respects the environment. The Renault eco2 signature testifies to Renault’s commitment on the environmental front.

Renault Kangoo be bop is assembled at the ISO 14001-certified MCA Maubeuge plant in France, contains 7kg of recycled plastics (6% of its weight) and is 95% recoverable by weight (85% recyclable). Renault Kangoo be bop dCi 85 emits just 138g of CO2/km, making it perfectly eligible for the Renault eco² signature.

Renault will show its new Ondelios concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show next month – a high-end hybrid crossover that most likely will never see production. When automakers release these kinds of concepts you usually hear words like sleek, smooth and sexy and that’s exactly how Renault describes the Ondelios.

What we might see in the future from Renault is what’s under the hood of the Ondelios concept. Power comes from a 2.0 dCi engine and a hybrid system which allows for 205-hp. There are two 20kW electric motors at the front and rear that run on lithium-ion batteries. 0-62 mph comes in at 7.8 seconds returning a fuel economy of 52 mpg.

The Ondelios is described as “Renault’s vision of the high-end car of the near future” – just don’t expect this design to make it into production.

Click through for more images and the press release.

Renault Ondelios Concept:

Press Release:

ONDELIOS: AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY LONG-HAUL JOURNEY

The Paris Motor Show sees the wraps come off Renault’s top-of-the-range concept car Ondelios designed for lovers of long-haul travel who set store by comfort and refinement. Ondelios epitomizes Renault’s vision of the high-end crossover, combining a comfortable ride with respect for the environment. Clear illustrations of that vision are the vehicle’s ethereal design, its interior layout, and an original hybrid powertrain.

A sleek design that answers the call of the open road

The 4.8-metre-long, 1.6-metre high Ondelios has drawn inspiration from the world of aviation design to deliver high drag efficiency and a Cd of just 0.29. This long-distance voyager boasts sleek, smooth, amazingly fluid lines that make it appear as though it glides over the ground. It embodies Renault’s vision of high-end car. “Ondelios is inspired by motion rather than speed and is a whole new response to the call of the open road,” enthuses Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s Design Director.

The aluminium-finish grille is flanked by headlamp units that also suggest flowing motion, while its high-performance LED headlights are both longer lasting and more efficient. Another feature of Ondelios’ aerodynamic styling is the boomerang-shaped tail lights. They are built into the bodywork and ringed with air extractors to control the flow of air from the wheel arches. The glazed roof further emphasises the vehicle’s airy look and feel, bathing the interior in natural light. The steeply raked windscreen, which extends well down the bonnet, further accentuates this ethereal feel.

“We think of it as made from a single material, where the body and glazed areas merge into one. Ondelios is a glimpse of what the automobile might be in the medium term future,” adds Patrick Le Quément. The butterfly-type side doors, which also feature an extensive glazed area, add a further touch of elegance to the car’s overall styling. They swing out and upwards as the sills slide down to facilitate ingress.

The dark blue anthracite of the bodywork blends perfectly with the tinted glazed area, making the car look as if it were all of a piece and a single colour. The tailgate’s upper section rounds off the sleek, aerodynamic lines with a profiled glareshield that slides inwards to air and cool the cabin.

Ondelios sits on seven-spoke, 23-inch aluminium alloy wheels which contribute to its profiled styling. The propeller-like hubs draw airflow from the sides of the car to prevent turbulence. They operate in conjunction with the rim-side brake discs to ensure they suck in air effectively.

The sleek sidewalls of the large diameter 255/40 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres deliver outstanding drag performance. Their tread pattern is designed to minimise deformation of the contact patch while on the move to help curb rolling resistance. The tread has efficient, active flow channels which, together with the wide circumferential
groove that helps clear water, strengthen the image of a high-end, high-tech tyre.

Business-class comfort for a long-haul journey

The elegance of the Ondelios interior is in harmony with the call of the open road suggested by its exterior. To begin with, its layout is designed to profit from all the available space. There are three rows of seats that offer individual seating for six. With their cantilever mounts they give the impression of floating, while their kinematics are redolent of airplane seats. The electrically adjustable backs fold into comfortable, business-class positions, while occupants can deploy and retract their footrests at will. Although their slim lines speak of lightness, they aredesigned, like giant leaves, to hug their occupants who can curl up in them to enjoy the comfort and support they afford. The height of the seats is carefully designed to ensure occupants are perfectly at ease when they talk to each other.

Unlike conventional door opening systems, the doors are hinged to the roof, which makes getting into the car extremely easy. The second row of seats slide forward and folds down to facilitate access to the third row.

In addition to seating comfort, the cabin exudes a highly refined ambience. The materials used are drawn from contemporary interior design and give the impression of sitting in a lounge on wheels. They blend soft, supple textures like light grey leather and fabric, as seen on the dashboard, seats and door panels. The colour of the seatbacks blends gradually from ochre to purple, further enhancing the sense of security and comfort.

Interior features and fittings are both modern and intuitive. The ergonomically designed controls, in keeping with Renault’s touch design approach, afford users efficient, comfortable ease of use.

The ample, flowing yet sober design of the broad dashboard echoes the car’s aerodynamic exterior. It is further highlighted by a roomy, suspended stowage compartment which is protected by a lit shell, while all the dashboard’s functional components are particularly user-friendly:

- active display skins show driver aid and ride information;
- a monitor at the base of the windscreen displays the different menus and pictures from the
door mirror cameras;
- three large strip displays provide driving-related information, revs and how the hybridized
drivetrain is operating;
- a digital speedometer.

The technologies with which Ondelios is equipped enhance the collective and individual well-being of all occupants. All the passengers, including those in the back row, have their own Samsung interactive portable multimedia devices which they can use for sharing data or multiplayer gaming. Speakers are also incorporated into the headrests and a multizone HVAC system enables each passenger to set the temperature to his or her own liking.

The smart technologies that have gone into designing Ondelios help drivers to settle in at the wheel, include a Samsung cell phone which also acts as a hands-free door lock recognises the driver and loads all his or her personal settings, e.g. seat-adjustment settings and favourite music. The vehicle adds a final, friendly touch in the form of the back-lit logo which lights up to show that it has recognised the driver.

An environmentally friendly voyager

To complement the extensive work that has gone into Ondelios’s aerodynamics, some of the car’s structural parts are made from natural flax fibre for greater recyclability. In keeping with the commitment to make the car as light as possible, its body is made from carbon and the glazed areas from polycarbonate.

Ondelios is powered by a hybrid powerplant which combines a more powerful 205hp (150kW) version of the 2.0 dCi engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front and rear. They operate in mild hybrid mode, giving the engine extra boost as required. They use a brake and boost system, recovering energy during braking then delivering it to the engine to boost acceleration. The front motor also uses fuel-saving stop-start technology.

The electric motor mounted on the rear axle drives the rear wheels when the ESP sensors detect a loss of traction, thus giving Ondelios the capability of a 4WD vehicle. The car is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can deliver power of up to 4kW/h. With torque of 450Nm between 1,700 and 3800rpm, the diesel engine provides comfort and flexibility at all engine speeds for long-distance driving pleasure. The 2.0 dCi unit takes Ondelios from a standing start to 100kph in just 7.8 seconds. Driving through a seven-speed, double-clutch gearbox, it affords outstanding driving pleasure, while keeping fuel consumption at a frugal 4.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions at a lowly 120g/km – very impressive for a top-of-the-range vehicle. Similarly, the body, chassis design and hybrid powertrain contribute decisively to protecting the environment.

Ondelios is a long-distance travel-loving aerodynamic crossover born for the open road. It is proof that caring for occupants and the environment is entirely compatible. Ondelios is a concept car that illustrates Renault’s vision of the high-end car of the near future.