MOTORING NEWS - Renault is taking its design language in a new direction as demonstrated with the stunning Renault Trezor concept GT car.
Originally revealed at the the 2016 Paris Motor Show, it has been shown at several events since, including the recent DesignJunction event in London.
The Trezor follows the magnificent design of the 2010 DeZir concept, which introduced styling that is now used on many current Renault models.
Like DeZir, Trezor itself won't go into production, but its design approach will most likely be introduced on future models.
Renault told media that the Trezor's shape, design and colour choices are aimed at evoking passion, hence the extensive use of red. If the car's shape seems animal-like, it's not by accident.
The computer-designed carbon weave bodywork looks like snake skin up close and leather is used over the sills.
The Trezor's design is all about power and aggression.
The interior detail shows the interesting take on the steering wheel - or should it be called a steering cube?
For the rest, the Trezor adopts classic sports car proportions. The cabin is pushed far back.
The car is long, wide and low and the sleek design helps contribute to an impressive drag coefficient of 0.22.
For the powertrain, Renault used an electric motor and regenerative braking system based on the hardware from its Formula E race cars.
The motor sends 261kW horsepower and 379Nm of torque to the rear wheels, getting the Trezor from 0 to100km in less than four seconds, says Renault.
The Trezor uses a carbon fibre passenger cell with tubular steel frames attached to the front and rear, helping keep weight down to 1 600kg.
The Trezor's roof lifts off to allow access to the two-seat cockpit.
Detail of the wheel well.
The dashboard is one big curved display made from Gorilla Glass, with touch controls handling most functions.
In front of the cockpit is storage space that contains custom-made luggage. The Trezor is capable of autonomous driving. When it's in self-driving mode, the steering wheel extends in width, providing a clearer view of the screen.
While the Trezor is just a concept car, many of its elements will show up on production in future Renaults, including at least some of the styling cues.
These would probably be the dashboard and layout, as well as other autonomous-driving technology.
Along with partner Nissan, Renault plans to make autonomous systems available on mainstream models from 2020.
Source: Digital Trends
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