Showing posts with label Renault. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Renault. Show all posts

Stunt Driver Terry Grant set New World Record


New world records and the Renault Twingo are two things you would never normally associate together, but enter renowned stunt driver Terry Grant and the impossible becomes reality. At the Autosport International Show in the UK, the famous driver managed to spin (or drift or J turn) a Twingo GT through a gap just 18cm more than the length of the car.

This feat is even more amazing when you take into account the crucial measurement of the diagonal size of the car which left just 4cm for Terry to spin through the barriers beating the previous record by 1.5cm and had Terry lauding the Twingo GT's capabilities.

Terry Grant has broken 16 world records in all and you can see more information about his 12 year stunt driving career at his website here.









Press Release

Renowned stunt driver Terry Grant has set a new Guinness World Record in the feisty Renault Twingo. The audience at the Live Action Arena of the Autosport International Show saw the famous driver spin a Twingo GT through a gap just 18 centimetres more than the length of the car!

The 100hp Twingo GT is just the ticket for punching above its weight in the urban environment although Terry’s method of nipping through gaps is best left to the professionals! The ‘J-turn’ involves reversing at speed, spinning the car around through 180º and then driving off in the opposite direction.

The sell-out crowd in the Live Action arena at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre saw Terry reverse the Twingo and spin it through barriers that were just 378 centimetres apart – only 18 centimetres more than the length of the car. The crucial measurement for Terry was the diagonal size of the Twingo. At 370 centimetres, this left Terry with just four centimetres gap between the barriers!

The Live Action arena saw 12 performances of the stunt over the four days of the show. In each spectacular demonstration, the gap between the barriers was reduced, breaking the previous World Record each time. This culminated in beating the previous record by over one and a half metres!

Terry said “For this record, the car needs great agility, visibility and pinpoint accuracy. The Twingo has it in spades! Best of all, despite up to six shows each day and numerous practice runs, it was bomb-proof! You couldn't drive many cars home after that sort of punishment!”

Terry Grant has been performing stunts around the world for over 12 years and is widely regarded as one of the greatest performers in the business. This is his 16th World Record.

Renault Laguna Coupe Spied Again

Concept into production

This morning, close to the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia, one of our near frozen spy photographers caught the Renault Laguna Coupe prototype on film. The Laguna Coupe Concept turned many heads in Frankfurt and was considered one of the bigger attractions.

The new Renault Laguna Coupe will be competing against the CLS and the all new VW Passat CC, but with just two doors. Renault seems to be focussing on rear passenger space and boot capacity.

We expect the usual Renault engines to drive the new coupe, but rumours suggest that the 3.0 liter V6 dCI engine (230 to 250 hp) from the concep might just be added to the range. We expect the Renault Laguna Coupe in showrooms sometime in 2009.



Related entries:


Renault Laguna Coupe First Spy Photos
New Renault Laguna Coupe Concept Revealed



New Renault Trafic and Generation Facelifts Revealed


The range of six-speed manual and robotized transmissions has also evolved, with the maximum torque capacity uprated from 320Nm to 350Nm and a synchronized reverse for a smoother drive.

New Trafic Passenger Authentique and Expression are available in one of two lengths (4.78m or 5.18m), while New Trafic Passenger Privilège comes in a single length (4.78m). Both the Authentique and Expression versions can seat up to nine occupants (eight in the case of New Trafic Passenger Privilège) and replace the former combi and minibus versions. They are targeted at business customers, but will also appeal to large families looking for MPV-style vehicles that offer even greater volume.

New Trafic Generation’s highly flexible interior features a rear benchseat that readily converts into a bed, multiple storage compartments and a removable table that together combine to make this the ideal leisure vehicle that is also suited to everyday use.

New Trafic Passenger and Trafic Generation were designed by Renault’s Corporate Design Department and developed by the LCV Division in Villiers Saint Frédéric, near Paris. New Trafic Passenger is built in Luton (GM, United Kingdom) and Barcelona (Nissan, Spain). New Trafic Generation’s chassis is produced solely in Barcelona alongside that of New Trafic Passenger, while its cabin is manufactured in association with the French coachbuilder Gruau in bespoke premises located close to the factory and dedicated to this upper­range vehicle.

Design and equipment worthy of passenger cars

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation feature new styling, comfort and safety refinements that fully justify their position in Renault’s passenger car range.

Bold, expressive looks

The bold, modern design and subtler, more reassuring lines of New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation underpin the dynamic qualities of these two vehicles. Their assimilation with the world of passenger cars is further emphasized by the body­coloured front and rear bumpers (according to version). The repenned front features one-piece headlamp units incorporating the clear glass indicators, while the new grille reflects Renault’s visual identity. Special attention has also gone into build quality, thanks notably to work on fit and finish and mastic smoothi ng.

At the rear, New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation boast a more dynamic and more refined design for the new clear glass lights, plus a new, bigger protective footplate in which a reversing radar can be housed. Like Clio and New Mégane, New Trafic Passenger and Generation feature the new Renault badging on the rear doors.

The quality of the dashboard of all versions of New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation has been upgraded and includes new, clearer, uncluttered instruments and an LCD display for water tempera­ture, fuel level and motoring data. For greater strength, the headlining is trimmed in light-coloured single tone cloth, while upholsteries have been renewed to match the new interior trim levels. The light nutmeg trim has been carried over to the centre console, lateral and central air vents and glovebox catch.

Interior comfort worthy of a passenger car

Particular attention has been paid to the drive station with a view to combining space and functionality. Renault has adopted MPV ergonomics: the steering­wheel is reach-adjustable, the gear lever is mounted on the dashboard, while the multiple stowage spaces and controls all fall easily to the driver’s hands.

For even greater comfort, the front and rear seats of New Trafic Passenger Privilège and New Trafic Generation incorporate armrests and employ specific foam. In addition to providing effective lateral support, the front seats ensure excellent lumbar support too. They are also height-adjustable to permit a raised driving position for optimal visibility.

New Trafic Passenger can carry up to nine people with ease.

The Row 2 benchseat seats either two or three passengers according to specification, while the Row 3 benchseat – which also seats two or three passengers – can be easily folded down and removed (without tools) to adapt the vehicle’s layout and load­carrying capacity to requirements.

New Trafic Passenger comes in a choice of three trim levels:

  • The Authentique trim level comes with special “Galatone” upholstery.

  • The Expression trim level features a darker shade for the upholstery which has been produced to highlight the quality of the seats’ forms, using dark charcoal fabric for the sides and “Genola” patterned fabric for the central part.

  • The Privilège trim level stands out by its use of dark charcoal “Milagro” velour upholstery which extends to the front door and side panel inserts. The entire cabin has been trimmed to conceal all steel parts and the floor is fully carpeted. The quality of finish extends also to the boot, which features a removable luggage cover and full trimming of the wheel arches.

The Authentique and Expression trim levels are optionally available with the same trim as New Trafic Passenger Privilège, in which case the dashboard has an even higher quality finish, plus chrome door handles and a polished aluminium finish for the centre console, ventilation control panel, glovebox lid, gear lever knob insert and dashboard instrument surrounds.




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Related entries:

Renault Launches new Trafic Sport and Kangoo Van Extra





New Renault Trafic and Generation Facelifts Revealed


New Trafic Generation – the missing link between the MPV and the combi

This leisure-oriented MPV is equipped with special front seats which pivot for enhanced conviviality when parked, a rear benchseat that can be quickly and simply converted into a bed and a removable table. The model comes with new, two-tone “Digital” upholstery which emphasizes the forms of the seats. A version with six individual seats is avail­able as an option.

Ingenious stowage space

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation are prime examples of Renault Design’s ingenuity when it comes to travelling comfort. All free space has been converted into storage space, including the front door panels, plus map pockets on the back of the front seats (according to version) and even a ski-trap under the Row 3 benchseat.

The structure of the dashboard has made it possible to fit a lit, cooled (with the climate control option) glovebox that can take a 1.5-litre bottle, plus a sun­glasses/spectacle holder, cup holders incorporating a removable ashtray and several cubby holes.

The under-parcel shelf boot volume of the short ver­sion of NewTrafic Passenger is a spacious 673 litres (New Trafic Generation: 500 litres) and 1,084 litres in the case of the long version. This figure increases to 3,092 litres with the Row 3 benchseat of the short version removed (long version: 4,009 litres). And to hold loads securely in place, both vehicles come with lashing hooks as standard, while a baggage retention net is optionally available.

A long list of equipment features

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation feature a long list of equipment familiarly associated with passenger cars and are now equipped with (according to version and market):

  • Passenger airbag disable function.

  • Emergency Brake Assist.

  • Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor. - Automatic headlamp activation.

  • See Me Home” light.

  • Speed limiter.

  • Renault Anti-Intruder Device (RAID).

  • Latest-generation Carminat Navigation System, as seen on Mégane.

According to version and market, the following comfort equipment specific to passenger-carrying vans is also available:

Additional high -performance rear heater
The additional heater is located at the rear of the vehicle close to the rear-seat floor cross-member and the blower blends in harmoniously with the overall design. The new-design control panel is located on the roof near the rear-seat cross-member. This feature is coupled with an improved hot air blower system in the driver’s side footwell which represents a gain of between 4 and 5°C.

Reversing radar.
Two sliding doors
for New Trafic Passenger Authentique and Expression. The addition of a second sliding door, derived from the development of the right-hand drive combi version, necessitated modifications to the rear left footplate and headlining.

Higher capacity load securing.
The capacity of the load securing hooks has been uprated from 500 to 625daN.


Provision for a second battery (for leisure versions):
The size of the tray which houses the battery has been increased with a view to enabling the addition of a second battery (the second battery – like the wiring loom – is fitted as an aftersales conversion as a func­tion of special needs and conversion requirements). Access is facilitated by a floor trap located under­neath the driver’s feet. Meanwhile, the electrics of New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation have been uprated. Depending on the version, the power of the batteries and the alternator has been increased. By way of the example, the power of the alternator has been uprated from 125A to 150A.

A third factory-supplied key.
New range of diesel engines. New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation are available with an all-new range of environmentally-friendly diesel powerplants offering increased power and flexibility. The transmissions have also been revised for greater strength and a smoother drive.

A comprehensive powertrain range

The range of engines for New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation has evolved to offer even more driveability and flexibility thanks to their higher torque. To comply with Euro 4 standards, the 82hp (60kW) and 100hp (81 kW) versions of the 1.9 dCi (F9Q) have been replaced by the new 2.0 dCi (M9R) which now delivers either 90hp (66kW) or 115hp (84kW). Both versions are coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the more powerful of the two will shortly be available with the new six-speed robotized transmission. Meanwhile, power of the 2.5 dCi engine has been increased from 135hp to 150hp (107kW) and can be specified with either six-speed manual or robotized transmission. The 120hp (88kW) 2.0 16V petrol engine is also Euro 4-compliant.

90hp (66kW) and 115hp (84kW) 2.0 dCi: reliable, powerful and quiet-running

The 2.0 dCi engine (M9R) is now available on New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation. Derived from a Renault-led Renault-Nissan joint develop­ment, this new 1995cc unit features all the latest diesel engine technologies available on the market, including piezo-electric injectors, 1,600-bar common­rail injection, fixed-geometry turbo and new-generation combustion chambers. Two versions of differing power outputs are available, both of which ensure excellent pick-up response, driving pleasure and low fuel consumption.

  • 90hp (66kW) version. Maximum power is reached at 3,500rpm and remains available until the limiter kicks in at 4,250rpm. This version of the 2.0 dCi out­puts 240Nm of torque at 1,600rpm and consumes 7.9l/100km in a combined cycle. This engine can be ordered with the new PF6 six-speed manual gearbox. - 115hp (84kW) version. Maximum power is reached at 3,500rpm and remains available until the limiter kicks in at 4,250rpm. The torque of this particularly flexible and responsive engine peaks at 290Nm from 1,600rpm. Its fuel consumption is 7.9l/100km. This engine is available with either the new PF6 six-speed manual gearbox or, in 2007, the PA0 six-speed robo­tized transmission, which is an evolution of the PA6 transmission.

Both versions of the 2.0 dCi boast a very broad useful rev band, with outstanding pick-up response from low engine speeds all the way up to maximum revs which are set at 4,250rpm. For power, comfort and safety, 90% of torque is available from 1,500rpm all the way up to 3,250rpm.

For maximum efficiency, the 2.0 dCi engine features Bosch piezo-electric injection which improves fuel injection speed. They are also equipped with valve control by roller cam followers and hydraulic stops for less friction and consequently lower fuel con­sumption.

Control of noise was a priority throughout the devel­opment of this engine and the bottom end, which features an aluminium bedplate, is engineered to ensure enhanced damping of vibrations. The long cast-iron crankcase skirt and sump and timing covers are also designed to absorb vibrations.

Finally, the chain-driven timing gear not only enhances the engine’s acoustic performance but also its reliability and durability.

150hp (107kW) 2.5 dCi: response and performance

This evolution takes the level of the New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation engine range a step higher. Like the 16-valve 2.2 dCi from which it is derived, it benefits from common-rail direct injection, a 16-valve cylinder head, tubular twin overhead camshafts and roller cam followers. The transition to Euro 4 compliance has enabled this 2.5 dCi powerplant, which first became available

for Trafic early in 2003, to now deliver 150hp (107kW) at 3,500rpm, with maximum torque of 320Nm at 1,500rpm. It is equipped with a partic­ulate filter and is available with six-speed manual or robotized transmission.

Despite targeting customers looking for performance and response, it is sill inexpensive to run and its overall fuel consumption is a low 8.2l/100km with Quickshift transmission, equivalent to 1,100km on a full tank!

120hp (88kW) 2.0 16V: a proven product

The 2.0 16V petrol engine, which has already proved itself on several other models from the Renault range (Scénic, Laguna, Espace), boasts 120hp (88kW) at 4,750rpm, plus maximum torque of 190Nm at 3,750rpm. Its European combined cycle fuel consumption is 10.3l/100km. The evolution for Euro 4 compliance concerned the catalytic converter, the pre­cious metal content of which has been enriched.

More torque with the new six-speed manual gearbox

Derived from the PK4 passenger car gearbox, the new Renault PF6 six-speed gearbox is coupled as standard with both the 90hp and 115hp versions of the 2.0 dCi engine as well as with the 2.5 dCi. The new transmission can handle torque of up to 350Nm and was also developed to comply with more stringent specifications with regard to reliability and durability. There are many benefits of having a sixth gear: the wider ratios allow the potential of the torquey diesel engines it equips to be exploited from very low engine speeds, while the closer gearing permits lower engine speeds and is more suited to the characteristics of the torque curve. The six-speed manual box accordingly favours pick-up in all intermediate gears while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and noise.

The reverse gear is synchronized and the gear shifts between third and fourth have been revised for a smoother drive and greater precision.

Added driving comfort with the new six-speed robotized transmission

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation benefit from an evolution of the PA0 Quickshift six­speed robotized transmission seen on previous­generation Trafics. The new version combines the acclaimed performance of the former generation PA6 electro-hydraulic system with the durability of the PF6 manual gearbox.

This flick-shift robotized gearbox optimizes the trans­mission of power to achieve lower fuel consumption (a saving of 0.9l/100km in the urban cycle), fewer emissions and greater driving pleasure. The PA0 transmission can handle torque of up to 350Nm com­pared with 320Nm for the former-generation PA6.

Low running costs

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation were designed to achieve a high standard of reliability and durability for their particularly exacting clientele. In addition to their extremely low fuel consumption, servicing intervals have been extended with oil changes only every 30,000 kilometres (or every year), air and diesel filter changes every 90,000km and an accessory drive belt change every 120,000km. Outer body panels are fully galvanized and wax injection is used in box sections, enabling Renault to offer a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Best-in-class safety

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation offer occupants a level of comfort and safety worthy of a grand tourer thanks to their reassuring handling, precise braking and the introduction of Emergency Brake Assist.

Safer braking, with better response

For control in all situations, New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation benefit from the considerable expertise of Renault’s engineers in the realm of active safety and notably feature disc brakes all-round. The big front discs (305mm x 28mm) are ventilated and equipped with 40 and 45mm diameter dual-piston callipers, while the 285mm x 12mm rear discs come with self-adjusting callipers. The vehicles’ durable, efficient stopping power is further enhanced by ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution as standard, plus Emergency Brake Assist – new to Trafic.

Ride and handling worthy of a touring car

New Trafic Passenger combines a level of steering precision and comfort on a par with that of MPVs. These qualities are heightened in the case of New Trafic Passenger Privilège and New Trafic Generation thanks to specific suspension settings.

The front suspension features an anti-roll bar with articulated mountings on the spring/damper units. At the rear, the torsion beam with trailing arms and Panhard rod layout ensures both outstanding acoustic comfort – by effectively filtering out the vibrations responsible for road noise – and dynamic performance comparable with that of the market’s top MPVs. Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the use of load-sensitive variable-rate hydraulic dampers coupled with variable flexibility suspension

Top-class passive safety

New Trafic Passenger and New Trafic Generation occupant protection features include a driver airbag as standard plus, according to market and version, a passenger airbag which can be deactivated by a switch in the cabin. The two vehicles also come with three-point seat belts with load limiters, as well as pretensioners for the outer rear seats and headrests for all seats. And for even greater protection, front lateral airbags and rear curtain airbags are also avai labl e.




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Related entries:

Renault Launches new Trafic Sport and Kangoo Van Extra




Renault Launches new Trafic Sport and Kangoo Van Extra


With the introduction of two new models for the New Year, Renault are determined to give their rivals principally in the commercial van market a run for their money. The first is a new Trafic model specification dubbed 'Sport', combining greater levels of standard equipment, stylish design cues and Trafic's flexible cargo space. Ahead of March's UK launch of the new two-model Kangoo range, the second model is a special edition 'Extra' Van, of particular interest to business users, keeping the Kangoo ticking over into Spring.

Marketed as the multi-purpose Trafic, be it for leisure or business, the new 'Sport' model offers the greater provision of equipment and increased specification at a reduced rate over equivalent models. Available in three guises including the 9-seat passenger version, styling is enhanced by the additon of 16" alloys and an all-over metallic paint. In the cabin, Elba upholstery and an Air Conditioning pack is included, encompassing air con, electric front windows and heated door mirrors. Pricing starts at £15,700 (excluding VAT) and offers owners savings of £535 over an equivalent-specced model.

The Kangoo Van Extra special edition model, available with the 1.6-litre petrol or 1.5-litre dCi diesel units, costs £500 over the models they are based on, but offers £765 worth of extra equipment. Air con, body coloured bumpers & door mirrors, and a 30W RDS Radio-CD player now come as standard. The models are priced at £8,550 for the petrol and £10,600 for the diesel (excluding VAT).



Press Release

Ready to take the challenge to its rivals from the beginning of the year, Renault is launching two new Kangoo Van and Trafic versions to further broaden its already comprehensive range.

New Kangoo Van Extra special edition

Even in its final year in the UK before the arrival of the all-new two-model Kangoo Van range in a few months time, Renault’s current version continues to appeal to a wide cross-section of customers. Following the success of the Venture special edition, another version, the ‘Extra’ special edition now joins the fold, with particular appeal for small business users.

The new model is available with either the 1.6 petrol 75hp or 1.5 dCi 70hp engine, giving a payload of 625kg. Both models cost just £500 more than the SL16P 75 and SL17 dCi 70 models on which they’re based, but with £765 worth of additional equipment: air conditioning with pollen filter, body coloured bumpers and door mirrors and 30W RDS radio-CD with fingertip control.

The basic price (excluding VAT) of the two new Extra versions are £8,550 (petrol) and £10,600 (diesel). Both versions are available to order now.

Trafic Sport

Never mix business with pleasure. Or so they say. But now the two can be combined a whole lot easier with the launch of the new Trafic Sport van. Stylish and well equipped enough to cope with any type of cargo, whether it be urban and motorway delivery loads during the week or friends and family at the weekend, the new range starts from £15,700 (excluding VAT) and offers £1,785 of extra equipment for £1,250 more than equivalent models – a saving of £535.

Available on Panel Van, six-seat Crew Van+ (from March 2008) and 9 Seat versions of Trafic, the new Sport trim level provides 16” ‘Ixtar’ alloy wheels, all round metallic paint, Air Con Plus pack (air conditioning, electric front windows and electrically heated door mirrors), driver’s armrest, front fog lights and new Elba upholstery.

Positioned slightly above the Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive and below VW Transporter Sportline, the new model is expected to account for a significant proportion of sales, particularly with small and medium-sized businesses.



Related entries:

New Renault Trafic and Generation Facelifts Revealed
New Renault Kangoo: In Depth



Bajaj Reveal Small Car Prototype

While the Tata Nano has been getting all of the headlines another cheap small car prototype was revealed over the last few days by Bajaj Automotive, which will serve as the platform for the Renault/Nissan $3000 car.

The Bajaj prototype is set to be launched on the Indian market in 2009 (nearly 2 years after the Nano) with a price of around $3000 (Rs 1.25 lakh) and following this it could make its way over to the European,US,Canadian and Japanese markets.

Fuel economy is reported to be twice as good as the current B segment cars with a gasoline engine and a diesel option will be made available as well and Bajaj have not ruled out the possibility of hybrid engine in the future.




Related entries:

$2500 Tata Nano Revealed at Auto Expo




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