Έκθεση Φρανκφούρτης 2011: Το περίπτερο της Renault με το νέο Twingo

Οι Γάλλοι τελικά δεν μας επιφύλαξαν κάποια έκπληξη στη Φρανκφούρτη αφού δεν παρουσίασαν κάτι που δεν περιμέναμε να δούμε, όπως το πρωτότυπο του νέου Clio. Κεντρική θέση στο περίπτερο έχει το νέο Twingo το οποίο είναι διαθέσιμο σε Gordini έκδοση και σε RS με 133 άλογα. Μηχανικά το νέο Twingo θα είναι διαθέσιμο με έναν 1.200αρη κινητήρα βενζίνης με 75 και 100 άλογα ενώ υπάρχει και ένας 1.500αρης πετρελαίου με 75 και 85 άλογα

Παρόν δίνουν και τα πρωτότυπα Frendzy, Captur, Renault R-Space και Zoe αλλά και διθέσιο Twizy EV το οποίο θα ξεκινήσει τις πωλήσεις του από τον Δεκέμβριο με τιμή τα €6.990 (μαζί με ΦΠΑ) με το μηνιαίο κόστος των μπαταριών να ανέρχεται στα €45.

[Πηγή: Renault | Live Photos Copyright: Renault, Autoblog.nl]

[learn_more caption=”Δελτίο Τύπου”]

RENAULT AT THE 2011 INTERNATIONAL FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

Renault has taken the wraps off FRENDZY, the fourth concept car to illustrate the brand’s new strategy launched, at the 64^th International Frankfurt Motor Show. After the notion of ‘love at first sight’ expressed by DeZir, discovering the world with Captur and the establishment of a family with R-Space, FRENDZY presents the world of work. FRENDZY is a multi-purpose commercial business electric vehicle which doubles up perfectly as a comfortable car.

Renault has chosen Frankfurt to show how concepts go on to reach the showroom. New Twingo is the first production car to feature some of the styling cues showcased by the brand’s recent concept cars. Thanks to its attractive, expressive front end and extensive personalisation programme, New Twingo is sure to appeal to an even broader audience. This practical and compact city car boasts record cabin space and is at home both in town and on the motorway. At the same time, the fuel consumption of its punchy engines has come down even further.

The Frankfurt Motor Show also provides Renault with the ideal opportunity to reveal the latest developments in its powertrain strategy. The Energy family is set to expand further with two new powerplants: the Energy TCe 115 petrol engine and the Energy dCi 110, an extensively enhanced version of the current 1.5 dCi diesel. The Renault Energy range is a case study in how innovation can work not only for performance, but also for low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

In its “Renault 2016 – Drive the Change” plan, Renault has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 10 percent between now and 2013, and by a further 10 per cent between 2013 and 2016. In addition to its ongoing work on internal combustion engines, Renault will be the only car manufacturer to launch a comprehensive range of affordable electric vehicles. With a month to go before the first Renault Z.E. (Zero Emissions in use) vehicles are seen in showrooms and on the road, the necessary systems are already up and running to ensure a seamless shift to electric mobility.

Carlos Tavarès, Renault Chief Operating Officer, said, “Today, Renault is delivering on its promises. On the quality front, we have a range of vehicles which ADAC describes as ‘good’ or even ‘excellent’. At the same time, we are introducing two new Energy petrol and diesel engines which benefit from our experience in F1 racing. They will enable us to propose vehicles that boast unrivalled CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption in their respective segments.

This year, we are also launching our first three electric vehicles which customers can already reserve. Renault has kept its promise, too, with regard to styling, with a new concept car and New Twingo, the first production car to be inspired by our new design strategy. And this is just the beginning of a new era for Renault: in 2012, we are preparing to launch nine new models and ten restyled vehicles.”

CONTENTS

RENAULT’s new design strategy: from concept to reality

• FRENDZY: the functional vehicle for either work or family use – a question of choice
• New Twingo: even more irresistible
• Renaultsport range: great looking performance cars

ENERGY: INNOVATION WORKING FOR POWERTRAIN PERFORMANCE

• F1 and road cars… an identical objective: enhanced powertrain efficiency
• Energy TCe 115: a 1.2 litre engine with unprecedented performance, and a model of fuel efficiency
• Energy dCi 110: a transformation for the 1.5 dCi engine
• Introduction of the Energy family of engines

EVERYTHING IN PLACE FOR THE ARRIVAL OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• Systems up and running…
• A fully inclusive offer in pack form: the Z.E. Box
• A comprehensive range of readily affordable electric vehicles

RENAULT: AN ONGOING COMMITMENT TO HIGH QUALITY LEVELS

• Renault quality: widely recognised
• Standardisation of strict procedures and rigorous controls
• Engines that reflect Renault’s demanding standards

RENAULT’S NEW DESIGN STRATEGY: FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY

FRENDZY: THE FUNCTIONAL VEHICLE FOR EITHER WORK OR FAMILY USE – A QUESTION OF CHOICE

Laurens Van Den Acker, Director of Industrial Design, said, “FRENDZY is the fourth step in our new design strategy which was first illustrated by Renault DeZir. FRENDZY is an original and innovative vehicle which takes us into an area that is vital to Renault: the world of light commercial vehicles.”

FRENDZY, A MULTI-FACETED FRIEND

After the notion of ‘love at first sight’ expressed by DeZir, discovering the world with Captur and the establishment of a family with R-Space, FRENDZY presents the world of work. The latest concept car to be produced under the leadership of Laurens Van Den Acker, it is the perfect multi-talented vehicle. As a commercial business vehicle which can double up perfectly as a comfortable passenger car, it meets the requirements of business users on the one hand and those of families on the other. Axel Breun, Director of Concept and Show Car Design, said, “FRENDZY is the must-have vehicle for flexibility and versatility, two qualities which are in tune with today’s world. It is efficient and modern as a work tool, yet sporty and warmly welcoming for the family.”

On the outside…

On the passenger’s side, there’s no centre pillar; just one conventional door and one sliding side door which incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. This is the world of work. The driver’s side, complete with centre-opening doors represents the world of the family. Ease of loading and ease of entry go without saying in both worlds. “The concept of an asymmetric body design was the most logical way to express this vehicle’s dual role,” says Exterior Designer, Deyan Denkov. “From the very start, I wanted to move away from the traditional format for business vehicles and, in doing so, show that this type of vehicle can also be more emotional, more dynamic and more attractive. I took inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including unconventionally shaped aircraft such as the Airbus Beluga and the Antonov 224.”

On weekdays, FRENDZY is a vehicle that adapts to the requirements of the business user, with a large external screen that can display information or advertising messages, either whilst stationary or on the move. Come the weekend, the car becomes a family vehicle, with a comfortable passenger seat and, in the rear, a big bench seat. Children can watch a film or play games on the touch-sensitive pad which slides out from the back of the driver’s seat. They can even draw on a special slate integrated into the sliding door.

The driver, likewise, can adapt the vehicle to his or her needs. In ‘work’ mode, the rear-view mirrors sit upright and the interior lighting is green; in ‘family’ mode, the mirrors swivel round to the horizontal position and the interior is bathed in a radiant orange ambience. Coloured lights in the headlamps and tail lights provide an external indication of the mode in which the vehicle is running. With FRENDZY, Renault – as Europe’s LCV market leader for the past 13 years – once again showcases the practicality, modularity and versatility that are already hallmarks of Kangoo, Trafic and Master.

On the inside…

The driver’s environment is designed along the theme of a futuristic ‘work bench’. Green light emanating from the dashboard brings this smooth and organic architecture to life. These lights signify the ‘work’ modeand tie in with the colour displayed on the exterior of the vehicle. In the ‘family’ mode, the atmosphere becomes warmer as the green lights turn orange – a subtle reference to the colour of Renault’s previous concept car, the family-oriented R-Space. Dominant throughout is the sense that the interior forms a cosy cabin which echoes the simple yet practical world of camping, and this is further reflected by extensive use of wood. Indeed, as much a symbol of warmth as it is of strength and timelessness, wood forms a link between the two modes.

“Our research into materials centred on the area where the technology of industry meets the cosy softness of the family nest,” notes Antoine Génin, Director of Interior Design, Colours and Materials. “This modern combination of wood and metal picks up on Renault’s strategic design values of simplicity, sensuousness and warmth.”

On a practical level, the fabric roof adapts itself to the shape of bulky objects, while magnetic fixings allow the load to be secured to the floor, and modular stowage systems are a practical bonus for business users. The single-piece rear seat is integrated into the floor and the front seat folds forward in order to free up space.

Interior designer, Ana Zadnik, said, “The interior of the vehicle reflects its double identity: on the one hand, it provides a roomy, uncluttered load carrying space and, on the other, it can become a space that’s fun and interactive which seats up to four people. Sections of the dashboard and rear door panels are extruded to form recesses that can serve to stow a variety of accessories, again making life easier for the user.”

AN INNOVATIVE OFFICE ON WHEELS

The user-friendly layout of the driver’s environment and the tablet turn FRENDZY into a truly interactive and communicative tool. Renault worked with Research In Motion (RIM) on this project, and the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet, plugged into the dashboard, has enabled the concept of an office on wheels to become a reality. The ultra-portable BlackBerry PlayBook delivers advanced performance, unrestricted web navigation in association with the Adobe® Flash® application, high-definition multimedia, modern security functions and a perfect fit with business needs.

Thanks to BlackBerry PlayBook, business customers benefit from an effective workplace and unrestricted mobility. The tablet slots directly into the centre console, ensuring perfect convenience once on the move. As soon as it is plugged in, it becomes an integral element of the vehicle. It can also continue to be used for work once the device is removed again, and it can of course be used for all of the normal PlayBook tablet functions. The device has an important role to play in the personalisation of the vehicle, too, since it controls the exterior screen, while the vehicle is in motion or when it is stationary; this can be just as much forbusiness as for family purposes.

Sensors located on each door sill log the loading or unloading of packages equipped with RFID chips (Radio Frequency Identification) containing key information such as destination address, weight and size. This gives users a real-time inventory of the goods being carried in their vehicle. In addition, drivers can automatically calculate or re-calculate their itineraries based on this information.

FRENDZY, AN ELECTRIC CONCEPT CAR

FRENDZY’s powertrain is the same as that of Kangoo Z.E., although the charging socket – concealed behind the Renault logo at the front – is identical to that of ZOE Preview. Meanwhile, extensive work has gone into the sounds FRENDZY produces. This work was carried out in conjunction with IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et la Coordination Acoustique/Musique). FRENDZY’s dual personality prompted Renault and IRCAM to develop a broad range of sounds as a function of whether the vehicle is being used for business purposes or as afamily vehicle.

“Exploring the most informative sounds possible led me to work on variations in speed in order to express them in a clear manner,” explains composer Andrea Cera who used IRCAM’s Modalys software. “When accelerating hard, the sound becomes sharper, with a little wind noise. For deceleration phases, I added a more prominent wind sound.”

Dimensions (mm)

Technical data

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NEW RENAULT TWINGO: EVEN MORE IRRESISTIBLE

“Our aim was to reinforce the fun, colourful and friendly character of Twingo, in particular by working on the range of colours and materials. We wanted New Twingo to appeal beyond its core customer base, which is predominantly female and city-based. Clearly differentiated equipment levels, options for distinctive personalisation and numerous possibilities to upgrade, mean there is something to meet every customer’s needs. This approach is the starting point for a design strategy that will be rolled out across other Renault models.” Antoine Génin (Director of Interior Design)

A MORE ASSERTIVE PERSONALITY

New Renault Twingo is the first vehicle in the range to feature the brand’s new design identity. The car will go on sale in early 2012, and includes a number of styling features that were unveiled on the most recent concept cars, and which will become the visual signature of all Renault cars in the future.

Outside, the front end of New Twingo has taken its inspiration specifically from this new design approach. On the bonnet, the Renault diamond is both bigger and significantly more upright. The black background highlights the badge and presents the brand in a robust, confident manner. Like the first-generation Twingo, the newcomer features an expressive, appealing front end. Its dynamic, playful character is underlined by its fog lights and round sidelights which are now positioned next to the grille. The ‘eyelids’ of the headlights also contribute to New Twingo’s distinctive looks.

Warm, original new colours called Fuchsia and Bermuda Blue have been added to the existing range, and bring a touch of light-hearted fun that’s characteristic of city cars. New Twingo will offer the option of an electrically-operated fabric sunroof.

At the rear, there are new lights in addition to the main cluster. Located on the tailgate, they enhance New Twingo’s lines and echo the front end, bringing extra shape and punch to the car. With a rounder rear bumper and a more curved form for the lower part of the tailgate, the lines are softer. There are 17 different alloy wheel and wheel trim options.

Inside, Twingo’s bubbly side is enhanced through the harmony of colour and material. All the upholstery options have their own personality. The seats feature new patterns, with edging picked out in contrasting colours. All stitching, as well as the leather or TEP panels, are coordinated. The colours also feature on the door inserts and climate control and heater system controls.

A TWINGO FOR EVERYONE

New Twingo sees Renault introduce a brand new collection of five roof decals. Each one is factory fitted and expresses a bold, attractive personality, with the contrasting motifs offering different visual atmospheres. Two of the decals can be coordinated with the interior and upholstery.

Customers can also choose different colours for the door mirrors and tips of the protective side mouldings, with colours which contrast with the main body colour. Whether ‘radical’ or ‘graphic’, the end result will not only be entirely personal but also guaranteed to be elegant. Renault is making customisation readily affordable thanks to attractive pricing that will allow every owner to say – “That’s My Twingo!”

“Move yourself” and Twingo appears before your very eyes!

Visitors to the Frankfurt Motor Show will be able to configure New Twingo on the Renault stand using hand-eye coordination. Thanks to motion-sensing technology that uses fun and attractive cameras, everybody will be able to create their own Twingo. You simply need to select and combine different personalisation options using the virtual palette on the big screen. Results can be posted on the web.

Interior space and versatility hit the bull’s-eye

New Twingo’s design combines compact exterior dimensions with an impressively spacious interior. The very roomy city car provides 22 centimetres of knee room, which puts it among the segment’s very best. Meanwhile, Twingo’s reputation has always been sealed through its versatility-featuring separate, independently sliding, 50/50-split rear seats, Twingo is particularly practical, too. Its boot capacity can extend from 230 to 959 dm³, while the numerous cubbies and ingenious solutions available as options combine to make it the perfect partner both for shopping runs and for trips to the country.

Punchy, economical and even more respectful of the environment

The powerplants which feature in the New Twingo range mean it is more than capable of devouring long distances. The 1.2 TCe 100hp engine, which boasts peak torque of 155Nm available from low revs, delivers the driving enjoyment of a larger-capacity engine, but with lower fuel consumption. The 1.2 16V 75 engine boasts 55.4 mpg in the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 119g/km resulting in free road fund licence for the first year.

Practical and versatile

Thanks to its platform which is based on that of Clio, New Twingo retains its best-in-class status with regard to handling and ride comfort. Meanwhile, New Twingo’s compact dimensions and nimble handling are ideal for slicing through city traffic, yet it is just as much in its element out of town, too.

Twingo showcases Renault quality

Since its launch, Twingo has enjoyed widely acclaimed reliability and a remarkable level of customer satisfaction, as confirmed by a long list of studies and surveys. Germany’s ADAC, for example, considers Twingo’s reliability to have ranged from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ for several years.

Meanwhile, the French magazine L’Automobile Magazine put Twingo first in its class for the second consecutive year in its overall quality ranking published in February 2011. The magazine also stressed that“with Twingo, Renault has demonstrated its ability to propel one of its cars to the top level of customer satisfaction.”

Thanks to the careful attention that it pays to the details, New Twingo is poised to take the quality long associated with the model to an even higher standard.

New Twingo goes on sale in the UK from January 2012.

THE RENAULTSPORT RANGE: GREAT LOOKING, SPORTY CARS

NEW TWINGO RENAULTSPORT 133.: SPORTY LOOKS AND THE FULL RENAULTSPORT TREATMENT

New Twingo Renaultsport 133, which will make its world premiere at Frankfurt, is presented in its signature Liquid Yellow body colour. In addition to its dynamic grille incorporating four lights, New Twingo Renaultsport 133 features an F1-style front blade in the bumper. This design touch, which can now be found across the Renaultsport range, is a tribute to Renault’s success in Formula 1. The rear wheel arches, including air vents that reinforce the car’s sporty character, house a distinctive new 16-inch Renaultsport wheel design. Customers can personalise the exterior with a design pack which sees the F1 splitter, door mirror housings and Renaultsport spoiler all finished in anthracite.

Inside, the yellow stitching used for the steering wheel and seats is in perfect harmony with the hallmark colour of the brand and other Renaultsport models. The centre console and rev-counter housingare finished in Gloss Black. A new white interior tone has also been introduced, and is used for the upper part of the steering wheel, for the vertical stripes on the sport seats and for the rev-counter bezel. The optional Renaultsport Monitor onboard telemetry system which has proved so popular on Clio Renaultsport 200 and Mégane Renaultsport can also be ordered as an option.

MÉGANE RENAULTSPORT 265 TROPHY: 265HP AND A TIME OF 8′ 8″ ROUND THE ‘NORDSCHLEIFE’, PLUS REAL VERSATILITY

This summer, Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy established a new lap record at the Nordschleife, part of the original Nürburgring circuit, in Germany, in the production front-wheel drive category, thanks to a time of 8 minutes and 8 seconds. The potential of its 265-horsepower, two-litre turbocharged engine, which develops peak torque of 360Nm, is optimised by its Cup chassis which features an independent steering axis front suspension arrangement, a limited slip differential, Brembo brakes and Bridgestone RE50A tyres. Yet Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy is a versatile car, and comfortable, too, thanks to its Recaro seats. It has been specially designed to heighten the enjoyment. Its distinctive styling (especially in Liquid Yellow) and exceptional performance have already made Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy a collector’s item.

A 2.0 turbo Renaultsport engine under the bonnet of Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy for even more exceptional performance!

• Four cylinder 1,998 cc turbocharged engine.
• Enhanced technical specification of the 2.0 turbo Renaultsport engine (type F4Rt RS) for even smoother performance and a more enjoyable driving experience.
• The revised air intake system takes account of higher pressures and temperatures.
• Turbo pressure: up 0.2 bar to 2.5 bar.
• Power: up 15hp to 265hp.
• 360Nm of torque (up 20Nm) across a wide power band (from 3,000 to 5,000rpm).
• Weight-to-power ratio: 5.09kg/hp, for a specific power of 132.5hp/litre.

GORDINI, THE CHIC AND SPORTY BRAND

New Twingo Gordini: “Be Glorious Be Gordini!”

The Malta Blue body colour and white stripes of New Twingo Gordini make the Gordini legend an affordable reality. Its striking, instantly recognisable looks are ideal for customers who want chic and sporty car which genuinely feisty performance. The 1.2 TCe 100hp petrol ersions deliver punch, fuel efficiency and a standard of driving enjoyment rarely found in a city car.

Customers looking for a less visually distinctive design can opt for the new grey interior trim and one of the alternative body colours: Glacier White, Pearlescent Black or Capsicum Red. And those who want even more from their car will soon be able to discover Twingo Gordini 133 (1.6 16V 133hp), a version which packs all the sporting DNA of Renaultsport. Gordini has successfully introduced its ’French Touch’ in some 20 markets appealing to a younger and more feminine customer base.

The Gordini touch for Renault Wind Roadster, too!

Exclusive and innovative, Wind Roadster is an affordable roadster that has become even more irresistible thanks to the availability of Gordini styling cues. On sale since summer 2011, Wind Roadster Gordini which can go top down in just 12 seconds thanks to a clever rotating roof that is unique in this segment. Although a two-seat convertible, it easily swallows luggage for a weekend away thanks to its consistent 270dm3 of boot space, whether the top is p or down. Wind Gordini is all about motoring enjoyment, but it is also a practical and sensible daily driver thanks to its responsive yet economical 1.2 TCe 100hp or 1.6 16V 133hp engines.

RENAULT’S NEW RANGE OF ENERGY ENGINES: INNOVATION WORKING FOR POWERTRAIN PERFORMANCE

Jacques Prost, Director, Powertrain Engineering Department, said, “Our powertrain strategy focuses on two areas: the introduction of new technologies for petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, plus the development of a range of electric drive-trains that ensure our status as Europe’s number one vehicle manufacturer with regard to the CO₂ emissions of our range.”

“This powertrain offensive takes the form of frequent product launches, beginning with our new automatic EDC transmission in 2010. Last June, we released the Energy dCi 130 – the Energy family’s first diesel engine. Today, we have two other new engines in Frankfurt: the diesel Energy dCi 110 and the Energy TCe 115. The latter marks the renewal of our petrol range and will be marketed in Europe from early-2012. This range will mark a clean-break in terms of CO₂, with emissions down by almost 30 percent over our current line-up.”

The Energy family is poised to expand further with the introduction of two new internal combustion engines: the new Energy TCe 115 petrol engine and a transformation of the existing 1.5 dCi diesel, which will be known as the Energy dCi 110.

The key features of Renault’s Energy range of engines are:

• Powertrain performance which calls on Renault’s technological excellence in F1: thanks to its Energy range of engines, Renault seeks to pass on the benefit of the technological excellence it has acquired in motorsport to its customers. Its 34 years of experience in F1, during which time it has secured no fewer than nine Constructors’ world titles, have contributed to the availability of a raft of unprecedented technologies for this level of range.
• Technological content based on new-generation downsizing, incorporating Stop & Start with braking/deceleration energy recovery, and a unique technology package for the cubic capacities concerned.
• A determination to achieve radical reductions in fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and running costs, while at the same time delivering genuine driving pleasure and exacting quality in every domain.

F1 AND ROAD CARS…AN IDENTICAL OBJECTIVE: ENHANCED POWERTRAIN EFFICIENCY

Whether their work involves designing and developing engines for road cars or for Formula 1, Renault’s engine specialists share the same threefold mission: the design of reliable, increasingly fuel-efficient, high-performance powertrains. Indeed, cross pollination exists between motor racing’s premium championship and road cars in several areas:

• A transfer of resources: staff movements between Renaultsport F1 and Renault’s powertrain engineering division mean that the Energy range of engines has directly benefited from the expertise Renault has accumulated as a Formula 1 engine supplier.
• Skill sharing:
  • A thorough understanding of so-called ‘square’ engine architectures,
  • A perfect grasp of thermodynamics and cooling,
  • Work on minimising friction,
  • Pooled computing and measuring tools (90 percent of software is shared),
  • Pooled methodology software for increasingly shorter development times.

ENERGY TCe 115: A 1.2-LITRE ENGINE WITH UNPRECEDENTED PERFORMANCE AND A MODEL OF FUEL EFFICIENCY

REVIVAL OF THE PETROL ENGINE IN EUROPE

The application of technologies more commonly employed for diesel engines has led to a significant revival in the appeal of petrol powerplants. As a consequence, Renault has decided to invest massively in this area and, in the coming months, will propose a new range of Energy TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) engines that are both economical and even more respectful of the environment. The Energy TCe family marks a fresh development in Renault’s petrol engine strategy and is expected to account for 85 per cent of the brand’s petrol engine sales in Europe by 2015.

THE BEST POWER/FUEL EFFICIENCY RATIO

This brand new engine is poised to appear in the first half of 2012, initially in the Mégane and Scénic range where it will gradually replace the 1.6 16V 110hp (type K4M). Compared with the latter, it will represent an uprated performance package despite its 25 percent smaller cubic capacity.

• A turbocharged four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine (1,198cc) with direct injection.
• Maximum power: 115hp (plus 5hp).
• Peak torque: 190Nm (plus 40Nm) at 1, 750rpm, with 90 percent available from 1,500rpm;
• Reduction in fuel consumption by 25 per cent. That works out as a saving of more than 1.5 litres/100km compared to the engine it replaces and will give the car a range close to that of a diesel.
• Running costs will also take a significant plungethanks to the combination of its timing chain and low fuel consumption and CO₂ taxes.
• New-generation downsizing:
  • All-aluminium block
  • Unprecedented specific power for a 1.2 petrol engine: 100hp/litre
  • A modular family: a three-cylinder, 900cc 90hp TCe engine to come

PACKED WITH PERFORMANCE-IMPROVING, EFFICIENCY-ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES

Renault’s first turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engine – the Energy TCe 115 – is particularly responsive. Thanks to peak torque of 190Nm, a figure worthy of a two-litre powerplant and available from as low as 1,750rpm, the Energy TCe 115 delivers the acceleration and mid-range response expected of a 1.6-litre engine. This has been made possible thanks to a range of new technologies, some of which come from the world of F1:

• ‘Square’ engine architecture: takes up less space yet delivers the same performance.
• Reduced friction: friction-related energy losses have been reduced, meaning that less fuel is required to deliver the same quantity of energy. Other benefits are longer engine life and enhanced robustness.
• Variable-rate oil pump: oil pressure is electronically monitored and adjusted as a function of how the engine is being used. The benefit to the customer is lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
• Low-friction timing chain: this optimised timing chain is equipped with a hydraulic tensioner which keeps it permanently taut to minimise friction.
• Graphite-coated piston skirts.
• DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coated cam followers, a technique that has been employed in F1 for some years. Benefits are significantly reduced friction and enhanced energy efficiency for uprated performance and improved fuel consumption.
• Direct fuel injection: fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber to optimise efficiency by carefully adapting the strategy as a function of how the engine is being used. The result is improved combustion and, consequently, lower fuel consumption and CO₂emissions.
• Double cam-phasing Variable Valve Timing (VVT). Combined with an integrated turbo manifold, VVT ensures that maximum torque is available at low engine speeds and across a broad rev-band.
• Stop & Start with ultra fast start-up: at a standstill, the system automatically detects the position of each piston and injects fuel into the most favourably-placed cylinder, in the same way as a cyclist presses on the uppermost pedal when pulling away. Re-starting is instantaneous. The energy required for frequent re-starting is recovered during deceleration and braking.

The expertise of Renault Sport F1 engineers channelled for the Energy TCe 115

Renault has sought to dial Renault Sport F1’s technological excellence into the design of its Energy engines. The Powertrain Engineering Department has accordingly called on talent from the world of Formula 1 to work on its new engines. Following the example set by Philippe Coblence, who worked on the Energy dCi 130 (type R9M), Jean-Philippe Mercier was tasked with engineering the Energy TCe 115.

Jean-Philippe Mercier (Powertrain Engineering Manager, Energy TCe 115 family): “As early as the 1980s, we stood out as pioneers of downsizing in F1. Even in those days, we were getting some 850hp out of our 1,500cc turbocharged V6. The experience we have accumulated has brought us a thorough understanding of powerful engines for their size. My input has focused on the Energy TCe 115’s specific power, and the result is 100hp/litre, a first for a 1.2-litre engine. And Renault has no intention of stopping its work there!”

ENERGY dCi 110: A TRANSFORMATION FOR THE 1.5 dCi ENGINE

BIG STAKES FOR RENAULT

Renault’s core-range engine, the 1.5 dCi, powers one in three of the brand’s vehicles, from Twingo to Laguna. Nearly one million units were manufactured in 2010. The new transformed version of the powerplant will initially be available for Mégane range before it is extended to the other vehicles marketed by the group.

HIGHER TORQUE, FUEL CONSUMPTION SAVINGS AND RECORD LOW EMISSIONS

• Torque: up 20Nm to 260Nm, available from as low as 1,750rpm
• Unchanged power output: 110hp at 4,000rpm
• Mégane Energy dCi 110, a new spearhead for the range: less than 100g of CO₂/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of just 4 litres/100km.

TECHNOLOGY: HOW THE 1.5 DCI ENGINE HAS IMPROVED

Turbocharger architecture:

• Reduced load losses thanks to an innovative turbo architecture: the path that intake air must travel has been simplified to achieve more efficient, uprated turbo performance with no increase to fuel consumption.
• Low inertia turbo: improved response at low engine speeds thanks to the optimised size of the blade.

Individualised spray cone angle fuelinjection nozzles: the more precise spray pattern significantly improves combustion performance (15 percent less unburned fuel), which in turn has a beneficial effect on fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Individualised spray cone angle technology compensates the natural nozzle offset inherent in eight-valve engines due to the asymmetry of the intake and exhaust valves. Injection is ensured by seven-hole piezoelectric injectors.

Reduced friction: (see Energy TCe 115).

Features carried over from the Energy dCi 130 engine’s ‘technology package’:

• Stop & Start technology with braking/deceleration energy recovery (ESM) involves automatically cutting the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill since the engine clearly doesn’t emit any pollutants or CO₂.when it isn’t running. When driving exclusively in built-up areas, fuel savings can amount to more than one litre per 100km. When the driver presses on the clutch pedal again, the engine fires up instantly. To cope with all this repeated starting, the starter motor has been uprated (starter, starter ring gear), as has the fuel injection system (pump and high-pressure injectors). The engine has been engineered for 410,000 starting cycles (over 300,000km), which is almost seven times more than the same figure for a conventional engine.

ESM (Energy Smart Management): This system allows the kinetic energy produced under deceleration/braking to be recovered by the alternator and stored in the battery. Functions which consume electricity (heater, lights, radio, etc.) are directly fed by the battery to ease the work of the alternator. Recovered energy is notably employed to restart the vehicle.

• EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation): Renault has innovated with the launch of the European market’s first engine to feature low pressure EGR technology. This solution recovers exhaust gases further downstream, once they have been through the turbine and particulate filter. They are cooled in a low pressure intercooler which enables them to be recirculated through the turbo mixed with air and thereby increase turbo pressure. The gases are then cooled by air in the turbo radiator and used for combustion a second time. This so-called ‘cold loop’ enables emissions of nitrogen oxides to be cut more efficiently than is the case with a conventional high pressure EGR (see below), while engine efficiency is improved and combustion is of a higher quality.

Low pressure EGR technology calls for an engine architecture that minimises the distance between the catalytic converter/particulate filter and the air intake, an arrangement known as a post-turbo after-treatment system. This proximity enables:

o Catalytic converters and particulate filters to function at higher temperatures and therefore more efficiently,

o The design of a compact and efficient low pressure EGR circuit.

• EGR technology (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) reduces the emissions produced by the engine at source. With conventional, so-called ‘high pressure’ EGR, exhaust gases are recovered as they exit the combustion chamber and are re-injected directly into the air intake, mixed with air. Although this minimises the production of nitrogen oxides during combustion, it also raises the intake temperature and restricts turbo pressure, two factors which have a negative impact on energy efficiency.
• Thermostat-controlled automatic-flow rate oil pump: the capacity of the oil pump (and therefore oil pressure) is adjusted as a function of the engine’s needs at any given moment in order to reduce the pump’s energy consumption. An oil temperature sensor makes real-time adjustments to minimise viscosity-related friction, which has a beneficial knock-on effect on fuel consumption.

Euro6 ready: the catalytic converter/particulate filter arrangement and low pressure EGR technology facilitate the engine’s conversion to Euro6 legislation. To the same end, the compression ratio has been increased from 15.2:1 to 15.6:1.

INTRODUCTION OF THE ENERGY FAMILY OF ENGINES

Renault’s new engines will be introduced gradually across the brand’s complete model range. Evolutions of existing engines will also benefit from the technology package which has been developed. The rapid incorporation of these technologies on Renault engines will contribute to curbing the carbon footprint of Renault vehicles.

A summary of savings achieved thanks to the new range of Energy engines:

* Approximate mean values.

EVERYTHING IS IN PLACE FOR THE ARRIVAL OF RENAULT ELECTRIC VEHICLES

“In November, the first Renault electric vehicles will be delivered to their buyers. It will be a watershed moment of our ambitious strategy to become the number one brand for zero-emission mobility. The network is being trained and will be ready to start selling and servicing electric vehicles, thanks to a comprehensive offering which will cover the vehicle itself, battery lease, charging facilities and a package of services. It is a key moment for Renault, the Alliance and all our customers who are eagerly waiting to take delivery of the first Kangoo Z.E. Vans and then Twizys and Fluence Z.E.s, early next year.” Thierry Koskas, Electric Vehicle Programme Director.

Electric vehicles are poised to become the flagships of Renault’s eco² drive in favour of the environment, a position which is centred squarely on the availability of a range of more ecologically-aware and readily affordable products and services. In its ‘Renault 2016 – Drive The Change’ plan, the Renault group committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 10 per cent between now and 2013, and by a further 10 percent between 2013 and 2016.

In addition to its ongoing work on internal combustion engines, Renault will be the only car manufacturer to propose a comprehensive range of electric vehicles to promote a new form of mobility from 2012.

SYSTEMS UP AND RUNNING…

THE RENAULT NETWORK: SKILLED AND CLOSE TO ITS CUSTOMERS

The Renault network is gearing up for the arrival of the Z.E. range. With a dedicated network of Z.E. Experts, it will be able to answer the needs of Z.E. customers and be equipped with a specific Z.E. workshop capable of working on any aspect of the vehicle.

From a practical viewpoint, customers will be able to leave their vehicle at the site of their choice (agency, dealership, subsidiary). If the site in question is not qualified to repair their Z.E. vehicle, the latter will be transferred to a Z.E. Expert establishment. Nothing about the process will be concealed from customers who will be able to benefit from a replacement mobility solution until they retrieve their own vehicle.

By the time the Z.E. range reaches the marketplace, some 750 Z.E. Centres and Z.E. Expert establishments will be operational across Europe. They will all also be equipped with battery charging facilities.

Specialists with training to cover the specific needs of Z.E. vehicles

At each Renault site, customers will be able to count on the services of specialists who have undergone specific training to cover the needs of electric vehicle owners. The network will have received both sales and technical training ahead of the Z.E. range’s launch.

In June 2009, the Renault Academy (Renault’s training centre) began specific Z.E. training. Within the framework of the Alliance, all the electric vehicle-related training modules are being shared by Renault and Nissan, and the first two were up and running as early as June 2010 under the collective title “EV4ALL”. These basic modules have been tailored to provide an overview of the world of electric vehicles and are aimed at all staff, whatever their job.

The first of these modules (“EV Overview”) serves as a general introduction to electric vehicles, both from the technical angle and with regard to their specificities in fields like sales, associated services, use and technology. The second module (“Safety Overview”) deals with the safety aspects of working in a 400-volt environment.

In addition to these e-Learning modules, a training conference targeting all sales staff (8,000 people) is scheduled to take place in Seville, Spain.

More specific training aimed at technical staff who will be working on electric vehicles has also been introduced. For example, courses covering Kangoo Van Z.E. are being run in training centres in the UK. A second phase of training is planned for the months following the delivery of the first electric vehicles. Its content will be finalised based as a function of the feedback received concerning any mechanical incidents that are reported.

BATTERY CHARGING FACILITIES ARE EXPANDING FAST

The Alliance has sealed more than 100 agreements across the world

Renault has been working for three years to develop battery charging facilities in association with both public authorities and privately-own operations. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has signed more than 100 partnership agreements across the world with public bodies (states, cities, regions), energy providers, infrastructure operators, research and development centres, shopping centres, public car park operators, hotels, etc.

Almost 50,000 battery charging stations across Europe by 2012

Contracts have been signed in all major European countries with electricity providers (RWE in Germany, EDF in France, Acciona in Spain, a2a and Enel in Italy, etc.), operators and/or states. Current commitments point to the availability of 50,000 battery charging stations across Europe by the first half of 2012.

Full-scale trials: more than 400 vehicles running in nine countries

Between December 2010 and the launch of Renault’s Z.E. range, more than 400 vehicles will gradually have been put into the hands of customers. To date, such trials are running in nine countries: France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Russia, Israel, Korea, Singapore and Australia.

• In Germany, Renault has provided 45 Z.E. vehicles for a series of trials between April 2011 and June 2012.
• April 2011 until June 2012 (Rhine-Ruhr region): 30 vehicles (Kangoo Van Z.E.s and Fluence Z.E.s) have been provided to customers such as RWE, Deutsche Post, Stadtwerke Unna, Chemion, BEW, RWZ, Stadtwerke Brühl, Europcar and SWK. In association with RWE, 400 battery charging stations are planned across the region.
• May 2011 until June 2012 (Hamburg region): 15 Kangoo Van Z.E.s have been provided to customers such as Unilever, Vattenfall, Hamburg Energie, Stadtreinigung Hamburg, Hamburg Airport, Hermes, Axel Springer, Budni, Hiplo and HHLA. In association with Hamburg Energie and Vattenfall, 50 battery charging stations are planned across the region.
• In Italy, 60 Z.E. vehicles (Kangoo Van Z.E.s and Fluence Z.E.s) will be tested by customers in Milan and Brescia over a period of nine months. The chief customers involved are Henkel, Sodexo, TNT, UPS, Nestlé and the Milan and Brescia city authorities. In association with utility company a2a, 270 public and private battery charging stations will be set up in the two cities.
• In France, the SAVE operation (Seine Aval Véhicules Electriques), between April 2011 and September 2012, is the country’s biggest trial involving some 100 Z.E. vehicles and approximately 150 battery charging stations. In July this year, 60 people were already running Renault and Nissan electric vehicles (Kangoo Van Z.E.s, Fluence Z.E.s and Nissan Leafs), while 103 battery charging stations were already up and running, including 38 roadside stations available to the general public in certain Carrefour and Vinci car parks. Two Total service stations are providing fast battery charging facilities.

Initial reactions from those involved in the SAVE trials have been extremely positive. According to participants, Z.E. vehicles deliver the same performance as an internal combustion-engined vehicle: “I always thought electric vehicles were for fuddy-duddies, but they aren’t at all,” noted one lady user who works for Carrefour Property. Battery charging was found to be simple: “The charging station is tactile and easy to operate,”remarked another user. Z.E. vehicles are reassuring to drive: “You see other drivers waiting at traffic lights revving their engine, clearly in a hurry. It’s a bit silly really, and quite a strange antic when you think about it,”observed another Carrefour Property employee.

A SIMPLE, FULLY INCLUSIVE OFFER IN PACK FORM: THE Z.E. BOX

Running a Renault electric vehicle is simplified thanks to the Z.E. Box. This practical solution is provided to Z.E. vehicle buyers and answers all their electric vehicle-related questions. It includes useful information and details the contracts associated with electric vehicles, including the battery, battery charging and other services. Renault has made customer peace of mind a priority and has thought through the demands of electric vehicle ownership very carefully.

Z.E. CAR: SMART, TAILOR-MADE VEHICLES THAT DON’T PRODUCE ANY EMISSIONS DURING THEIR USE ON THE ROAD

Customers who purchase or lease a Renault electric vehicle will discover a whole new world of motoring enjoyment and will have the added satisfaction of knowing that they are not producing any emissions. They will also have access to smart technologically. The Carminat TomTom Z.E. Live navigation system, for example, is specially adapted to Renault Z.E. vehicles, including a display of how far they can travel as a function of their remaining range. It also ensures precise guidance to the nearest battery charging stations (depending on model and country).

“My Z.E. Connect” is a pack of simple, practical services which enable customers to monitor the remaining range of their electric vehicle via a computer or a mobile phone thanks to the “Z.E. Services” application.

Z.E. BATTERY: A BATTERY THAT IS ALWAYS FUNCTIONAL

The battery is owned by Renault’s subsidiary, RCI Banque, and hired by customers who, in this way, are sure of having a battery at an affordable price which is always functional.

A la carte hire contracts adapted to individual needs are available to private motorists and business customers alike. These contracts can be extended indefinitely (see price summary below).

Should the vehicle be sold on, a new hire agreement is automatically signed with the new owner.

What are latest-generation lithium-ion batteries?

Electric motors are powered by batteries which use lithium-ion technology. The size of the battery depends on the type of vehicle for which it is used. Fluence Z.E.’s battery, for example, comprises 48 power modules, each of which incorporates four elementary cells. It is inside these cells that the electrochemical reactions take place, enabling electrical current to be produced or energy to be stored. Individual modules are similar in size to a laptop computer and are positioned in three superimposed layers. Each module delivers 8.3V, making a combined total of 400V for the 48 modules. These compact, innovative lithium-ion batteries are supplied by AESC (Automotive Electric Supply Corporation), a Nissan-NEC joint venture, or by the Korean company LG.

THE PERFORMANCE of these batteries compared with former-generation nickel metal hydride batteries is superior in every domain, from range and battery life, to reliability, safety and price. They do not suffer from the so-called memory effect resulting from incomplete charge cycles which can ultimately lead to a fall-off in capacity in the case of conventional batteries. The battery requires no maintenance and can be charged for short cycles with no adverse effect on capacity.

To put the demand for lithium supplies into perspective, a 250kg battery contains 3kg of lithium. According to mining companies Chemetall and SQM, worldwide lithium reserves are currently estimated to be between 14 and 17 million tonnes.

RECYCLING: Renault is establishing a system to collect damaged or end-of-life batteries in all the countries where its electric vehicles are marketed. Batteries will be collected via the Renault sales network or by approved Z.E. vehicle disposal companies.

They are initially taken to diagnostic centres to detect which batteries can be recovered for non-automotive use and which batteries must be recycled.

The recycling process itself involves stripping batteries into sub-assemblies (housings, electronics, modules, etc.). All the components, with the exception of the modules and cells, are recycled in keeping with conventional processes or else re-employed. Battery modules (made up of assembled cells) are dealt with by specialist recycling companies. Renault has entered into an initial partnership with Umicore, a company with a global presence and the number one lithium-ion battery recycling specialisthe process employed by Umicore consists in pyrometallurgically treating cells and modules, followed by a hydrometallurgical process aimed at recovering metals.

BATTERY SAFETY: From the very beginning of the project, Renault, monitored by the public authorities, committed to making its electric vehicles as safe as its internal combustion-engined vehicles. Battery safety is ensured thanks to the following: the stable properties of manganese, the electronic system which monitors the battery’s cells and the robust housing of the modules. The specification of this housing has been selected to optimise passive safety in a collision. The vehicle structure itself is also reinforced in order to protect the battery.

Meanwhile, Renault has been working actively with emergency services ahead of the launch of its electric vehicles. For example, an Emergency Response Guide (ERG) has been drawn up in association with fire fighting services for the latters’ own training purposes.

Extensive testing has been carried out to ensure that Z.E. vehicles are risk-free. An in-house so-called ‘barbecue test’ saw Renault light a fire underneath a vehicle to measure how long it took for the vehicle to catch fire. The result showed that electric vehicles are even more fire-resistant than internal combustion-engined vehicles because they do not have a fuel tank. The battery catches fire after a period of 10 minutes, compared to between one and two minutes in the case of a petrol tank.

Z.E. CHARGE: A BATTERY CHARGING FACILITY AT THE HOME, AS WELL AS IN PUBLIC PLACES

Wall-Boxesare easy to use and are ideal for standard battery charging at home. They must be installed by a qualified electrician. To make life easier for its customers, Renault is able to put them in touch with the professional services of partner companies like EDF or Schneider Electric in France, RWE in Germany, Enel or a2a in Italy, British Gas in the UK etc.

The Wall-Box’s chief benefits are battery-charge speed, the assurance that it complies with local standard, its user-friendliness and its ability to communicate with the electricity network in order to take advantage of the lowest possible electricity rates, at night or off-peak, for example. A Wall-Box will fully charge a battery in between six and eight hours.

For ‘top-up’ charging (10 hours), Renault proposes a battery charging cable (either as an accessory or an option) which plugs into the 220V domestic supply. Twizy can be plugged directly into a 220V socket at the home thanks to the cable included with the vehicle (battery charges in 3½ hours).

Access to public battery charging facilities: standard (between six and eight hours), accelerated (one hour) and fast (30 minutes) battery charging is ensured thanks to the many agreements that have been put into place by the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Z.E. SERVICES: 24/7 ASSISTANCE

Within the framework of their battery hire agreement, and whichever formula they have subscribed to, Renault Z.E. customers will benefit from 24/7 roadside assistance covering all types of breakdown, whether they concern the vehicle, its motor or its battery. The service will also cover loss of energy, with customers’ vehicles towed to the battery charging station of their choice, within a radius of 50 miles.

The standard manufacturer’s warranty for a Z.E. vehicle covers:

• Electric powertrain warranty: up to five years/60,000 miles (except Twizy: three years/unlimited mileage).
• Vehicle warranty: two years/unlimited mileage or three years/60,000 miles depending on market and depending on the warranty covering internal combustion-engined vehicles in that country.

In addition to its manufacturer’s warranty, Renault proposes extended warranties and servicing contracts specially suited to electric vehicles and for durations or distances of the customer’s choice:

§ Programmed service plans enable customers to select a formula (years/kilometres) geared to the way they use their vehicle.

§ Warranties can be extended for a period of up to seven years, depending on the customer’s choice (excluding the electric powertrain).

Z.E. vehicle owners can also benefit from unrestricted travel thanks to the possibility of hiring an internal combustion-engined vehicle at preferential rates, with guaranteed availability for long journeys. Payment will be made as and when the service is used, either directly to the agency or via the internet.

Fleet Asset Management is a system which permits the real-time management of vehicle fleets and is an exclusive service provided by Renault for its Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E. customers. It notably targets fleet managers and long-term lease companies. The system provides daily updates concerning the distance travelled by the vehicle, its energy consumption, the status of charge of the battery, etc. (around sixty information streams are uploaded every day). This data permits more effective management of electric vehicle fleets, with no need for the vehicle’s user to intervene. Access to data is protected by a secure and personal code.

A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF READILY AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

A DAILY MILEAGE POTENTIAL IN KEEPING WITH THE USE OF Z.E. VEHICLES

In built-up areas, some 87 per cent of European motorists do not exceed a distance of 40 miles per day. Given that the NEDC combined cycle ranges of Fluence Z.E and Kangoo Van Z.E. are homologated at 115 miles and 105 miles respectively, and at 60 miles (urban cycle) in the case of Twizy, the range of Renault’s Z.E. vehicles is perfectly suited to daily use.

Range will vary, however, as a function of several criteria, including speed, type of journey, how the heating system or climate control is used and driving style (sporty, normal, eco-driving). Unlike their internal combustion-engined counterparts, electric vehicles are the most economical when driven in heavy traffic in towns. Renault’s customers will benefit from a range of in-car and remote tools and technologies designed to help them optimise the range of their vehicle.

FROM KANGOO VAN Z.E. TO ZOE, RENAULT ELECTRIC RANGE WILL BE LAUNCHED BY MID-2012

Kangoo Van Z.E. and Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. (two and five seats): an electric Kangoo. Sales begin in the UK in November 2011.

The market for light commercial vehicles which do not emit any emissions during their use on the road chiefly targets fleets, businesses and organisations responsible for the transport of people, including local authorities. Thanks to its experience as Europe’s number one LCV manufacturer, Renault is able to propose three versions of Kangoo Van Z.E. in order to cover all types of need. In addition to the unprecedented driving comfort they deliver, their carrying capacity is identical to that of the internal combustion-engined equivalent.

Twizy, an unprecedented urban mobility solution. Sales begin in the UK in March 2012.

Twizy is an unprecedented solution for city motoring. Its nimble handling prompts parallels with the world of scooters and motorbikes, yet the standard of safety and comfort it delivers is close to that of a four-wheeled vehicle. Twizy stands out as a symbol of the “Renault 2016 – Drive the Change” plan.

Two equipment levels (‘Urban’ and ‘Technic’) were revealed in Geneva. A third –’Twizy Colour’, which highlights Twizy’s fun side – will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This version is available with blue, red or green decals for the roof and sides. This colour is repeated inside for the upholstery and glovebox. This livery can be rounded off by the fitment of particularly striking, colour-coordinated, diamond-effect alloy wheels. The cost of the door option – £455 – mirrors Twizy’s affordable price positioning. These two new features can be reserved at www.renault-ze.com

Fluence Z.E.: the first affordable electric saloon car. Sales begin in the UK in the first half of 2012.

In each of the three countries where Renault has reached agreements with Better Place (Israel, Denmark and Australia), Fluence Z.E. will be the first electric car to offer unlimited range thanks to the availability of bespoke stations where it will be possible to swap batteries. This service will be available to fleet operators and private motorists alike. In Europe, Fluence Z.E. will above all interest fleet owners looking for a electric saloon car which does not emit any emissions during its use on the road.

Depending on country, customers who reserved their vehicle early will be able to place priority orders for Kangoo Van Z.E. or Fluence Z.E. at the end of September, 2011.

ZOE Preview: the compact supermini that ensures everyday well-being for all. This show car previews the ZOE that is due to reach UK showrooms in autumn 2012.

Zoe Preview is a show car which previews Renault’s all-electric compact supermini, Zoe. From mid-2012, Zoe is poised to become the flagship of Renault’s “innovation for all” drive and concern for the environment, as well as being an ambassador for the brand’s new design strategy. For further information: www.media.renault.com

Z.E. VEHICLES: AN AFFORDABLE CHOICE

The purchase price and cost of hiring a Renault electric vehicle will be comparable to the same figures for the equivalent diesel version (once tax incentives have been deducted). Meanwhile, depending on market, the energy costs for a Z.E. vehicle will be between a fifth and a tenth of those for an internal combustion-engined vehicle. For example, in the cases of Kangoo Van Z.E. and Fluence Z.E., “filling up” on energy for 105 miles or 115 miles respectively will cost £3, a prospect which breaks new ground compared with the fuel cost for an internal combustion-engined vehicle. Given how affordable they are to both buy and run, Renault electric vehicles are an attractive proposition for business customers and private motorists alike.

Summary of prices

HOW AN ELECTRIC MOTOR WORKS…

• Motor-reducer unit: electric motors comprise a stator which creates a rotating magnetic field, which in turn causes a rotor to rotate around the motor’s shaft. The motor itself is coupled to a reducer with a single output ratio that transmits torque to the wheels. This assembly is known as the motor-reducer and ensures smooth, linear acceleration. It can never stall, since there is no clutch. Reverse is obtained by simply making the motor rotate in the opposite direction. Electric motors boast outstanding energy efficiency (90 percent) which is far superior to the 25 percent of internal combustion engines.
• Power electronics unit: electrical energy is transmitted to the motor-reducer unit via a power electronics unit which incorporates a controller. This transforms the 400V direct current into three-phase alternating current to power the stator. Situated in the same housing as the controller, the transformer converts the 400V DC stored in the traction battery into 12V DC to supply the vehicle’s conventional onboard electrics and auxiliary functions (interior and exterior lighting, audio system, electric windows, etc.).
• Junction box: it is the junction box which distributes the power current to the motor, battery, climate control and heating systems. It also houses the charger which converts the electricity supply’s 220V AC into 400V DC for battery charging purposes.
• For their launch, Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E. will be powered by electric motors made and assembled by Continental. From early 2013, Renault will manufacture its own electric motors at its Cléon plant in France.

RENAULT ECO2

• This year has seen Renault step up the criteria with which vehicles must comply in order to qualify for the Renault eco² signature.
• Vehicles will now only qualify for the Renault eco²hallmark if they are manufactured in an ISO 14001-certified factory, emit less than 120g of CO₂/km (or run on biofuel) and if the proportion of the recycled plastic they contain exceeds seven percent of their total plastic content.
• Renault has profited from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to display three ‘Renault eco² champion’ vehicles, namely Clio TCe 100, Mégane dCi 110 EDC and Scénic Energy dCi 130.
• Renault’s strategy in favour of the environment is founded on a reduction of the chief types of ecological impact its vehicles make at each phase of their lifecycle, i.e. production, delivery, on-road use and recycling.
• Renault reaffirms that its target is to become Europe’s number one manufacturer with regard to CO2 emissions. The average emissions for the range of vehicles it markets in Europe (135g/km) are among the lowest in Europe (ACEA average: 140g of CO2/km). This figure is expected to fall further to 120g/km by 2013, and to less than 100g/km by 2016 thanks to a strategy founded on reducing the fuel consumption of its internal combustion-engined vehicles and by promoting the use of electric vehicles. Renault is on target to reach the figure of 95g of CO2/km stipulated by the European Commission for automobile manufacturers by 2020.

RENAULT: AN ONGOING COMMITMENT TO HIGH QUALITY LEVELS

“Our reliability is acknowledged by independent analysts and the media. Our new partnership with Daimler is another sign that our vehicles’ dependability is widely recognised, notably in terms of powertrain performance. This is the result of continuous progress in the field of quality control over recent years, while our alliance with Nissan has enabled the Renault group to implement solid, thorough and standardised procedures on an international scale. Today, reliability is part of our company’s genetic code, and that breeds customer confidence. It is one of our brands’ chief strengths.” Jean-Pierre Vallaude (Senior Vice-President – Quality, Renault Group).

RENAULT QUALITY: WIDELY RECOGNISED

In the eyes of independent analysts and the media, Renault represents reliability:

• In a review by the German motoring organisation ADAC, all Renault vehicles have, since 2006, been considered “good” or indeed “excellent” in terms of reliability. With a print run of almost 13 million, ADAC Pannenstatistik [Breakdown Statistics] is regarded as the finest report of its kind in Germany and throughout Europe. It covers cars between one and six years old. Eligible for inclusion for the past six years, Twingo’s reliability is rated as “good” or indeed “excellent”. The current Mégane has attracted exactly the same rating since its launch in 2006.
• Every year, the respected French magazine L’Automobile publishes a “Top 100” reliability chart. More than 80 models from 25 manufacturers are assessed and rated in terms of quality (cabin space, materials, finish, paintwork, bodywork, equipment, etc.) and reliability (mechanical problems, or any other faults necessitating a repair). The chart is compiled on the basis of media road tests and customer feedback. Reputed for its robust nature, Twingo has been rated as the most trustworthy small city car for the past two years. Scénic has been rated top of its class, too. And for the past two years, New Mégane has been one of the front-runners in its segment. It is described as a car that symbolises “serious, solid engineering… in common with all recent Renault models, New Mégane offers excellent levels of reliability”.

STANDARDISATION OF STRICT PROCEDURES AND RIGOROUS CONTROLS

Renault is one of the best volume vehicle manufacturers when it comes to reliability. This is the fruit of Renault’s global drive for higher quality standards, a programme that began to gain serious momentum in 2003. In every domain, Renault implements robust, thorough procedures to optimise its vehicles’ reliability.

• The Renault-Nissan Alliance yields higher standards and better procedures.

Thanks to the Alliance, Renault has been inspired to adopt Japanese quality control methods in the form ofAVES (Alliance Vehicle Evaluation Standards): in every area of vehicle manufacture and delivery, a single, identical strategy is used. This adheres to ever more demanding criteria that are designed to fulfil customers’ expectations.

• The Renault Production Way (SPR) applies at each of the Renault group’s 38 manufacturing sites.

All Renault’s manufacturing facilities operate to the same exacting standards and respect the same high quality control benchmarks. At every plant, all employees share the same key priority: getting things right first time.

• All Renault staff, whether permanent or temporary, are trained to adopt the most effective posture in the workplace (using the Dojo method), because better ergonomics produce superior results.
• Each workstation has control systems that guarantee consistency of manufacture: these include a departmental supervisor, who will be on hand to ensure smooth running and that correct operational standards are observed, automated checks (carried out by individual operators themselves) and poka-yoke(a Japanese term for error-proofing, to avoid any lapses in quality control when many different tasks are being carried out at the same point). A number of these systems are the result of an industrial benchmark laid out in the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
• All Renault vehicles are checked throughout the development process and tests are conducted in the most extreme conditions. This continues through to the very final phase, with fleets of pre-production prototypes.
• As an illustrative example, in 2008 Renault conducted non-stop running of more than 100 New Méganes over a three-month period in Turkey, Australia and Romania. During this time, the cars covered almost five million kilometres in different climatic and road conditions, to evaluate a comprehensive spectrum of customer use. For the first time, these tests took place between the issue of manufacturing and sales sign-offs – in other words, using cars that were strictly identical to those destined for customers. Today, these tests form part of Renault’s strict quality control procedures and are applied to all models, including electric vehicles.

ENGINES THAT REFLECT RENAULT’S DEMANDING STANDARDS

“If you hope to win in Formula One, the reliability and performance of your engines must be absolute: there is no margin for compromise. Renault has picked up many championship titles in this discipline, which is unquestionably one of the most demanding in the world. Year after year, this has underlined the full range of Renault’s savoir-faire in terms of mechanical and qualitative excellence.” Bernard Rey, President, Renault Sport F1.

In the very earliest days of Renault’s history, Louis Renault understood that his machines had to be put to the test in order to attract business. On December 24, 1898, he drove his Voiturette up Rue Lepic, which boasts one of the steepest gradients in Paris. This exploit led to his first 12 customer orders.

For more than 30 years, Renault has drawn on its experience as an engine supplier in F1 – as testing a domain as any – to maximise the reliability of its road engines. Those capable of managing one extreme can also manage the other! Renault Sport F1 is a high-tech laboratory that contributes to the excellence of Renault’s powertrains. The Energy dCi 130 is a prime example; its design, development and manufacture were characterised by a series of procedures, tests and rigorous quality controls.

FROM HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN…

A veritable concentration of the technological know-how of Renault’s designers, the Energy dCi 130 engine has been the subject of more than 30 patents. It was designed to be simple, efficient and cost-effective – concepts that dominated the designers’ thoughts throughout the project’s development. Qualitative excellence was always the primary focus. The Energy dCi 130 engine benefited from the latest Design to Quality procedures, which guaranteed exceptional standards of technological innovation at every stage of the project. This was made possible by the expertise of the workforce and the use of cutting-edge facilities from design and fine-tuning (at the Noise Vibration Harshness and Mechanical Innovation Departments in Lardy, France) all the way to manufacture (at the Cléon factory, also in France).

The Design to Quality plan puts high quality centre stage whenever a decision has to be made. A series of processes has been implemented to tackle any potential problems that arise during a project’s gestation. The management relies on first-hand feedback when it comes to carry-over parts and conducts in-depth analysis of the potential risks that might be associated with specific details of any new components.

Co-financed by Nissan within the framework of the Alliance, the Energy dCi 130 was wholly developed by Renault’s powertrain engineers.

…TO HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURE

Renault’s Cléon factory in France is an impeccable manufacturing base whose success is founded on human expertise. It is the first automotive plant to have used AGV (Auto Guided Vehicle technology – delivery robots that ferry parts to the assembly line) since production began.

The factory adheres to the Renault Production Way (SPR) code, the group’s industrial management standard, to make sure the best manufacturing practices are deployed on this new line. Thanks to this, Cléon is and always will be capable of combining excellent productivity with a very high standard of quality control.

• All Renault engines are bench tested at the factory. Every Renault engine is subjected to a running evaluation during which about 100 different incidents are replicated and recorded – a process used for the M9R engine in association with Nissan. The component failure rate has dropped from 15,000 parts per million (1.5%) to 2,000ppm (0.2%) in five years – which equates to more than seven times fewer problems than there were before. Buoyed by this experience, Renault aims to achieve the same figure with its R9M engine in a period of just two years.
• Strenuous endurance testing on the dyno.The Energy dCi 130 engine was thoroughly bench tested to ensure its strength and durability. About 30 engines accumulated approximately 15,000 hours of running on the dynos at Lardy and 600,000 kilometres were covered by just a handful of vehicles at the Aubevoye test facility, in France.

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