after midnight

 프랑스의 르노는 지난 2007년 프랑크푸르트 모터쇼에서 라구나쿠페 컨셉을 선보였습니다. 퍼포먼스와 운전의 기쁨, 세련된 우아함을 컨셉으로 삼고있는 라구나 쿠페는 하이테크적인 이미지와 스포티한 이미지의 성공적인 결합이라 평가되었습니다. 르노-닛산협력그룹의 자랑인 V6 dCi 터보디젤엔진을 장착하고 액티브 4륜구동방식이 장착 되었습니다.  

 르노 라구나와 같은 플랫폼에서 만들어진 쿠페는 클래식 쿠페의 우아함과 파워풀함에 르노만의 개성을 듬뿍 담아 르노만의 미래의 스포츠 쿠페에 대한 이미지를 보여줍니다.  르노 라구나 쿠페는 지난 2004년 선보인 플루엔스 컨셉에서의 이미지를 이어받았습니다. 길이는 4.68미터이며 롱노즈 숏테크의 비율로 에어로다이나믹한 이미지를 잘 보여주며 전반적으로 조형미와 함께 덩어리진 모습입니다. LED라이트를 헤드램프와 포그램프, 테일램프등에 적용하였고, LED는 넵타 컨셉모델에서 사용되었던 방식으로 빛의 전열과 반사를 이용하는 방식입니다.

 두개의 가늘고 길게 연장 된 테일램프는 라구나 쿠페만의 독특하고 스타일리쉬한 이미지를 만들어주는 요소입니다. 장식적인 요소를 자제하고 간결한 라인만을 살린 뒷모습은 무덤덤하지만 스포티한 이미지를 전달합니다. 사이드 뷰에서는 차가 달릴때 차를 따라 흐르는 공기의 모습을 형상한 측면 윈도우라인이 특징입니다.  

 대시보드는 스타일리쉬한 라인들로 이루어져있으며, 라구나의 인테리어와 비슷한 모습입니다. 부드럽고 깨끗한 물결무늬 라인들은 가볍고 공기같은 느낌입니다. 디스플레이를 통해 네비게이션과 라디오, 블루투스 폰, 비디오등을 조작할 수 있으며 드라이빙에 관한 모든 정보를 보여주며, 이트패널을 이용해서 터치스크린방식으로 조작하는 방식입니다. 에어컨은 외부에 마련된 전용 컨트롤러로 조작합니다.  

 인테리어는 블랙컬러를 기본색상으로 알루미늄을 적재적소에 장착하여 스포츠 쿠페에 어울리는 스포티한 모습을 만들어주고 있습니다. 실내지붕과 대시보드일부, 센터터널, 도어하단부는 회색컬러의 인조가죽을 적용해 흑,백의 대비를 주었습니다. 항공기의 이, 착륙레버처럼 생긴 변속레버는 마치 지상위를 비행하고 있는 느낌을 준다고 합니다. 높게 장착 된 센터터널과 함께 버킷으로 꾸며진 시트와 암레스트를 통해 스포티한 운전자세를 만들어 주고 있습니다.

 엔진은 새로운 V6 dCi 터보디젤 엔진이 장착되었으며, 이 엔진은 닛산과의 협력을 통해 개발되었습니다. 2993cc의 배기량으로 230에서 265마력을 내며, 1700에서 3800사이에서 450-550Nm의 최대토크를 쏟아냅니다. 0에서 100Km가속까지는 7초가 걸리며 6단 자동변속기와 함께 궁합을 맞췄습니다. CO2 방출량은 200g/km 이하. 또한 액티브 4륜구동방식으로 안정된 코너링과 레일위를 달리는 듯한 핸들링을 느낄 수 있습니다. 저속에서는 부드러운 핸들링을, 고속에서는 묵직한 핸들링을 느낄 수 있도록 액티브 파워스티어링이 장착됩니다. 20인치 알루미늄 휠과 245/35사이즈의 미쉘린의 ZR급 타이어를 장착하였습니다. 

전장 4,685 mm  /  전폭 1,964 mm  / 전고 1,372 mm / 휠베이스 2,710 mm / 중량 1,685 kg

 라구나 쿠페는 2008년 파리모터쇼에서 공개 될 예정이며, 지난 5월 24일 르노의 카를로스 곤 회장이 제 61회 깐느 영화제에 타고와 화제가 되기도 했습니다. dCi엔진이 장착 된 디젤모델은 235마력으로 장착되었고 V6 3.5리터 휘발유엔진은 240마력입니다. 컨셉모델의 이미지를 계승하여 스포티하고 우아한 모습을 잘 살려내었습니다.

 

Renault S.A. is a French vehicle manufacturer producing cars, vans, buses, tractors, and trucks. The company is well known for numerous revolutionary designs, security technologies, and motor racing.

Signed on March 27, 1999, the Renault–Nissan Alliance is the first of its kind involving a Japanese and a French company, each with its own distinct corporate culture and brand identity, linked through cross-shareholding. Renault has a stake of 44.4% in Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. while Nissan in turn has a 15% stake (non-voting) in Renault.

For 2004 Renault reported a 43% rise in net income to €3.5 billion and 5.9% operating margin, of which Nissan contributed €1,767 million. The Group (Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors) posted a 4.2% increase in worldwide sales to a record 2,489,401 vehicles, representing a global market share of 4.1%. Renault retained its position as the leading brand in Europe with 1.8 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold and market share of 10.8%.

The Renault–Nissan Alliance represents more than 9.8% of the worldwide market (5.74% for Nissan and 4.04% for the Renault group) with sales of 3,597,748 (Nissan) and 2,531,500 (Renault Group), placing the alliance fourth after GM, Toyota, and Ford in 2005.

The marketing success was also matched by success of their return to the Formula 1 circuit as a manufacturer again after buying the Benetton team. The team went on to win both World Drivers and Constructors championships in 2005 and 2006 ahead of the vastly more experienced Ferrari and McLaren teams.

Renault is exhibiting a Hi-Flex Clio 1.6 16v at the 2006 Paris International Agricultural Show. This vehicle, which addresses the Brazilian market, features Renault-developed flexible-fuel engine technology, with a highly versatile engine that can run on fuel containing petrol and ethanol in any proportion (0% to 100% of either).

On June 30, 2006, the media reported that General Motors convened an emergency board meeting to discuss a proposal by shareholder Kirk Kerkorian to form an alliance between GM and Renault-Nissan. The hastily arranged meeting suggests that GM's board was treating Kerkorian's proposal with urgency. Coincidentally, unsubstantiated rumours have been circulating about Renault's possible return to the U.S. market. There has been speculation that a GM–Renault–Nissan alliance could pave the way for Renault's return to the U.S. market, since GM could eliminate some of its less profitable brands, and offer the owners of dealerships that would otherwise close Renault dealerships.

However, GM CEO Richard Wagner felt that an alliance would benefit Renault's shareholders more than those of GM, and that GM should receive some compensation for it. This did not sit well with Renault; subsequently, talks between GM and Renault ended on October 4, 2006.


Mégane

The Renault Mégane is a small family car produced by the French automaker Renault since 1995. It is offered in 3- and 5-door hatchback, sedan, coupé, convertible and station wagon bodystyles. The Renault Scénic is the first modern compact MPV, and is based on the Mégane.

The Mégane II was launched in 2002, and marked a completely fresh start. The two cars bear very little resemblance, the new vehicle having been inspired by the manufacturer's new style first seen in the Avantime. The enormous success of the Mégane across Europe proved that Renault's new bold styling was a winning formula and the subsequent failure of the Avantime to sell in great numbers can be attributed to its unusual market placement rather than its styling. The new Mégane was voted European Car of the Year in 2003, and achieved a 5-star safety rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests, the first small family car to do so.

Mégane II and the Laguna were both showcases for a great deal of innovative technologies Renault launched around 2001-2002; the Renault Card keyless ignition system, standard on the Mégane II, was a first in this class and has since been widely adopted. Similarly, the option of a panoramic glass sunroof is another area in which Renault led where others followed.

In Brazil, Renault launched a flex-fuel version, called "Hi-Flex", which is able to run either with unleaded gasoline (petrol) or ethanol. Like the Brazilian Scénic and Clio versions, the Mégane's engine can work with any mix of gasoline and ethanol, due to the use of an electronic control module. The flex version has a 16V 110 hp (115 hp with ethanol) 1.6-liter engine developed and produced in Brazil, but the 2.0-liter version does not allow ethanol use, because its engine is made in France.

Scénic/Grand Scénic

The Renault Scénic is a compact MPV produced by French automaker Renault, the first to be labelled as such in Europe. It is based on the chassis of the Mégane small family car. It became European Car of the Year on its launch in late 1996.

Shortly after the launch of the Mégane II, an all-new Scénic was launched. There is also a seven-seater Compact MPV

Grand Scénic, with a longer wheelbase and rear overhang, which has two small child-sized seats in the enlarged luggage area.

As with the Mégane, the new car employs Renault's new corporate styling cues and much of the technology from other models such as the "Renault Card" keyless immobiliser and an automatic parking brake on certain trim levels. It integrates LEDs on all trims since 2006. As with Scénic I Phase 2, a raised "Mégane" logo appears on the C-pillar in tribute of the car's origin.

Scénics includes folding front passenger seat with integrated table, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, 'Child minder' mirror and front and rear electric windows.


Laguna III

The Renault Laguna is a large family car produced by the French manufacturer Renault. The first Laguna was launched in 1993, the second generation was launched in 2000, and the third generation will be for sale in October 2007.

The Renault Laguna III was officially announced in a press release on June 4, 2007. The car was unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and it went on sale in October 2007. The car comes both as a 5-door liftback and as a 5-door estate. This third generation is based on the platform D, shared with the Nissan Altima and the Nissan Murano. Laguna III is the first car to have gone through Aubevoye Technical Centre's Electro-Magnetic Compatibility unit in the course of its development.


Espace/Grand Espace

The Renault Espace is a large MPV from French car-maker Renault. Generations 1-3 were sold under the Renault brand but manufactured by Matra. The current fourth generation model, which seats seven passengers, was designed and is built by Renault; the Renault Grand Espace is a long-wheelbase version with increased rear leg room and boot size.

The fourth-generation Espace arrived in 2003 and was the first Espace designed and built entirely by Renault. The new vehicle was also the first all-steel Espace.

Its styling was reflective of a new design direction at Renault, symbolised by the radical Vel Satis and Avantime models, marking a major departure from the previous model, which also saw the range moved upmarket.


Vel Satis

The Renault Vel Satis is an executive car produced by the French manufacturer Renault. It was launched at the 2001 Geneva Motorshow to replace the already-discontinued Safrane and has nothing in common with the 1990s concept car of the same name.

The Vel Satis is distinguished by its unusual height, which benefits interior space but results in rather ungainly proportions. It has a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating and is available with a variety of engines:

• 4-cylinder, 16-valve, turbocharged 2.0-liter
• Nissan-sourced 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 (also used in a variety of Nissan models including the Altima, Murano, 350Z/Fairlady, and Infiniti G, M and FX series))
• 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 2.2-liter direct-injection turbodiesel
• Isuzu-sourced 24-valve 3.0-liter direct-injection turbodiesel

The Vel Satis shares its "platform" (chassis, powertrain, assembly process) with the Laguna and Espace IV and is produced on the same assembly line in Sandouville, France.

In October 2004, while overtaking a lorry at 130 km/h (81 mph) under cruise control, an automatic 3.0 Diesel Vel Satis allegedly accelerated on its own to over 190 km/h (120 mph) on a section of the Autoroute A71 freeway (motorway) in central France, and remained at that speed for over an hour in spite of the drivers' alleged efforts to stop it. The police, alerted by a cell phone call from the driver, cleared the freeway ahead of the car and tracked it until it finally stopped near a toll booth. According to the driver, the incident happened due to a faulty cruise control system, in conjunction with the electronic card that replaces the conventional ignition key and makes it impossible to start or stop the engine without electronic intermediates.

Renault immediately investigated the car and found no faults with it, even though a random cause such as electronic interference from an outside source (in this case, the overtaken lorry), while highly improbable, cannot fully be ruled out. Repeated tests under judicial supervision with this car and others of the same model have proven that the driver can always override the cruise control and bring the car to a stop by at least two independent means even if the conventional method of applying the brakes to disengage the cruise control fails:

• move the automatic transmission selector from Drive to Neutral
• press the cruise control's on/off button five times in rapid sequence, as instructed by the car's user manual

In view of these results, Renault has taken legal action against the driver for libel.

In March 2005, Renault UK decided not to develop a right-hand drive version of the facelifted Vel Satis, as sales of the model had been poor in the United Kingdom since launch. Although 3,500 sales predicted, only a third of these were achieved.

This came only two years after the Avantime coupé/MPV was discontinued by Renault, which was equally as ambitious in its design.


Twingo

The Renault Twingo is a city car built by French automaker Renault, first presented at the Paris Motor Show in September 1992 and sold in continental European markets from 1993. The second generation Twingo was launched in Summer 2007.

The "Twingo" name is a portmanteau derived from the words "Twist", "Swing" and "Tango" and it is said to denote the "fun and active" "personality" of the car.

A concept was presented at the 2006 Mondial de l'Automobile. The production version was presented at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show after a last minute redesign was ordered, partly due to the successful launch of the TPCA Peugeot 107/Citroën C1/Toyota Aygo, which became the new benchmark for city cars.

Production was transferred from France to the Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia (Revoz).

It went on sale in France, Italy and Slovenia on 15 June 2007, and in the rest of Europe, including the UK, in September 2007. The motoring press in the UK have criticised the new Twingo for being rather unadventurous in style and appearance compared to the original.

The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre unit in three versions, an 8-valve 60 hp (45 kW) naturally-aspirated, a 16-valve 75 hp (56 kW) naturally-aspirated and a 16-valve 100 hp (70 kW) turbocharged version. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre 65 hp (48 kW) dCi unit.

Trim levels have been announced and will start with the unnamed base model followed by Authentique, Expression, Initiale, Dynamique and GT. An RS version is also under consideration.

It will be also be available in right hand drive for the first time. Engines available in the UK are the 75 hp (56 kW) and 100 hp (70 kW) petrol units, in Dynamique and GT trim levels. A 60 hp (45 kW) engine was released in January 2008, in a cheaper Extreme trim level.


Modus

The Renault Modus is a mini MPV designed and built by the French automaker Renault in Valladolid, Spain since September 2004. The production version is very similar to the concept car of the same name. It is essentially a taller and higher version of the Clio and, as such, shares its platform and much of its engine range with the Clios latest incarnation. Originally marketed as "a higher-range alternative to the Twingo and Clio", it is targeted at people who want the practicality and versatility of the larger Renault Scénic but without the added size. The Clio platform that spawned the Modus also gave rise to the current Nissan Micra and its monospace relative the Nissan Note.



Clio/Lutecia/Thalia

The Renault Clio is a supermini/subcompact produced by the French automaker Renault. Originally launched in 1990, it is currently in its third generation. The Clio has seen substantial critical and commercial success, being consistently one of Europe's top-selling cars since its launch, and it is largely credited with restoring Renault's reputation and stature after a difficult second half of the 1980s.

The Clio has been sold as the Renault Lutecia in Japan, as Honda owns the right to the name Clio in Japan (being one of Honda's sales networks in Japan). A four-door sedan was developed for certain markets where sedans are traditionally preferred over hatchbacks and was sold under names Renault Clio Symbol, Renault Clio Sedan, Renault Clio Tricorps, and Renault Thalia. It is also sold under the Nissan nameplate in some Latin American markets as the Nissan Platina with slight changes in the front of the car to make it resemble the Nissan Altima. Both the Renault Clio (4 door hatchback) and the Nissan Platina (4 door sedan) are marketed in Mexico, each by their respective manufacturer.


Kangoo /Express

The Renault Kangoo and Kangoo Express are panel van and leisure activity vehicle produced by French automaker Renault since 1997. The Kangoo is manufactured in the MCA plant in Maubeuge, France, and in Santa Isabel, Argentina. It is also sold by Nissan in Latin America and Europe as the Kubistar.

The rear windows and seats can be removed, producing the panel van Kangoo Express. The Kangoo is popular with the mobility-impaired and wheelchair users due to its height and accessibility. It can be adapted to include mounting points for wheelchairs. Both the Kangoo and Kangoo Express are available in four-wheel drive versions, with raised ride height and altered styling. A lengthened version is also available, with an increased cargo area, as well as a pickup truck version in the Swedish market. The Kangoo was facelifted in 2003, resulting in the Phase II model. These vehicles are distinguished by their pronounced contemporary Renault nose design, with two gaping grille openings placed either side of a suspended diamond badge. The headlamps were also restyled.

Trafic

Renault Trafic is the name used by Renault for recent generations of its light vans.

The current Trafic is the Renault-branded version of a panel van developed in a joint venture with General Motors (GM), and also sold as the Vauxhall and Opel Vivaro; it is also sold by Renault's ally Nissan as the Primastar. The Trafic is built at GMM Luton, Luton in the UK, along with the Vivaro and Primastar.

In the separate agreement between Renault and Nissan, versions of the van are also manufactured at Nissan's plant in Barcelona, Spain.

The van exists in several versions, from a 3-seater with all the rear space available for loads, to a 9-seater. Its name is based on the French word for "trade" or "traffic" (depending on the context).

The van was designed by Renault in Paris, and both Renault and GM versions are manufactured by GM at their plant in Luton.


Logan

The Logan is a no-frills car produced jointly by the French manufacturer Renault and its subsidiary Dacia of Romania. It is manufactured at Dacia's automobile plant in Mioveni, Romania, in Colombia, Brazil and many other sites. Whether the car is marketed as Dacia, Nissan or Renault in a country depends on the existing presence of the Renault brand in it.


Koleos

The Renault Koleos is a compact SUV which was first presented as a concept car at the 2006 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris. Production is expected to start in 2008, and will also be performed by Renault subsidiary Samsung Motors in South Korea, as the Renault Samsung QMX.

Renault has some experience in the SUV market, after selling the Scénic RX4 and the Kangoo, but it has never produced a true SUV. A Koleos concept car was shown in the media as long ago as February 2000.

The Koleos's body design is based on the Renault Koleos and Renault Egeus concept cars. The engines selected for the Koleos haven’t been used in any car, but will be used in the Clio and Laguna. Some of the Koleos's future competitors like the Citroën C-Crosser and the Peugeot 4007 will also be presented by this time.