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The Geneva Auto Show was a privilege for Renault to showcase their concept version of the Mégane Coupé. The new design points to a future production model that wants to be a perfect compact sports coupe, being styled in an attempt to bring out character and dynamism.

The futuristic design is overall very beautiful and it’s only enhanced by the same style on inside. The exterior features aluminum finished air-intakes which flow into the concept’s headlights, meant to convey the impression of movement. A series of crystal-like light strips act as turn signals and daytime running lights, while gull-wing doors provide access to the cabin. The press release statements pointed out that the “unprecedented door opening kinematics” and “the juxtaposition of headlamp modules with aluminum-finish air-intakes” are the main features of the concept model.

The inside of the Renault took influences from modern furniture and designers created an upscale driving environment. Independent asymmetric front seats seem to float due to the clever ingenuity of designers. The center console flows into the rear cabin, creating separate seating for two individuals. Featuring the latest technology, the cabin has a central screen which is divided into three separate views. The main screen activates the concept’s various systems such as navigation, radio, and Bluetooth while the two side screens display exterior side views from cameras incorporated into the mirrors. Rear passengers are well accommodated as the concept has four-zone climate control and a Samsung P2 multimedia player. The interior is well fitted for car of this stature and the array of gadgetry makes for a very entertaining driving experience.

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The engineering didn’t stop here. As far as motoring options goes, the coupe offers a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine which produces 200 horsepower and 280Nm of torque. Put that through a six-speed manual transmission and drivers can get the coupe from 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The fuel consumption isn’t bad either, estimated at 6.5 liters per 100km.

Posted March 19, 2008 Comments(1)

Renault will bring to Geneve it’s GT version of new Laguna generation.
New things: engines of 205 hp (gas) or 180 hp (diesel).

Renault finally published first official photos of performance GT version for the new Laguna. Laguna GT will be available with two body kits, berlin and break, and will have at disposal, as an individual element two new engines: 2.0 turbo gas of 205 hp or dCi diesel of 180 hp, exclusively available on GT.
New engines don’t represent the only modification brought looking at classic version. Thus until they will grab the coupe version of new generation, Laguna, fans of Renault can accommodate with sporty idea that comes with additional aesthetic elements that give an unique mark for the new model. We are talking about GT logo visible on Alcantra covered seats, on frontal grid, additional lateral air systems, on the 18 inches rims made from alloys. In the same line can accomodate the 225/45 Bridgestone Potenza tires and 18 inch Celsium rims. Brake discs have 320 mm in diameter on front and 300 mm diameter on back
Interior of the car has also the sporty spots of Renault designers: perforated pedals and brake handle made of aluminum, interior almost completely dressed with Alcantra, improved lateral support of seats and a steering wheel that was specially developed for GT version of Laguna 3.
New model will be launched for first time at Geneve, following like it’s debut on market take place in the next months.

Posted February 26, 2008 Comments(0)

Even if the star of Italian produce of vehicles – new Fiat 500 – was soon awarded many times, this doesn’t mean that only it brings prizes in for the company. After it was awarded with the distinction of Car of the 2008, other two models from Fiat obtained important distinctions.

In Brasil, Fiat Grande Punte was chose as the Car of 2008 by 37 journalists from specialized press. This happy fact represents the marking of a turn into the auto brasilian industry. This way, Grande Punto obtained 235 points, comparative to Citroen C4 from III place with 208 points, Nissan Sentra with 152 points, Renault Logan with 146 and Chevrolet Vectra GT with 134 points.

Coming back to present, Fiat made to bring in Italy the AUTOUBEST 2008 award, the deserve coming to Linea model. The jury for this competition was made from journalists of 15 european countries, here including Ciprus, Greece, Poland, Romania, Russia and Turkey, proving that saloon of C segment has attraction for the public. First place had 850 points, and after Linea next was Kia C’eed, Mazda, Skoda Fabia and Toyota Auris, each with 784, 705, 679 and 583 points.

AUTOBEST award is evaluated taking a look to over 13 elements, some of the being the design, comfort, economy of fuel, maneuverability and price.

This two distinctions obtained join the other prizes already at Fiat’s home, “guilty” of this being Fiat 500: Car of the Year 2008, Auto Europa 2008, EuroCarBody 2007, Aut Trophy, Fifth Gear Car of the Year and Car of the Year. Also, we mention the fact that the same model was voted as the best city car at BBC competition Top Gear Awards.

Posted February 24, 2008 Comments(0)