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  • We battle with Renault F1 drivers on track!

    In Formula 1, Local News, Motorsports, Renault / By / / 5 comments


    Every year, when the Formula 1 circus comes to town for the Malaysian GP, participating manufacturers will hold events to drum up publicity and reap the branding rewards from their major investment in the sport. No company joins F1 just for fun, everyone tries to win on Sunday then sell on Monday! But there are fewer events this year with the departure of BMW, Honda and Toyota. Renault could have joined them, but thankfully chose to stay in the sport by selling off a big stake to investors.

    Which means another “meet the drivers” event to attend. But this invite was special, as the media got to race with the Renault F1 drivers at Sepang’s go-kart circuit! It was earlier this morning when Vitaly Petrov and third driver Ho-Pin Tung made the short drive from SIC to the kart track, got into their overalls and shared a track with yours truly and his counterparts. As expected, Robert Kubica wasn’t in sight as the No.1 driver normally gets exempted from media obligations such as this.


    Divided into groups, we had a total of two timed laps for the qualifying session. I wasn’t expecting to do well as this is my first time on the reversed layout of this track, besides having limited experience of the two-stroke 100 cc karts used today (karting is expensive!). It turned out that they behaved much differently from the four-stroke “fun karts” commonly used in media events.

    They’re much faster, of course, but instead of simply going full throttle and leaning on the available grip as one would in the slower fun karts, cornering depended greatly on throttle manipulation, and the kart simply won’t turn if you don’t have enough speed. They’re less forgiving too, which is why I spun more than once on the damp surface and didn’t make it to the top-ten shootout. Good fun nonetheless, and karting is the best way to develop race craft and understand balance.


    Vitaly and Ho-Pin looked like they were having a good time too; the best of us journos couldn’t get near their exhaust smoke, which allowed them room to fool around a bit, nudging and tailing each other for fun. Petrov, Russia’s first F1 driver, has yet to finish a race so far, but will be hoping to do so this Sunday. He’s familar with Sepang after racing here in the GP2 Asia Series back in 2008. Last year saw the 26-year old finish second in GP2′s overall standings. Racing with us mere mortals doesn’t count as practise though!

    Gallery after the jump!
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  • Renault and Daimler close to a stake swap tie-up?

    In Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz, Renault / By / / 8 comments

    Renault Fluence

    Word is that Daimler AG and Renault are very close to a German-French ‘alliance’ that includes a “symbolic” equity swap of 3%. Daimler AG would hold 3% of Renault and Renault will be taking up 3% of Daimler AG. The official word from the two companies confirm that they are in talks for some kind of collaboration, but declined to confirm that it would include an equity stake swap.

    Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said at the Geneva Motorshow earlier this year that the alliance could afford to buy stake in a third partner if needed. He did not mention who they are looking at specifically, instead just saying that the alliance was “talking to many people in the industry.” The Renault-Nissan alliance has been around for 11 years and it seems to be working for them well. Daimler’s tie-ups haven’t been particularly successful, they ‘divorced’ Chrysler not too long ago.

    Renault Wind
    Renault Wind – future smart roadster?

    The partnership between Daimler and Renault will most probably revolve around sharing the development costs of compact front wheel drive platforms and engines. Mercedes-Benz needs to spread the development cost of its compact front wheel drive A-Class and B-Class vehicles as well as Smart cars. It was previously in talks with rivals BMW for the same but that collaboration went down the drain as both parties ended up feeling it was necessary to have competitive differentiation in that segment that would not be possible if they shared platforms and engines.

    BMW also has a French partner for its front wheel drive MINI vehicles – their transversely-installed Prince engines are shared with PSA Peugeot Citroen. They couldn’t find a platform partner so they’re instead going to share the next generation MINI front wheel drive platform with compact BMWs instead, leading to the shocking announcement last week that there would be front wheel drive compact BMWs in the pipeline.

     

  • GM Advanced Design boss moves to Renault

    In General Motors, International News, Renault / By / / 9 comments

    GM Europe’s Director of Advanced Design, Anthony Lo, will move to become Vice President of Exterior Design at Renault. In France, he will work under recently appointed Design Director Laurens van den Acker, who replaced Patrick le Quément.

    Van den Acker’s flowing style (he previously headed the Nagare movement at Mazda) is in contrast with le Quément’s fascination with boxes – the latter was responsible for daring designs like the Avantime, Vel Satis and the previous generation big booty Megane.

    At GM, Lo designed one of my favourite concept cars, the Saab Aero X concept (2006 Geneva), and the Opel Flextreme (2007 Frankfurt). The sleek Saab’s windscreen, doors and windows moved upward in one piece, which not only looks cool, but is a good solution for a low slung sportscar. Prior to GM, Lo sketched for Mercedes and Audi and began his career at Lotus after graduating from the Royal College of Art’s Vehicle Design program.

    Source

     

  • Renault Koleos crossover to be launched this weekend – full details and image gallery here!

    In Cars, Local News, Renault / By / / 41 comments

    Local Renault distributor TC Euro Cars held a media preview of its Koleos crossover hours ago, ahead of the 4X4′s public launch this weekend. The Koleos is the French brand’s first true SUV and it sits in the Honda CR-V mid-size category (overall length of 4520 mm is identical to the Honda’s, but 2690 mm wheelbase is 70 mm longer).

    The Koleos is a product that draws the best out of the Renault-Nissan Alliance – drivetrain and 4X4 system from Nissan; design, ride, handling and ergonomics from Renault; manufactured by Renault-Samsung in Busan, Korea for its relatively lower cost.

    The Koleos is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 170 bhp and 226 Nm of torque paired to a CVT with six virtual ratios – good for a 0-100 km/h time of 10.3 seconds and a 188 km/h top speed. The decision to source this particular pairing from Nissan is a good move as the Japanese company makes some of the best CVTs in town (we’d prefer it over a French auto ‘box!), not to mention that in general, customers in our market seem to trust Japanese engines better. The official combined fuel consumption figure is 10.5 km/l. Would be better with Renault’s fine 2.0 dCi engine, but that won’t come anytime soon, and you know the reason why.

    The chassis of the Koleos is modified from the second-gen Nissan X-Trail (not sold here), which is pretty decent off-road for its kind. This, plus the fact that the Renault also gets the X-Trail’s All-Mode 4X4-i system means that the Koleos should be better off the beaten path than many of its classmates although it doesn’t look the part.

    Instead of transferring torque to the rear wheels only when slip is detected, All-Mode 4X4-i “predicts” the moment AWD grip is required by measuring lateral and side acceleration, yaw rate, steering angle and accelerator pedal position among other parameters, and divides torque accordingly even before ESP intervenes. That’s the default Auto mode; you can also choose 2WD (front-wheel drive) or Lock mode, where torque is split 50:50 between axles. Also beneficial is Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist – the latter prevents backward movement on inclines of 10% and above.

    While much of the hardware is from Nissan, the interior is appointed like a Continental model, with some clever French touches such as the lever in the boot that folds flat the split rear seats when you pull it. Other comfort and convenience features include airplane style fold down “tables”, chilled glovebox, B-pillar air vents for the rear passengers, three rows of flat folding seats, a split tailgate that you can sit on (max load 200 kg) and two 5-litre secret “lockers” under the rear floor. All very thoughtful.

    Equipment include an 8-speaker Bose stereo as used in the Infiniti FX, ABS/EBA/ESP, six airbags, cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, auto parking brake, dual-zone climate control and start/stop button, among others. An optional panaromic sunroof is available for RM9,000. The most important safety “feature” is also here – a five-star Euro NCAP rating. For all the above, one needs to pay RM213,149.19 on the road excluding insurance. To touch and feel the Koleos, head down to its public launch this Saturday, March 13 at Bangsar Village, Kuala Lumpur.

    Live pictures from the media preview after the jump!
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  • Renault Wind – CC with the fastest folding roof!

    In 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Renault / By / / 18 comments

    The Renault Wind only takes 12 seconds to transform from coupe to convertible, which should make it the fastest of its kind (the Peugeot 207 CC needs about 25 seconds to strip). This is thanks to a simple central pivot setup instead of the regular hinge system, which also ensures that the Wind’s boot volume of 270 litres remains whether the roof is up or down. Interestingly, that figure is 40 litres more than the standard Twingo hatchback, which the Wind is based on. It’s also said that the boot opens with no more effort than would be needed for a conventional saloon.

    The Wind looks tiny in the metal, and it’s 3830 mm overall length is quite a bit shorter than the 207 CC, which goes past four metres. The car will be launched in Europe this summer with two of the Twingo’s engines: a 133 bhp/160 Nm 1.6-litre from the Renaultsport model and a 100 bhp/152 Nm 1.2-litre TCe engine. Renault says that it paid particular attention to the acoustic tuning for the former, which has a “telltale, fiery pitch”.

    Renault plans to offer a wide range of options including a rear diffuser with twin tailpipes, front foglamp backing plates, chrome exterior mirror housings and a chrome finish for the rear bumper. Inside, customers can choose from different instrument housing designs and door pulls, plus an alternative gear lever knob or pedal set.

    Live images and the official gallery is after the jump.
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  • Renault to establish new Indian distribution alone

    In Cars, India, International News, Renault / By / / 8 comments

    Renault Fluence
    Renault Fluence – a sedan version of the Megane

    New entries in the price sensitive and Suzuki-dominated Indian market more often meet failure than success but it doesn’t mean if you fail once you must give up. Renault will go solo in in its second attempt to make some good headway in the Indian market, after a JV with Mahindra to sell its sole offering the Renault Logan failed to make any significant headway. Earlier this year, the 51:49 Mahindra Renault JV announced that it would be restructuring its operations, after reporting a loss of 4.9 billion Rupees in the 08/09 financial year.

    “Today we would like to reaffirm our intention to be a long term player in India, by announcing our plans to set up an exclusive Distribution Network for Renault cars that will be introduced in the Indian market. We will create an extensive nationwide distribution network in the next 30 months, to ensure our customers are assured of seamless service,” said Marc Nassif, Country GM and MD of Renault India.

    Renault will be launching a few new cars in India in the next 2 years, and is set to offer a “full range” within 4 years. The Logan will probably continue to be sold by the Mahindra JV. The first “Mahindra-free” cars to be launched are the Renault Fluence (lowered-cost Megane sedan shown above) and the Renault Koleos, both of which will be available in 2011. They will be produced at a Chennai facility shared with Nissan. Naturally, a small car to compete with the likes of the Hyundai i10 is in the works.

     

  • Renault-Nissan Alliance increase market share

    In Cars, Nissan, Renault / By / / 9 comments

    The Renault Nissan Alliance, which now counts Russia’s AvtoVaz Lada brand as part of its group, captured 9.8% of the global auto market in 2009, an increase from 2008′s 9.4%. This result was achieved in a global market that contracted 4.5% last year, and desipte the decline in volumes for Renault (-3.1%) and Nissan (-9.4%). Renault and Nissan sold 2,309,188 and 3,358,413 vehicles respectively, while Lada accounted for 417,457 units.

    In Western Europe, Renault reclaimed third spot, mainly due to new additions Megane and Twingo. In its home market, Renault sales increased by 7.3% and it retains the title of France’s best selling brand with a 23.5% market share. The brand also grew in Korea through subsidiary Renault-Samsung Motors.

    Nissan meanwhile closed the year with total sales of 3,358,413 units or a market share of 5.4%. In China, now Nissan’s second largest global market after the US, passenger car sales increased 38.7% to 755,518 units. Sales were led by the Teana flagship model (108,504) followed by the Sylphy (96,174).

    The new Teana should be launched in Malaysia this year as Nissan’s challenger to the Accord and Camry. In Thailand and Singapore, the D-segment contender can be had with two engines; the MR20DE 2.0-litre (as found in the Sylphy) and a 2.5-litre V6 with 180 bhp and 228 Nm, figures that are slightly higher than the Accord 2.4.

    Nissan (Jatco) makes some of the best CVT gearboxes around and the Teana will get that instead of a torque converter automatic. Prices are bound to be much more competitive than the previous model, which only sold by the handful due to a scary sticker price.

     

  • Renault Wind baby convertible to debut in Geneva

    In 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Renault / By / / 31 comments

    This is the Renault Wind baby convertible that will make its debut at the Geneva show next month. Taking the name of Renault’s 2004 Geneva show car, which was also similar in concept, this cute two-seater coupé-roadster “is aimed at motorists who lust after a car that is not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible and practical enough for everyday use”, says its maker.

    Not much is known about the Wind at this point, other than it is 3.83 metres long and features a clever electric roof that does its magic in just 12 seconds. That’s really fast, about half the time that the Volkswagen Eos needs and 10 seconds faster than Renault’s own Megane CC. As a bonus, Renault claims a decent 270 litres of luggage space whether the top is up or down. It’s likely to share underpinnings and drivetrains with the Twingo.

    Gallery is after the jump.
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  • Renault launches R30, announces Russian driver

    In Formula 1, Renault / By / / 12 comments

    Renault F1 Team has unveiled its 2010 challenger, the R30, at the Valencia circuit. With the departure of title sponsor ING, Renault was free to choose a colour scheme, and has opted for yellow-black “Bumblebee” style livery that recalls the firm’s F1 cars from the 80s. Reminds us a little of the Jordan team too!

    Main driver Robert Kubica was on hand to unveil the R30 with Team Principal Eric Boullier. Renault also presented Vitaly Petrov as Kubica’s teammate for the 2010 season. The 25-year-old finished as runner-up in the GP2 Series last year and becomes the first Russian driver to race in Formula 1. Also present were the team’s third driver, Ho-Pin Tung and reserve driver, Jérôme d’Ambrosio. Another reserve driver, Jan Charouz from Czech Republic, was unable to attend the ceremony.

    The R30′s rear end has been reworked to allow the car to make the most of the ‘double-decker’ diffusers that were first seen last year. Changes have also been made to the architecture of the chassis to adapt to the refuelling ban, which requires a much larger fuel tank.

    “We’ve been working flat-out during the winter to ensure that we begin the new season in the best shape possible. The R30 should be a competitive, strong and reliable car, and we’ve opted for an aggressive development strategy throughout the season. Now we’re here ready for the first test and we’re all excited to see if the car performs as we think it will,” Boullier said.

    Renault will remain in Valencia until Wednesday evening to complete the first pre-season test session. More pictures and a video after the jump.
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  • Renaultsport range coming to Malaysia this year!

    In Cars, Local News, Renault / By / / 50 comments

    Renaultsport may not be as well known or revered as BMW’s M division, AMG or Honda’s Type R range, but the boys and girls from Dieppe has been in great form of late, turning humdrum standard Renaults into fantastic driver’s cars that makes the keen driver go Whoa! Both the Clio RS and Megane R26 sold in Malaysia are good examples of these; but the latter in particular impressed so much that I voted for it in my previous magazine’s Car of the Year awards, which it won.

    Looks like the motoring media in UK, which gets to enjoy Renaultsport’s latest crop of cars, are similarly bowled over too. Renaultsport has been chosen as Top Gear magazine’s Manufacturer of the Year. Conor McNicholas, Editor of Top Gear UK said: “Renaultsport has been impressing us for years but 2009 was the year where the whole project hit a new sweet spot – Twingo, Clio and Mégane all out in hot form and all of them at their best ever. For services to hot hatches, we salute you”.

    In addition, the practical folks at What Car? magazine, in their 2009 COTY awards, had the entire Renaultsport range in their shortlist for the hot hatch category, which saw the Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup triumph over siblings Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup and Twingo Renaultsport 133 Cup.

    Realising that it has struck a chord among enthusiasts, TC Euro Cars plans to build the Renaultsport brand in Malaysia, starting with the introduction of the Mégane RS in the third quarter this year followed by the hot Clio and Twingo at the end of 2010, according to a source close to the project. We can’t wait!

     
 
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