This is Renault’s latest concept car, called DeZir, which of course is an electric vehicle. But it’s an important car because according to Renault, it hints at their new design language for future models. And apparently Renault Design department has hired a bunch of teenage girls, because it’s all very romantic!
“DeZir is a statement of our new formal design language which conveys notions such as movement, sensuality and emotion through ideal proportions, in much the same way as an object whose forms have been honed by nature. The result is a warm, stimulating design that says ‘Renault’,” explains Axel Breun, Renault’s Director of Concept Car and Show Car Design.
The interior design also suggests lightness. “Love is a sentiment that lifts you; gives you wings,” says Stéphane Maïore, who was in charge of DeZir’s interior styling. “Inside DeZir, you feel like you’re floating on a cloud,” adds Stéphanie Petit, Colours and Materials Designer.
The DeZir is 4.2 meters ling and has the profile of a compact coupe. The most significant features of its styling, apart form the all-new front-end which Renault says will be used in upcoming models, are its gullwing doors and 21-inch rims. They’re amazing, but rest assured neither of these things will make it into production models!
The letter Z in the car’s name refers to the fact that it’s a Zero Emission electric vehicle. It’s powered by an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position to optimise weight distribution over the front and rear wheels. Backed by vertically-mounted 24kWh lithium-ion battery, it generates 110 kW of power and 226Nm of torque, while giving a range of around 100 miles per charge.
Speaking of charging, a standard charge using a conventional household plug takes up to eight hours. But a 400V three-phase current you can do a fast recharge and get 80 percent of the battery’s capacity filled in just 20 minutes.
Renault DeZir Concept will make its public debut at 2010 Paris Motor Show.
Dimensions – mm
Length | 4,225 |
Width | 1,986 |
Height | 1,163 |
Height – with doors open | 2,256 |
Width – with doors open | 2,682 |
Ground clearance | 110 |
Wheelbase | 2,582 |
Front track | 1,600 |
Rear track | 1,705 |
Technical data
Motor | Electric synchronous motor |
Maximum power | 110kW c/ 150hp |
Maximum torque | 226Nm |
Top speed | 112mph |
0-62mph | 5 seconds |
Battery | Lithium-ion (24 kW/h) |
Range | 100 miles |
Transmission | Rear wheel drive |
Drive | Electric with active differential |
Chassis | Tubular steel frame |
Tyres | 245/35 R 21 |
Brakes | 356mm ventilated discs |
Cd | 0.25 |
Kerb weight | 830kg |