This feed contains the latest All feed items for the RENAULT LAGUNA model. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) After his performance in the Spanish Grand Prix, three-time world Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel flew to Paris to meet with some of Renault's numerous design teams. Vettel even got to test the extraordinary looking Twizy Renault Sport F1 - Renault's latest concept car. Following a tour around the Viry-Chatillon plant, where the Formula 1 Renault engines are built, and a drive of Renault's new full-electric compact car, the Zoe, Vettel then got behind the wheel of the Twizy Renault Sport F1. We will hopefully be able to have a spin in the Twizy Renault Sport F1 in the near future. Renault's Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept is equipped with the same KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) as Vettel's Formula 1 car. This version of the Twizy has an output of around 100bhp, thanks to an additional 80bhp from the KERS, and can complete the 0-62mph sprint in a time similar to the Megane R.S. - Renault's highest performance production model - which is around six seconds. After taking the Twizy Renault Sport F1 for a test drive, Vettel then met up with employees of the company at its head office in Boulogne-Billancourt, where he summed up the day as 'interesting', before commenting that 'the wizards of Renault Sport F1 never fail to surprise us with new ideas that make my F1 car even more efficient.' Remarking on Renault's wacky concept car, Vettel enthused: 'I particularly enjoyed driving Renault's electric vehicles, especially Twizy Renault Sport F1, a really fun machine!' Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/sebastian-vettel-tests-the-twizy-renault-sport-f1-22238.aspx Glenn Doyle Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Renault is set to unveil its latest concept car at the 2013 Monaco F1 Grand Prix on May 24th, following on from the unveiling of the Twin'z and Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept cars. Like the Twin'Z, shown earlier this month in Milan, the next concept car from the French car manufacturer will come under the 'Play' heading of Renault Design's 'life-cycle' design strategy. This latest concept will be designed under the leadership of Laurens van den Acker. The reveal of Renault's new concept car at the Monaco F1 Grand Prix will be followed by a series of other demonstrations at events including the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2013. Designed and developed entirely by Renault Design, the artistic arm of the brand say that the concept car is an 'expression of the brand's passion', as well as an 'illustration of how different takes on the same city car are possible'. What do you think? Are you excited by Renault's concept teaser? Who wouldn't be after seeing the Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept? Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter to air your views. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/renault-to-unveil-next-concept-car-in-monaco-22104.aspx Glenn Doyle Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Two days ago, we brought you the news that Renault was planning on presenting its new, secretive concept car on April 25th. Well that model has been unveiled and it is a Renault's Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept car. At the company's Twizy manufacturing plant in Valladolid, Spain, Renault presented its new concept car, which is a fun take on the brand's electric urban car, the Twizy. The Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept features muscular styling and, allegedly, impressive performance credentials. Renault sees the new concept as the bridge between the world of F1 technology and that of production cars. The body of Renault's new concept car has a single-seater race car look to it and is equipped with a front splitter, side-pods, rear wing and a diffuser, complete with an F1-style rain light expressing the concept's ties with motor racing's premier category. The concept car is equipped with two electric motors, each producing 17hp, onto which an F1-style KERS has been grafted in order to turn the concept car into a 'pocket rocket' Renault has announced that, spectacular looks aside, the concept delivers genuine high performance, thanks to its Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) - which is identical to the solution used by Renault-powered Formula 1 cars. The model's KERS instantly boots power output six-fold to reach almost 100hp, from 17hp, and the French automobile manufacturer claims that the car can complete the 0-62mph sprint as quickly as the company's highest-performing road car: the Megane Renaultsport 265 (around six seconds). Renault's Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept car will be shown at major events throughout the year, starting with its first public appearances at the World Series by Renault meeting at Aragon, Spain on April 27th-28th, followed by the Barcelona Motor Show. Jean-Michel Jalinier, President and Managing Director, Renault Sport F1, spoke about the new concept, saying: 'We always said we wanted to create F1-derived technology that was road relevant! Hopefully, this Twizy will make a few people smile while also making a serious point.' Regarding the KERS, he commented: 'KERS is a very complex system and integrating it into another electric vehicle was a very serious endeavour, but they managed to make it work, delivering a huge boost of power safely and efficiently. 'I'm not sure we'll be seeing many of these on our roads, but it does show that the same principles we see on the race track can be filtered down to the road legal range - this is just the evil elder brother!' Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/twizy-renault-sport-f1-is-renaults-new-concept-22077.aspx Glenn Doyle Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The French car manufacturer Renault has confirmed the UK pricing and specification details for its new compact crossover, the Captur. One month after its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, it's been confirmed the new Renault Captur will be available to order in the UK from May 1st 2013. UK prices for the Renault Captur start from £12,495 on-the-road, undercutting the current class top-sellers by £500, and rise to £18,895 (OTR) for the top-spec model. The Captur will be looking to emulate the impressive start of the New Clio - with which the Captur shares its underpinnings and much of its style. Renault has ensured that the Capture is keenly priced and comes equipped with a host of life-simplifying features, in order to make serious inroads in the ever-growing B-segment crossover class. The Captur's four model range is powered by a series of all-turbo petrol and diesel engines - all of which have been recently launched or revised. The engine range includes the 0.9-litre 90bhp TCe and 1.5-litre 90bhp dCi models, as well as the brand new 1.2-litre 120bhp TCe unit, mated exclusively to an Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission - which has only just debuted in the Clio GT-Line. The Renault Captur is available in four trim levels, which are: the entry level 'Expression' models, upgraded 'Expression+' versions, further enhanced 'Dynamique MediaNav' variants and the top of the range 'Dynamique S MediaNav' specification. The base 'Expression' models come well equipped, with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, hill start assist, trip computer and both electronic stability and traction control, amongst others. The upgraded 'Expression+' variants add front foglights, auto lights and wipers, climate control, body coloured door mirrors and handles and a hands-free keycard to the mix. Moving up the trim levels to the range-topping specifications bring such features as satellite navigation, Bluetooth, chrome colour pack, handsfree technology, cornering lights, leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels to the Renault Captur. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/renault-captur-uk-pricing-and-specifications-confirmed-22045.aspx Glenn Doyle Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT French car manufacturer Renault has announced that on Thursday, April 25th 2013, it will present its latest concept car at its Valladolid plant in Spain. The company has released a teaser image of the prototype vehicle, which they say features muscular styling and impressive performance credentials. Renault has also stated that the new concept vehicle will provide a bridge between the world of Formula 1 and that of electric vehicles. They also say that it is a concept car that will make a lot of noise... but in total silence. A new fully-electric supercar? Perhaps a hybrid? Maybe it's a zephyr on wheels... What do you think? Share your thoughts with us by liking our Facebook page or following us on Twitter! All we know is, Thursday can't come soon enough. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/renaults-upcoming-secretive-concept-car-22040.aspx Glenn Doyle Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT As part of the celebrations of English Tourism Week, VisitEngland Chief Executive, James Beresford, launched The New Forest's newest 'green' initiative: the Renault Twizy, at the National Motor Museum, in Beaulieu, Hampshire. The site in Beaulieu was one of the first in Hampshire to join the government initiative to install electric charge points in 2011. The electric charger that was installed has two plug-in points and is able to charge two vehicles simultaneously, which allows electric vehicle drivers to conveniently recharge their vehicle's batteries whilst visiting the Beaulieu attraction. The New Forest is the country's first location to offer a fleet of Renault Twizy electric vehicles with a comprehensive charge point network as a fun and innovative way to explore the stunning scenery of the visitor's surroundings. The use of the Renault Twizy two-seater vehicles will offer a truly 'eco' stay for visitors. Those visiting the New Forest can arrive at the train station in Brockenhurst, hire a Twizy and then make use of a network of twenty charge points, located at hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks and attractions throughout the New Forest. The 'eco' vehicles can reach a top speed of 50mph and travel for up to 62 miles on a full charge - although whilst in the New Forest, drivers would no doubt want to take it slow and enjoy the locations scenic towns, villages and panoramic coastline. Renting the 'green' vehicle couldn't be easier as well, with a £49-a-day Twizy rental package provided by the New Forest, which also comes with a Brand New Forest Card, offering hundreds of discounts at local pubs, restaurants and attractions - which are part of the network of charging points. The New Forest Employment & Tourism Manager, Anthony Climpson, commented: 'The new Twizy scheme puts us at the forefront of UK tourism, as one of the country's top destinations leading the way in sustainable development.' Climpson continued: 'We are proud to be the first to launch a Twizy fleet with a whole network of charge points. I'm sure that visitors will find them a fun, new way to discover all that the beautiful New Forest has to offer and keep them coming back for more! 'It's up to us to come up with new ways to ensure the New Forest's rare qualities, which were first recognised by William the Conqueror when he named it as his 'new hunting forest' one thousand years ago, remain special for future generations.' http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/twizys-spark-new-forest-green-revolution-21748.aspx Glenn Doyle Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Renault has revealed prices for the new Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo after it was first revealed this month at the Geneva Motor Show. New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo prices start from £18,995 for entry-level versions as the compact hot hatch goes up against the likes of the new Peugeot 208 GTi and the Volkswagen Polo GTI. The prices are less than the VW model and only £100 more than the Peugeot and Renault has drawn on all of its racing and hot hatch heritage in its latest model. The new Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine, a step down from the 2.0-litre engine used in previous versions. However, the 1.6-litre engine delivers the same power at 197bhp and an impressive 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds. Renault has also boosted fuel economy in its latest hot hatch to 44.3mpg compared to a figure in the low 30s for the previous version. The new Renaultsport Clio 200 Turbo uses a six-speed dual clutch transmission complete with steering column-mounted paddle shifters to allow the driver to change down more than one gear at once. The car also comes with RS Drive, which offers three settings; Normal, Sport and Race. Drivers can choose which setting they would like and the car's engine, accelerator, steering and stability control will adjust accordingly. Inside the cabin the new Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo comes with sports seats and even a sound system that pipes the engine sound into the cabin for a more race-inspired experience. Drivers can choose between two chassis; normal or the Cup chassis. The latter is a more track-oriented option with a 3mm lower suspension and 15 per cent more stiffness for sharper handling. It also comes with hot hatch design features such as alloy wheels, an F1-style front blade and chrome twin exhausts that are sure to impress hot hatch enthusiasts. The new Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo will be available to order in the UK from 8th April. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/new-renaultsport-clio-200-turbo-prices-announced-21668.aspx Stephen Hurrell Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Renault took the wraps off its new urban crossover, the Captur, at this year's Geneva International Motor Show. Laurens van der Acker, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design, Renault, commented: 'The genes of Renault Captur contain all the ideas of the concept car - the concept which it was my pleasure to present as the expression of the 'Explore' theme in Renault's life-cycle design strategy.' He further added: 'As the brand's first urban crossover, Captur combines all the advantages of the MPV, SUV and family hatchback. Its balanced, fluid lines impart a friendly muscular energy to its bodywork, while its expressive style and everyday practicality provide an open invitation to discover the world - either two-up, or with the whole family aboard.' Thanks to its choice of Energy engines, the Renault Captur aims to be the category leader in regard to low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions - whilst still being fun to drive. Two petrol and two diesel engines are on offer within Captur models, featuring fuel consumption levels ranging from 52.3mpg to 76.4mpg, whilst CO2 emissions range from 95g/km to 125g/km. Ordering for all Renault Captur models in the UK open in April, whilst first deliveries of the vehicle will be from July of this year. Our MotorTorque video team are currently at the Geneva Motor Show, reporting back on all of the cars and concepts from the week. You can watch our new Renault Captur sneak preview video below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXtdsstQNVw http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show---renault-captur-21597.aspx Glenn Doyle Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Read more about the Renault Captur As Renault releases the new Clio supermini, the French brand seems to be keen to introduce new models to its range - enter the new Renault Captur mini-SUV. The new Renault Captur combines a compact mini-SUV style and Renault's new-found design language - ultimately offering a new appeal to the Renault range. We found out a bit more about the Renault Captur at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXtdsstQNVw http://www.motortorque.com/videos/motorshows/new-renault-captur-sneak-preview---geneva-motor-show-2013-21555.aspx New Car Reviews Motorshows Richard Bush Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT MotorTorque's #carspotting feature returns to take a closer look at this rare lightweight sport roadster produced by French manufacturer Renault. Here at MotorTorque we have continued to receive photo submissions carrying the twitter hashtag #carspotting from the generous and sharp-eyed public. The example seen above was kindly submitted to us by Twitter user Joseph Wheater (@joseph_wheater) who also hosts his own motorsport blog called thepitstopblog.com. He snapped a Renault Sport Spider on the back of a transporter truck. The Spider was developed by Renault's performance subsidiary Renaultsport, which these days help to create popular hot hatch versions of the Twingo, Clio and Megane. Before that though Renault sport use to create standalone vehicles more suited for track days and racing champions, with the Spider proving a prime example. Production of the Renault Sport Spider first started back in 1996 and lasted for only a few years up until 1999. In that period it's believed that just 1,800 units of the Sport Spider were manufactured. A search for the Renault Sport Spider on the website howmanyleft.co.uk reveals that in 2012 there are just 45 licensed units of this car in the UK, although curiously in 2011 that figure was as low as 23. This suggests that several more units of the Spider have been either imported to the UK or more likely had their Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) revoked. The Renault Sport Spider was conceived as part of the manufacturer's ambition to promote its sporting brand, by serving as both a racing car and road-legal model. Indeed when the Spider was launched it was intended to form the basis of a new one-car racing series, in similar principle to the popular Renault Clio cup which continues to operate today in numerous countries around Europe, including the UK. Like the Clio cup today, the Renault Sport Spider championship was launched in the UK as a support series to the British Touring Car Championship. The series ran for five years between 1995, before the road-legal Spider was launched, and up until 1999, the same year the Spider ceased production all-together. Probably the most notable piece of history to come from the UK's Renault Spider cup is that the championship was won in one particular year by a young Jason Plato, who has gone on to achieve a record number of wins in the British Touring Car Championship. Focusing on the road-legal Sport Spider, it was like its racing counterpart a small, low-slung vehicle with no roof or an exterior door handle but a passenger roll cage included. Drivers who bought the Sport Spider could either a small wind deflector fitted to the front, or make do without in which case wearing a helmet would be ideal. Performance comes from a 2.0-litre F7R petrol engine, which also features on the special edition Renault Clio Williams from 1993. On the road-legal Sport Spider the unit produces 150bhp, about 60bhp less than the racing-specification model, and it is also heavier in comparison. However at just 930kg the Sport Spider was still capable of giving a sprightly drive, covering the 0-60mph sprint in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 134mph. Whilst indeed road-legal the Renault Sport Spider carries all the hallmarks of a track day vehicle meant purely for race circuit. Practicality is simply virtually non-existent; however drivers can at least have fun with such a car like the Sport Spider if you put in the correct environment. http://www.motortorque.com/motoring-blog/classics/carspotting---renault-sport-spider-21135.aspx Classics Stephen Goldasz Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT