Drive.co.uk

Renault has released a glimpse of its emotionally inspired electric car. The Renault DeZir sensuous lines and the redder than red finish expresses passion. Combining an electric motor and love for cars. I love the look of this the originality and inspiration in its conceptualisation and overall design. The first glimpse of the car to the public will be at the The Paris Motor Show 2010. Under the leadership of Laurens van der Acker. Renault’s Design Department have taken inspiration from the brands new signature ‘Drive the Change’. The visions of this signature are watershed moments in peoples lives, when they fall in love, start to explore the world, start a family, begin to work, take time to play and attain wisdom – The brand’s vision ‘simple’, ‘sensuous’ and ‘warm’. The DeZir as a car is a two-seater coupe, sculptural in spirit and perfectly harmonious. The shape of the car features very prominent 21-inch wheels, inspiring movement. Many clever design references have been incorporated into the design, light weight, recessed air intakes for battery cooling and an overall impression of lightness. With the absence of a rear window, two cameras have been incorporated to offer a panoramic view. The gull wing doors embody automotive passion and open in a yin and yan style amorous harmony. The interior cabin again suggests lightness.  ”inside the DeZir, you feel like you’re floating on a cloud”. “Love is a sentiment that gives you wings” explains Stéphane Maïore. Overall the interior forms are soft and light predominantly white leather with touches of the passion red from the exterior. The one piece bench seat provides cocoon like comfort to further emphasise the sensation of passion and lightness. The chosen power train for the vehicle is an electric motor mounted in a mid rear position. The vertically-mounted 24kW/h lithium-ion battery is located behind the benchseat and provides the car with a range of 160km (100miles). The basic motor is the same as the unit used for Renault’s production electric cars, although an evolution has enabled its power and torque to be uprated to 110kW (150ch) and 226Nm respectively. Three charging methods can be employed – a standard charge using a conventional household plug, fully charges the vehicle in eight hours. A fast charge using a 400v three phase charges to 80 percent capacity in 20 minutes or alternatively a fast battery exchange using Renault’s Quick Drop technology. To further optimise range and overall performance, the DeZir’s weight has been to kept to a minimum: its body is made from Kevlar®, while its tubular steel frame is similar to that employed for Mégane Trophy race car. DeZir’s suspension also shares certain features with that of Mégane Trophy – including a double wishbone arrangement – to deliver a particularly high standard of handling precision. Inside the car driving pleasure is further enhanced by a clever custom sound system, a clever driver interface mirroring sensations felt at the wheel. Furthermore featuring a touchscreen display and a smart navigation system with real time indications of energy management displayed in a fun, intuitive video game style. The performance of the car with a top speed of 180kph and a 0-60 time of under 5 seconds gives this car real performance to match its looks. Finally the cars I day dreamed of in my early years, wonders of what we would be driving in the year 2000. They are now arriving a bit late, but when will they fly.