Renault Wind (2011)

JUST 12 SECONDS TO LOWER THE TOP - A CLASS BEST!

After pulling on a handle to release the roof lock, the driver simply has to press on the electric switch for the roof to pivot round its axis between the quarter panels before silently coming to rest on top of the boot covered by an additional panel. An audible warning and a message on the trip computer inform the driver once the operation has been completed. In addition to being a quick way to lower or raise the top, this ingenious rotating system employs very few parts, which further contributes to its reliability.

The combined weight of the roof and its kinematics is a mere 21.8kg, which is a fifth of that of a conventional hard top.

The interior of the roof is protected from dust and the elements in the 'open' position by a patented boot lid design, while the fixed rear window actively contributes to Renault Wind's structural rigidity.

BOOT SPACE ON A PAR WITH CLIO

Whether the top is up or down, the same generous, easily accessible 270 dm3 VDA of boot space means that Renault Wind owners can travel with baggage, yet still enjoy al fresco motoring at will. Opening and shutting the boot requires no more effort than an ordinary saloon thanks to two gas struts.

RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES' EXPERTISE FOR GREATER DRIVING PLEASURE

The expertise of Renault Sport Technologies (R.S.T) when it comes to motoring enjoyment needs no introduction, and Renault Wind has benefited extensively from the knowledge of R.S.T's engineers. Staff at R.S.T's engineering headquarters in Les Ulis, near Paris, France, worked closely with teams from the nearby Technocentre in Guyancourt to ensure that Renault Wind benefited fully from the company's very best skills. The new coupé-roadster capitalises on the strengths of the Clio 2 R.S. platform which is perfectly suited to the power outputs of the two engines available for Renault Wind, namely the TCe 100 and the 1.6 16V 133hp. The know-how of R.S.T's engineers enabled them to achieve the best weight/body rigidity ratio for a coupé-roadster, allowing Renault Wind owners to profit from an enjoyable ride combined with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

AN EFFICIENT, REASSURING CHASSIS

Renault Wind benefits from an exemplary chassis :

• The front suspension features a MacPherson-type arrangement incorporating an aluminium lower arm (Cobapress® process) to minimize weight. The use of damper pushrods enhances the efficiency of the 22mm-diameter anti-roll bar for outstanding body roll control.
• The rear suspension is based on a programmed-deflection flexible H beam. For extra comfort and filtering performance, it has verticallymounted dampers and variable-rate coil springs. The 24mm-daimeter rear anti-roll bar ensures the optimum compromise between performance and ride comfort, while anti-roll performance has been balanced to optimize the work of the rear suspension and profit fully from the dynamic potential of the chassis.

Renault Wind sits on 16- or 17-inch Speedline wheels fitted with either Bridgestone (195/45 R16) or Continental (205/40 R17) tyres.

Renault Wind's electric power steering is calibrated to deliver precise, responsive performance. The steering ratio is 16.5, which is the same as that of Clio 3 R.S.

WEIGHT OPTIMIZED FOR MAXIMUM STRUCTURAL RIGIDITY

Minimizing weight is the single most important factor when it comes to optimizing performance. It also contributes to reducing fuel consumption, yet a high level of body rigidity is necessary to ensure faultless roadholding.

Consequently, the engineering teams paid careful attention to eliminate vibrations and achieve a high degree of body stiffness (9000Nm/degree). To achieve this, they equipped the body with simple, innovative and effective additional bracing:

• strengthening bars underneath the body and in the boot
• reinforced sills
• a full bulkhead between the cockpit and the boot

The sum of this work enables Renault Wind to claim a best-in-class weight-tostructural rigidity ratio.

Meanwhile, the low weight of the rotating roof (21.8kg) allows the TCe 100 and 1.6 16V 133 versions of Renault Wind to tip the scales at just 1,131kg and 1,173kg respectively.

The TCe 100: flexible and responsive (TCe = Turbo Control Efficiency)

In addition to returning the fuel consumption of an engine of its size, this feisty powerplant boasts the power output of a 1.4 and the torque of a 1.6-litre powerplant. It is equipped with a low inertia turbo which ensures minimal lag thanks to the fitment of a small-diameter turbine and compressor. Maximum power is 100hp (74kW) at 5,500rpm, while peak torque is 152Nm (3,500rpm).

The combination of the TCe 100's small cubic capacity and low inertia turbo ensures responsive pick-up from low revs, with peak torque available at very low engine speeds and across a broad rev-band. The turbocharger includes a 'over-boost' feature which temporarily increases power output and torque (by 5hp and 6Nm respectively) in second, third and fourth gears at engine speeds of more than 4,500rpm. For added character, as well as extra punch and response, the TCE 100 engine drives through a short-ratio five-speed manual gearbox (JH3).

The combination of the TCe 100 engine's smaller cubic capacity and the technology it employs maximizes driving pleasure, yet its combined cycle fuel consumption stands at only 6.3 litres/100km (equivalent to 145g of CO2/km). Renault Wind TCe 100 accelerates from standstill to 100kph in just 10.5 seconds.

1.6 16V 133hp: a flexible, normally-aspirated engine with bags of character

Renault Wind is alternatively available with the Renault Sport Technologies-developed 1.6 16V normally-aspirated powerplant, the specially-tuned pitch of which serves as an immediate pointer to its fiery character.

This flexible, high-revving, normally-aspirated 1.6 16V engine produces 133hp (98kW) at 6,750rpm and maximum torque of 160Nm at 4,400rpm. It revs swiftly and crisply all the way up to the red line which is set at 7,000rpm.

With this engine under the bonnet, Renault Wind delivers plenty of punch and driving pleasure at low and transient engine speeds up to 4,500rpm, although it truly come into its own when pushed beyond the 4,500rpm mark. Renault Wind 1.6 16V accelerates from standstill to 100kph is just 9.2 seconds and boasts a top speed of 201kph, yet fuel consumption has been contained at 7 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 165g/km).

SAFETY

Safety is a strategic priority for Renault which builds on the results of work carried out by LAB and from its own engineering expertise to develop the most effective safety systems for real world driving situations. Renault Wind benefits fully from Renault's savoir-faire in the fields of both active and passive safety.

ACTIVE SAFETY

A long list of driver aids and equipment is available to assist the driver:

• ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution,
• Emergency brake assist,
• ESC with understeer control,
• Driver's seat belt warning light,
• Automatic headlamp activation,
• Automatic windscreen-wiper activation,
• Cruise control with speed limiter.

POWERFUL, DURABLE STOPPING POWER

Renault Wind benefits from Renault Sport's braking expertise to deliver powerful, durable stopping power combined with a reassuringly progressive pedal feel. Braking is provided by 280mm-diameter ventilated discs and 57mm-diameter callipers at the front, and 240mm-diameter discs with 34mm-diameter callipers at the rear.

Breaking distance:

• 50 km/h to 0: 10.5m
• 100 km/h to 0: 39m
• 130 km/h to 0: 65m

PASSIVE SAFETY

Renault Wind's reinforced body structure notably features steel bars and tubing for the underbody and boot. Patented, innovative door bracing protects the survival cell in the case of a head-on or side-on impact. The fixed rollover hoop incorporates the rear window and protects occupants in a rollover. The deformable steering wheel, retractable steering column and extensive padding help prevent traumatic injuries in a major head-on impact.

Safety performance is further enhanced by the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3) which takes into account impact force and the build of occupants thanks to the combined action of the following features:

• seat belt pretensioners restrict forward movement of the body by holding the straps firmly across the thorax and lap,
• impact energy is further absorbed by the front airbags,
• head/thorax lateral airbags are incorporated in the seats.

ACCESS TO A WORLD OF PLEASURE

Plug & Music connectivity permits occupants to plug digital devices such as iPod®, iPhone®, USB keys and other USB-compatible MP3 players into Renault Wind's own audio. This system enables occupants to enjoy music stored on a portable player and allows them to scroll through menus using the steering column-mounted or radio fascia controls. Directory, file and tune names are shown on the separate display.

The hands-free Bluetooth® telephony function enables drivers to make and take calls safely via Renault Wind's own loudspeakers. The system automatically recognizes the telephone each time the car is started. An exclusive Renault function enables the driver to select an automatic 'hold' setting that puts callers on hold until he or she is in a situation where they can take an incoming call safely. The radio automatically mutes when an incoming or outgoing call is detected, while telephone functions can be controlled via the steering column-mounted fingertip controls, with messages shown on the separate display.

The Bluetooth® telephony function also incorporates audio streaming, enabling favourite music stored on an A2DP-compatible portable device to be played wirelessly through the car's loudspeakers.