Renault Laguna Coupe Concept (2007)

Renault Laguna Coupe Concept's cabin is exactly how the cabin of a high-end Coupé should be. The dash draws on the principal stylistic features of new Renault Laguna, albeit in a more exclusive manner. With its soft, pure lines, it appears weightless and airy. The waveshape of the central strip is the guiding theme, while two side vents close off a long airconditioning strip that runs the entire width of the windscreen.

The interior exudes contentment and well-being. A large, originally-shaped screen in the centre of the dashboard stretches out towards the lateral vents, which are styled to resemble jet plane nozzles. Apart from journey information displays (navigation, radio, music players, video, and Bluetooth® phone kit), the screen also displays ambient images inspired by the science of light therapy. The air-conditioning controls are located in the centre of the dashboard, in an easily identifiable dedicated section framed by vents. Designed for intuitive ease of use and reach, they are like crystal gems set in a chrome display case.

In a nod to the design codes of high-end sports Coupés, the spokes of the steering wheel are deployed like the petals of a flower, guiding the driver's gaze to the binnacles on the dashboard. The ethereal steering column runs into a heavy aluminium shell that houses controls which resemble high-precision micrometers.

Instrumentation is made up of two analogue and digital binnacles in the driver's line of sight, the fruit of high-precision technology and mechanics comparable to that used in quality clockmaking. The originally shaped binnacles are capped by a porous cowling that lets the light pass and contributes to the way in which the binnacles play with depth and texture. With their mat-finish aluminium surrounds, they have been designed like headlamps.

The cabin's fit and finish plays on contrast. The roof, dashboard, central tunnel, and the lower section of the door panels are covered with grey faux leather, whereas the seats and other elements (door pillars, instrument cluster cowling, top of the central armrest) are covered in leather with copper and metal highlights and copper-coloured stitching. Renault Laguna Coupe Concept's floor is covered with a contemporary, protective, metal mesh.

Driver and passenger can nestle comfortably into the roomy asymmetrical front seats, whose airy architecture provides firm, balanced support. They seats are at one with the chassis and wrap snugly around their occupants. Their backrests, whose colour echoes the Aluminium White of the car's bodywork, swivel to afford easy access to the back seats, with the front seat cushion sliding automatically forward. The two rear seats are also asymmetrical and separate, but the hugging sweep of the car's waist-belt gathers them into its U-shape, creating a sense of security. Between the two seats there is a ski flap, on which sits a first aid box. Both rear passengers can sit back and watch what's showing on the Samsung multimedia players housed in the back of the front seats. The long central tunnel, which houses the slim-style gear lever, the Start/Stop button, and the backlit navigation controls, acts as a link joining front and rear.

The Bose® sound system was tailor-made for Renault Laguna Coupe Concept. The ten speakers treat the four occupants to sound whose standards of quality and power are akin to the acoustic clarity of a concert hall: the perfect accompaniment to the sheer energy of Renault Laguna Coupe Concept.

A Coupé of this class just had to have a powerful, responsive engine to match its elegance and passionate feel. Renault has therefore chosen Renault Laguna Coupe Concept to premiere its brand-new V6 dCi.

The result of close collaboration with Nissan as part of the Alliance, this new 2,993cc V6 dCi block will come as standard. It delivers a peak output of 170-195kW (230-265hp) and a maximum torque of 450-550Nm, depending on the version. Good for 0-100kph in only seven seconds, the engine is outstandingly supple, rounded, and balanced. It responds immediately to the open throttle with power and stretch. It drives through a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering outstanding driving pleasure, well-controlled fuelconsumption, and CO2 emissions lower than 200g/km.

Developed from the same platform as New Laguna, Renault Laguna Coupe Concept is the first car to feature the new four-wheel Active Drive chassis. This high-tech underpinning, developed by expert engineers at Renault Sport Technologies, guarantees the ultimate in sheer sporting sensation and dynamic driving pleasure. It allies agility with stability to set new standards in safe handling. At low speeds the chassis offers greater manoeuvrability, while its road-holding is so true that it cleaves to the road as surely as a train on rails. And so driveable is Renault Laguna Coupe Concept that there is no denying the sheer pleasure of being at the wheel. The car guarantees high-quality ride comfort and peace of mind for occupants, who can feel the benefits of unparalleled standards of active safety.

Renault Laguna Coupe Concept's 20-inch aluminium wheels lend it poise and emphasize its image of dynamic performance and power. Their helix design cleverly hides the nuts and bolts from sight, while also efficiently ensuring that the brake callipers cool. The generously sized 245/35 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres allow the car to handle like a sports car, but in absolute safety, for even more driving pleasure.

Renault Laguna Coupe Concept makes a statement about its owner's life-style and personality. A car for the car-lover, it appeals to 40-somethings who are passionate about automobiles and motor sport - connoisseurs who are demanding, ambitious, and driven by a desire for professional success. Prone to falling in love with a car at first sight, they are quite capable of changing brand, and will appreciate the style, the technology, and the design and production qualities of Renault Laguna Coupe Concept.

Dimensions

• Length 4,685 mm
• Width 1,964 mm
• Height 1,372 mm
• Wheel base 2,710 mm
• Front track 1,661 mm
• Rear track 1,693 mm
• Front overhang 1,050 mm
• Rear overhang 925 mm
• Weight 1,685 kg
• Boot 380 dm3 (VDA)

Technical data

• Engine 3.0 V6 turbo diesel
• Power 230 hp (170 kW) to 265 hp (195 kW)
• Max. torque 450 to 550 Nm from 1,700 to 3,800 rpm
• Gearbox 6-speed automatic
• Transmission Front-wheel
• Chassis Active Drive 4-wheel steer
• Tyres 245/35 ZR20