Renault has released the first photos of its latest concept car, the all-electric DeZir ahead of its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September 2010. What's important about this new concept is its styling as it heralds the firm's new design direction. Its aim is to get people talking about Renault's styling again.
The DeZir project is the first to have been led by Renault's new chief designer Laurens van den Acker who took over from Patrick le Quement in 2009. Before joining Renault, the Dutch designer worked for Mazda where he was responsible for many projects including the Nagara, Ryuga and Hakaze concepts, while he has also spent time at Ford and Audi.
One of the most important design features of the DeZir is the front-end styling as according to the company, it previews the new front-end identity that is set to become a feature of all Renault models in the near future.
The two-seater Gullwing-door sports car measures 4.2 meters in length and 1.1 meters in height, meaning it's slightly longer but substantially lower (216mm) than an Audi TT.
Beneath the skin, the DeZir features an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position driving the rear wheels and a vertically-mounted 24kWh lithium-ion battery located behind the benchseat that provides the car with a range of 160 kilometers / 100 miles.
The electric motor is the same as the unit used for Renault's production electric cars, although upgraded to produce 110kW (150HP) and 226Nm of torque.
Through the extensive use of lightweight materials such as the Kevlar body, the DeZir tips the scales at just 830kg or 1,830 pounds. According to the French carmaker, the DeZir can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 180km/h or 112mph.
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
Partners
Body
G Studio
Tyres
Michelin
Acoustics
IRCAM
