My Perfect Automobile » Renault

Renault Zoe EV Sales Booming

Larry Bell — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:13:42 +0000

Renault Zoe electric car

Sales of electric cars in France doubled during the past year, with Renault’s best-selling Zoe leading the way. The new EV accounted for nearly 80 percent of all electric vehicles sold in France in the first four months of 2013. French auto dealers have witnessed a boom in EV sales even in a year that has suffered economic slowdowns and industry sluggishness. Nevertheless, Zoe and other electric vehicles are extremely popular with drivers. The French government’s $9,000 incentive package deserves much of the credit, say some European automotive analysts.

Renault Zoe: Video

From drawing-board to prototype to test track to assembly line to showroom, follow Renault Zoe from its inception. The two-minute clip, above, takes viewers on a captivating journey from the car’s early design days to its current reign as a consumer favorite in the dealerships of Europe. Zoe wowed the 2013 Car of the Year Award judges, finishing in the top three of that competition. Now, the EV is a big seller in Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK, and of course in its home nation, France. As of January 2013, Zoe was the best-selling electric car in France and has kept its sales level high enough to retain the top spot in EV sales.

Renault Zoe Sales

The first production model of the Zoe electric car showed its face at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Prior to that, the Zoe name had been used on several Renault concept cars dating back as early as 2005, when the Zoe City Car appeared at auto shows as a concept model.

Odd factoid about the Renault Zoe: In late 2010, a French court ruled that Renault could indefinitely continue using the name it gave to its new EV. That ruling came after a challenge by a French citizen who happened to have the same first name as the EV model, and the same last name as the manufacturer.

For more about French carmaker Renault, see the company’s official website:
http://www.renault.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Barcelona Motor Show Set for May 9

Larry Bell — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:50:25 +0000

Barcelona Motor Show: Twizy Sport F1 will debut

In the same week as the Extreme X Games and the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Barcelona Motor Show will open its doors to the public. Set to run from May 9 to May 19, the event will feature at least a pair of electric cars, namely the Volkswagen e-Up! and the Renault Twizy F1 Sport Concept. Other than those two, there will be 22 different carmakers’ goods on display, including about a half-dozen regional debuts. In order to keep expenses within a reasonable range, the event’s organizers decided to downsize a bit this year. Even at that, the Barcelona Motor Show always draws plenty of international media attention for its exclusive lineup of vehicles from elite manufacturers like Ferrari, Bentley, Aston Martin and Maserati.

Barcelona Motor Show: Video

The Twizy Renault Sport F1 is a strange mixture between electric scooter and car, according to those who have logged miles on the French carmaker’s oddity. The short video clip above is a walk-around of the tiny EV. Don’t miss the spoiler, mounted high on the rear. Of course, as Renault designers say, the car merely borrows ideas and styling flourishes from F1 racers, but is more suited to city driving and weekend errand-running.

The F1 Twizy concept uses two motors. One is a 13 kWh unit that is used on the standard Twizy EV. In addition, the F1 model contains a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) electric motor, just like the ones on Renault F1 race cars. Because of the huge power burst provided by the KERS motor, the Twizy F1 concept is able to reach 68 mph. The car’s 0-60 mph time is a mere six seconds.

Barcelona Motor Show

Among this year’s brands at the event will be Dacia, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Lancia, Renault, Peugeot, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, and many others. For all the latest details about the Barcelona Motor Show, visit the event’s official English language website:
http://www.firabcn.es/en/home

Larry Bell

Renault’s Mysterious Concept F1 EV

Larry Bell — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:44:37 +0000

The Twizy Renault Sport F1

An official Renault announcement early this week said the French automaker was working on a Formula One-inspired electric concept vehicle. In addition to the press release, Renault provided a not-so-clear photographic image that may or may not depict the prospective concept. The release did, however, state that the, “… prototype vehicle, which features muscular styling and impressive performance credentials, provides a bridge between the world of Formula One and that of electric vehicles. It’s a concept car that will make a lot of noise… but, in total silence.”

Renault: Video

Considering Renault’s recent dalliance with the idea of an F1-inspired electric car, the above video clip is instructive. It shows several of the company’s engineers testing an F1 engine. Historically, Renault has used racing and motorsport as a way to test various automotive components. After a bit of downsizing and reworking, numerous electronic systems have migrated from the racetrack to the consumer showroom. The French carmaker has built a global reputation as a pioneer in the use of F1 technology. The company’s sporting division is called Renault Sport F1. Under that name, the automaker competes in the FIA Formula One World Championship series. Now considered a leader in the world of Formula One, Renault has collected more than 150 victories, 11 Constructors’ World Titles, and 10 Drivers’ World Titles over the past 36 years.

Revealed! Renault F1 EV Concept is a Twizy

After all the buildup, Renault unveiled the new concept late this week at its Twizy plant in Spain. The official name of the hot-looking new EV is the Twizy Renault Sport F1. The little EV has a respectable top speed of 68 mph, and can reach 62 mph in just 6 seconds. A Tesla Roadster it is not, but the new concept has indeed borrowed key technology from the F1 family.

For more about the Renault international family of vehicles, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.renault.com/en/pages/home.aspx

Larry Bell

World Green Car of the Year: The Nominees

Larry Bell — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:28:09 +0000

World Green Car of the Year (Pictured: The 2012 winner, Mercedes-Benz S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY)

By the time you read this, you may already know who the winner is. In any case, it never hurts to know who made the finals, and why. The nominees for 2013 World Green Car of the Year are:

The Tesla Model S
Renault Zoe
The Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid

The winner will be announced on Thursday at the New York Auto Show amid a series of other Car of the Year winners in various categories. In order to make the finals, a car must be for sale on at least two continents and be a production model, not a concept vehicle. Though the Zoe is not familiar to U.S. consumers, the other two entrants are. The judging panel is well aware of each car’s pros and cons, and has extensive experience in making comparisons among engine types, performance parameters and reliability.

World Green Car of the Year: Video

For a closer look at one of this year’s award nominees, take a video test drive (above) in the Renault Zoe. Judging everything from looks and handling to performance and acceleration, the narrator puts the Zoe to the test, and just happened to face a very rainy day. The 2013 finalists consist of a pair of battery-electric cars and one plug-in hybrid, so it should be revealing to see how the judges compare these rather different models. One of the highlights of the New York Auto Show each year is the announcement of the World Car of the Year awards.

World Green Car of the Year

Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz faced off in last year’s green award competition, with the German carmaker’s S 250 CDI coming out on top. Second and third place trophies went to the Focus Electric and Peugeot’s 3008.

For more about the World Car of the Year awards, and to see how the system works, visit the official website for the WCOTY organization:
http://www.wcoty.com/web/

Larry Bell

Renault-Nissan EV Sales Up 83 Percent

Larry Bell — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:15:33 +0000

Nissan Leaf

Renault-Nissan total sales figures for 2012 show an 83 percent increase in sales of electric cars. The dual company EV output consists of Twizy, Fluence, Kangoo, Zoe, and the Nissan Leaf. Calendar 2012 netted 43,829 units sold for the EV family of cars offered by Renault-Nissan. More good news for the international automaker came with the announcement that Renault-Nissan’s share of the global EV market stands at 64 percent.

Renault-Nissan EV: Video

Electric car fans will find much to enjoy in the video clip below. It is a short piece filmed at the Renault Technocentre in Guyancourt France, showing the tiny Twizy EV maneuvering in, out, and all around the facility. The car is so agile the driver can even pull up to a soda machine and grab a quick drink, without leaving the car! Anyone who has ever cursed cramped parking spaces will appreciate the ease with which the Twizy can fit into the most improbable places. Twizy went on sale in France and other select markets in Europe last March. The Model 80 is capable of reaching 50 mph and has a range of 62 miles per charge. Slightly resembling the Smart ForTwo from the side, Twizy is much narrower than the Smart, and much lighter. The tiny EV is produced in Valladolid, Spain.

Renault-Nissan

Sales of the Twizy are not calculated into the already impressive Renault-Nissan figures because the small EV is legally categorized as a four-wheeled motorcycle in most European countries. Even Nissan’s Leaf, which had some marketing challenges in 2012, showed a 22 percent sales increase, selling 26,976 units throughout last year. Regardless of how the numbers are broken out, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is clearly the world leader in electric vehicle sales.

For more about Renault cars and trucks, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.renault.com

Larry Bell

Future Car Challenge Race has Surprise Winner

Larry Bell — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:31:20 +0000

Future Car Challenge: Vauxhall Ampera

The 2012 winner of the Royal Auto Club’s Future Car Challenge (FCC) is Renault. Its Zoe electric car completed the course using less energy than any other competitor in the ‘small car‘ category. This year’s lineup included cars from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, General Motors, and others. Entrants must be production cars. Only last March did Renault unveil its Zoe EV, at the Geneva Motor Show. The car can travel 130 miles between charges. This was the third year that the race has been held. Organizers call the FCC a “real-world test of current and future vehicle technology.”

Future Car Challenge: Video

Watch a few celebrity appearances and short interviews in the clip below, which features this year’s pre-event festivities and media announcements for the Future Car Challenge. With lots of local British celebrities on hand, as well as a few famous racing stars, the competition is taken seriously by the drivers, but is obviously lots of fun for the thousands of spectators who line the route. As in many green racing events, the goal is not speed but efficiency, and the vehicle with the lowest power consumption between Brighton and London is crowned winner.

Future Car Challenge

The Royal Automobile Club of Pall Mall, London, operates the nation’s longest-running driving event, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Now, the club sponsors the RAC Future Car Challenge each year. The FCC occurs each November, and is open to electric, hybrid, low-emission, hydrogen, and standard combustion vehicles. The goal is to use the least amount of energy on the 63-mile route. While the Renault Zoe won in the “Most Energy Efficient Small Car” category, Vauxhall’s Ampera (cousin of the Chevy Volt) won “Most Efficient Regular Car.”

For more information about the Royal Automobile Club’s Future Car Challenge competition, a list of entries, and past results, see the event’s official website:
http://www.futurecarchallenge.com

Larry Bell

Infrastructure Company ‘Better Place’ Surges Ahead

Larry Bell — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:44:57 +0000

Better Place: Battery-swap entrepreneur

Better Place, the infrastructure firm that operates a network of EV battery switching stations in Denmark and Israel, announced this week that it has raised an additional $100 million. The funds will be used primarily to sign up more subscribers for the service. Financial giants HSBC, General Electric, and others have already invested more than $750 million into Better Place, but the company is now at a crucial development stage where additional funding is necessary to expand the subscriber base.

Better Place: Video

There is no better explanation of the Better Place battery switch system than the following short video. As the narrator says, the entire process takes less time than filling up a gasoline tank, except that you get a fresh battery, and the whole thing is done by robots. At strategically placed locations, the Better Place battery switch stations can service a large number of vehicles per hour if need be, and are staffed by a fully automated robotic battery-changing team. Toward the end of the video, the founder himself, Shai Agassi, makes a cameo appearance in order to give the final word on why the Better Place method makes sense, saves drivers money, and is good for the environment.

Better Place: Background

Founder and CEO Shai Agassi recently left the company and was replaced in the top spot by Evan Thornley, who had previously run the firm’s Australian unit. Drivers who use the Better Place switching stations buy their cars but lease the battery packs, which brings down the cost of the car, but entails a monthly fee for electricity based on miles driven. While Israel and Denmark are already on the Better Place grid, several new markets are on the horizon for the company. In geographically small areas like Israel, the business model works well because drivers are never very far from a station.

For more information about Better Place, see the company’s official website:
http://www.betterplace.com

Larry Bell

Renault Kangoo ZE Electric Car for the Pope

Larry Bell — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:05:16 +0000

Renault Kangoo ZE

Renault has delivered two specially equipped electric cars to Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. The Pope and his staff have owned alternative fuel vehicles before, but those were primarily used for special occasions or single events. The two Renault Kangoo ZE cars that have been donated to the Pope will become his official transportation. Because of the Pontiff’s age and his unique travel requirements, Renault custom-made each of the cars, fitting them with all sorts of equipment that will help the religious leader get around a bit more easily.

Renault Kangoo ZE: Video

If you had somehow given up hope that automakers can produce artistically superior commercials, have a look at the following short ad for the Renault Kangoo electric vehicle. The music blends perfectly with the short little scene and the minimal background data about the car that flashes briefly on the screen. But the basic message gets through, namely that the Kangoo looks fantastic, has zero emissions, and boasts a range of 105 miles per charge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0IumOpoLLk

Renault Kangoo ZE: Papal Special

One of the donated Kangoo ZE automobiles is white and features the Pope’s coat of arms on the side. The other will be used by the Vatican staff as they accompany His Holiness on official trips. Much of the customization was done so that the Pope can effortlessly enter and exit the vehicles. A set of electric steps unfolds on command In addition, the rear side windows are removable and the roof opens up. Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn personally handed over the cars to the Pontiff while the two chatted briefly in front of the cars. Pope Benedict appeared to appreciate the gift from Renault and smiled throughout the meeting.

For more about all the vehicles that Renault makes, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.renault.com/en/pages/home.aspx

Larry Bell

Renault Zoe EV Stuns Paris Show

Larry Bell — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:50:56 +0000

Renault Zoe EV

Renault launched its first all-electric car, the Zoe, at the Paris Motor Show this week. Featuring a sticker price in the real world, at $26,650, and a generous range between 105 and 130 miles, the new face of electric drive for the giant automaker has the potential to rack up some serious sales numbers. Michelin is debuting a low-friction tire on the Zoe, and Renault itself is using a new, ultra-efficient regenerative braking system.

Renault Zoe: Video

If you are not used to Renault advertisements, get ready. The following video is the longer version of a television spot the automaker is using on commercial networks. We are treated to some quite nice shots of the Zoe brake lamps, which are transparent until used, at which time they turn red. The odd, but intriguing, lighting system makes more sense after you watch the video.

Renault Zoe: Data

The Zoe’s sales launch is the result of a joint effort by Renault and its corporate partner, Japanese automaker Nissan. The two companies have decided to focus on making electric cars that are highly efficient, offer reasonable range, and have stickers that do not shock. While some Japanese manufacturers have been slightly pulling back from an all-out commitment to electric cars, Nissan and Renault are in for the long haul, and Zoe is the first fruit of that collaborative effort.

Toyota apparently has decided to put its corporate emphasis on hybrid drive for the time being, while Daimler, Renault, and Nissan will stay in the EV game. In fact, Daimler will soon partner with Renault to create a Smart four-seat EV that is set to land in showrooms in about two years. Other major carmakers at the Paris show with electric cars include Volkswagen and BMW.

For much more about Renault vehicles see the company’s official global website:
http://www.renault.com

Larry Bell

Renault Espace Privilege 3.5 V6 Automatic 2007 – What You Should Know:

Charles — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:46:03 +0000

All you need to know about the Renault Espace Privilege 3.5 V6 Automatic 2007 including Parts, Gas Consumption, Engine Size, Speed, Width, Height, Torque, Transmission and more.

Renault Espace Privilege 3.5 V6 Automatic 2007 – What You Should Know.

Make: Renault
Model: Espace Privilege 3.5 V6 Automatic
Year: 2007
Type of Car: Van / Minivan
Engine Type: Front
Engine Size: 3498 ccm (212,38 cubic inches)
Car Engine Type:
Valves Per Cylinder: 4
Maximum Power
241.00 PS (176,12 kW or 236,81 HP) at 6000 Rev. per min.
Maximum Torque: 330.00 Nm (33,43 kgf-m or 242,18 ft.lbs) at 3600 Rev. per min.
Cylinder Size (Bore Stroke): 95.6 x 81.5 mm (3,78 x 3.2 inches)
Compression: 10.3:1
Top Speed:
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Car Transmission: Auto, 5-speed
Car Power – Weight Ratio: 0.1328 PS/kg
Zero to Sixty MPH: 8.1 seconds
Car Drive: Front
Number of Seats: 7
Passenger Space: 4810 litres (1264,65 gallons)
Car Doors: 5
Country: France
Front Tire:
Rear Tires:
Chasis:
C02 Emissions:
Turn Circle: 12 m (462,28 inches)
Car Weight: 1815 kg (3981,39 pounds)
Towing Weight: 2000 kg (4387,15 pounds)
Length: 4870 mm (190,74 inches)
Width: 2110 mm (82,68 inches)
Total Height: 1750 mm (68,56 inches)
Max Weight With Load:
Ground Clearance:
Wheel Base: 2870 mm (112,44 inches)
Coolant:
Front Break Type: Ventilated disks
Rear Breaks Type: Disks
Cargo Space: 456 litres (119,40 gallons)
Lubrication:
Leg Room:
Aerodynamics:
Hwy Fuel Efficiency:
Street/Hwy Fuel: 15.1 litres/100 km (15,50 miles per gallon)
City Fuel:
Fuel Tank Capacity: 83.0 litres (21,82 gallons)

Charles Verhoeff

Charles Verhoeff + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Webmaster and SEO Guy, but people call him Amazing.
Here is his full Bio: Charles Verhoeff. Charles Lives in Los Angeles, CA and is also the Owner of World Class Media. Charles is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept and Electric Cars…

Renault Megane II Hatch Dynamique 1.6 2006 – Everything You Should Know

Charles — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:46:03 +0000

All you need to know about the Renault Megane II Hatch Dynamique 1.6 2006 including Parts, Gas Consumption, Engine Size, Speed, Width, Height, Torque, Transmission and more.

Renault Megane II Hatch Dynamique 1.6 2006 – Everything You Should Know

Make: Renault
Model: Megane II Hatch Dynamique 1.6
Year: 2006
Type of Car: Family cars
Engine Type: Front
Engine Size: 1598 ccm (97,02 cubic inches)
Car Engine Type: in-line, 4-cyl
Valves Per Cylinder: 4
Maximum Power
113.00 PS (82,59 kW or 110,45 HP) at 6000 Rev. per min.
Maximum Torque: 152.00 Nm (15,42 kgf-m or 111,54 ft.lbs) at 4200 Rev. per min.
Cylinder Size (Bore Stroke): 79.5 x 80.5 mm (3,08 x 3.2 inches)
Compression: 10.0:1
Top Speed: 192.0 km/h (118,70 mph)
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Car Transmission: Manual, 5-speed
Car Power – Weight Ratio: 0.0665 PS/kg
Zero to Sixty MPH: 10.9 seconds
Car Drive: Front
Number of Seats: 5
Passenger Space: 4810 litres (1264,65 gallons)
Car Doors: 5
Country:
Front Tire: 195/65R15
Rear Tires: 195/65R15
Chasis: Hatchback
C02 Emissions: 173.9 g/km
Turn Circle:
Car Weight: 1700 kg (3729,16 pounds)
Towing Weight: 1150 kg (2522,62 pounds)
Length: 4500 mm (176,31 inches)
Width:
Total Height: 1470 mm (57,61 inches)
Max Weight With Load:
Ground Clearance:
Wheel Base: 2690 mm (105,37 inches)
Coolant: Liquid
Front Break Type:
Rear Breaks Type:
Cargo Space: 330 litres (86,57 gallons)
Lubrication: Wet sump
Leg Room:
Aerodynamics: 0.3
Hwy Fuel Efficiency:
Street/Hwy Fuel: 6.8 litres/100 km (34,42 miles per gallon)
City Fuel:
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60.0 litres (15,77 gallons)

Charles Verhoeff

Renault Dauphine 1964 – What’s Under The Hood?

Charles — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:46:03 +0000

Everything you should know about theRenault Dauphine 1964 including Parts, Gas Consumption, Engine Size, Speed, Width, Height, Torque, Transmission and more.

Renault Dauphine 1964 – What’s Under The Hood?

Make: Renault
Model: Dauphine
Year: 1964
Type of Car: Small / Economy Cars
Engine Type: Front
Engine Size: 845 ccm (51,30 cubic inches)
Car Engine Type: Inline, 4 cyl
Valves Per Cylinder:
Maximum Power
39.00 PS (28,86 kW or 37,81 HP) at 5000 Rev. per min.
Maximum Torque: 57.00 Nm (5,77 kgf-m or 41,79 ft.lbs)
Cylinder Size (Bore Stroke): 580.0 x 80.0 mm (22,69 x 3.1 inches)
Compression:
Top Speed:
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Car Transmission:
Car Power – Weight Ratio: 0.0617 PS/kg
Zero to Sixty MPH:
Car Drive:
Number of Seats:
Passenger Space: 3450 litres (906,45 gallons)
Car Doors: 3
Country: France
Front Tire:
Rear Tires:
Chasis:
C02 Emissions:
Turn Circle:
Car Weight: 632 kg (1386,33 pounds)
Towing Weight:
Length: 3950 mm (154,72 inches)
Width: 1530 mm (59,90 inches)
Total Height: 1450 mm (56,81 inches)
Max Weight With Load:
Ground Clearance: 160 mm (6,27 inches)
Wheel Base: 2280 mm (89,35 inches)
Coolant: Liquid
Front Break Type:
Rear Breaks Type:
Cargo Space:
Lubrication:
Leg Room:
Aerodynamics:
Hwy Fuel Efficiency:
Street/Hwy Fuel:
City Fuel:
Fuel Tank Capacity: 38.0 litres (9,99 gallons)

Charles Verhoeff