“Trezor”, a two-seater electric coupé, embodies the new design philosophy Renault introduced on its “Dezir concept” in 2010 before inspiring the lines of new Clio in 2012. with its powerful styling and passion red coachwork, the “Dezir” heralded the first stage of a design strategy founded on the cycle of life: falling in love. The trezor goes further, by symbolizing feelings of maturity and commitment. It reflects the maturity of Renault’s designs.

The Renault range has now been completely renewed and upgraded with a spectrum of complementary models, each one of which has its own assertive identity. With the trezor, we have pursued this renewal by introducing a new lifecycle sequence. This concept car is the fruit of a freedom of expression and prepares the way for the trends we are likely to see in our upcoming vehicles. These trends fall into two categories: french design and easy life’, comments Laurens van den Acker, senior vice-president, Renault corporate design.

The electric coupé concept features the new Renault styling cues that are to be found across the contemporary range, namely warm, simple, sensual lines; a clearly-defined family face and C-shaped lighting signature. Smooth at the front, this bodywork mirrors the car’s dynamic character. At the rear, it features hexagonal panels that underline the “Trezor”s’ sporting temperament and technology. The metallic finish conveys an image that is both sleek and protective.

On the bonnet,the honeycomb-form air intake echoes the structure of the rear bodywork. These hexagonal shapes provide a variable-geometry intake, the movement of which embellishes the “Trezor” with extra dynamism and creates the impression that it is ‘actually breathing’. On the left-hand side of the body, the fuel filler hatch has been replaced by an analogue gauge that indicates the vehicle’s charge level, drawing on traditional sports car practice.

At the rear, it comes equipped with resolutely modern fibre-optic lighting integrating a red laser. This ‘rope-like’ fiber assembly provides bright, distinctive lighting. Under braking, the torsion and stacking of the optical fibers creates an interesting visual effect and increases the intensity of the light. The ‘trezor’s’ one-piece clamshell roof lifts much like the lid of a jewelry box to give access to the interior.

The style is warm and sensual, with red as the predominant color. The accent is on driving pleasure and extensive use is made of high-quality materials, including wood and leather. With its blend of craftsmanship; technology; and a truly french touch. the cockpit offers a foretaste of the sleeker, increasingly refined interiors of future Renault models, complete with cutting-edge connectivity.

Standing just 1,080mm tall, the vehicle invites occupants to straddle the side of its body as they climb in. This style of entry is a throwback to the world of classic racing cars, where in drivers felt as one with their machines. The sporting and sensual manner of entry is accentuated by the red leather trim for the upper part of the pillar. It looks almost like a saddle, plus the ingress is facilitated by automatically reclining headrests.

The “Trezor” provides another surprise when you climb in, with a dashboard made from red wood that incorporates a luggage compartment at the front of the vehicle. Made-to-measure cases are held in place by leather straps and remind how travel can be an art form. The seats’ rounded contours were inspired by the world of furniture design to create a plush, comfortable interior. Upholstered in smooth, deep-red leather, they embody the refinement of luxury goods.

Two batteries feature in the electric coupé, each of which has its own cooling system optimized by the variable-geometry air intake incorporated in the bonnet. It also incorporates a brake-operated energy recovery system, courtesy of the rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) technology developed for formula-e racing. Its batteries are located separately, one at the front and the other at the rear, providing optimal weight distribution. Its rear-wheel-drive system ensures that power is delivered to the road more efficiently to enhance driving pleasure.

The “Trezor”s’ proportions also contribute to its engaging on-the-road manner. Its wide tracks (front: 2,048 mm / rear: 2,106 mm) and wheelbase (2,776 mm) enhance road holding, while the ultra-low bodywork optimizes aerodynamics to achieve a drag co-efficient (CD) of just 0.22. its centre of gravity is also particularly low (ground clearance:25 cm) for greater stability and less body roll. To enhance battery range and performance, renault design paid attention to taking weight out of the vehicle. The chassis incorporates a central carbon cell mated to tubular steel frames front and rear. the monocoque and access hatch are made from carbon. Thanks to this, the “Trezor” boasts the poise of a spectacular GT (length: 4,700 mm / width: 2,180 mm/ height: 1,080 mm) while tipping the scales at just 1,600 kg.

Introducing the ‘multi-sense’ system, the “Trezor” offers a choice of three driving modes: neutral; sport; and autonomous. This embodies the french-automaker’s vision of how autonomous cars can make traveling safer and more enjoyable, while allowing motorists to optimize how they make use of their time. When the car is in autonomous mode, the exterior lighting signature changes and extends to the lateral and rear logos, to indicate to other road users that driving has been delegated.

Design: Renault

http://www.designboom.com/technology/renault-trezor-concept-electric-autonomous-10-01-2016/