New Renault Laguna Coupe Monaco GP Limited Edition

Renault is enhancing its Laguna Coupé range with the creation of a limited production model called "Monaco GP" that is supposed to recall Renault F1 Team's most recent wins there in 2004 and 2006.

The special edition Laguna Coupé features a Pearlescent White metallic paint job with contrasting Pearl Black roof, a set of black 18-inch 'Interlagos' alloy wheels and matching folding door mirrors.

Inside, the newcomer in the Laguna Coupé range gets dark grey leather upholstery with Monaco GP logo and gloss white inserts for the dash, centre console and door panels.

A Bluetooth, BOSE sound system, electric and heated front seats, multi-functional TunePoint (for portable music players), front and rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitor and fully integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation are all standard.

The Laguna Coupé Monaco GP is available for order now with first deliveries expected in early July. Pricing in the UK is set at £24,995 OTR. Production for the limited edition model ends in September.

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Renault Reveals Production Versions of All-Electric Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E

Following the Fluence Z.E. all-electric sedan concept's unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and last December's presentation of the Kangoo Van Z.E. prototype at the COP 15 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Copenhagen, Renault today unveiled the finalized designs of both models.

The French automaker said that customers in Europe and in a few more select countries including Singapore, South Africa and Russia, who are interested in the two models can pre-reserve their vehicle at "www.renault-ze.com" with first deliveries expected in the first half of 2011.

The Fluence Z.E. will be built at the OYAK-Renault factory in Bursa, Turkey, on the same production line as the internal combustion engine-powered versions of Fluence.

It is powered by an electric motor producing 70kW / 94HP and 226Nm / 167.7 lb-ft of torque that motivates the front wheels through a direct drive transmission.

The capacity of the Fluence Z.E.'s lithium-ion battery is 22kW/h. The battery itself tips the scales at 250kg and is located behind the rear seats.

The driver can charge the battery in one of three ways: through a household supply, which will fully charge the battery in between six and eight hours; at fast charge stations using a 32A 400V supply in approximately 30 minutes (available from 2012), and via a QuickDrop battery switch system that will enable the car's battery to be swapped in approximately three minutes at bespoke battery exchange stations.

In addition, an energy recovery system enables the battery to be charged when the car decelerates.

Renault said that fully charged, the Fluence Z.E. has a driving range of up to 160km or about 100 miles, while the car's top speed is electronically limited to 130km/h or 80mph.

The electric version of Fluence stands at a length of 4,750mm, which is 130mm longer than its internal combustion-engined brethren in order to accommodate the battery behind the rear seats.

Cosmetic changes over the standard model include a blue-hued tint on the headlamps, tail lamps, foglamps, logos and boot trim, gloss black exterior mirror housings, body-colour painted side protective mouldings and the battery charge flaps on both wing.

Also, the rear bumper incorporates a black diffuser, while the wheels have been specially designed to minimize turbulence.

Inside, the rev-counter has been replaced by a bespoke instrument, which displays data concerning remaining range and battery charge, while the decorative trim of the dashboard is exclusive to the model.

Continuing with the Kangoo Z.E., the small van is powered by a 44kW /59HP electric motor with 226Nm of peak torque that drives the front wheels.

It features a lithium-ion battery that is located in a central position beneath the floor, enabling the Kangoo Z.E. to boast the same carrying capacity as the internal combustion-engined model.

The battery can be charged via a household mains supply (16A 220V) in between six and eight hours, offering an operational range of 160 km or 100 miles.

Later on, Renault's range of electric cars will be enhanced with the presentation of the production versions of the Zoe Z.E. small coupe and the Twizy Z.E. urban vehicle that boasts a tandem seating layout.

The French automaker added that it estimates electric vehicles will account for 10 per cent of the world market by 2020 and that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing €4 billion in its zero emissions programme.

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Daimler and Renault-Nissan Alliance Tie the Knot: Infiniti Gets Mercedes-Benz Engines

In the latest sign of auto industry marriages, Mercedes-Benz' parent company Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance made their relationship official today at a news conference in Brussels, Belgium.

The two groups announced a broad strategic cooperation that includes an equity exchange that gives the Renault-Nissan Alliance a 3.1% stake in Daimler, and Daimler a 3.1% in Renault and a 3.1% stake in Nissan.

The newly-wed trio also revealed that they have agreed upon specific projects including the sharing and development of common powertrains and vehicle platforms that will be implemented with immediate effect.

Under the agreement, the two groups will co-develop a new platform that will be used on the successor to the current Smart Fortwo, a new four-seater Smart and the next-generation Renault Twingo.

Oddly enough (at least for Renault), the two automakers said that one main characteristic of the new architecture will be the unique rear wheel drive concept.

The launches of the jointly developed models are planned for 2013 onwards with Daimler's Smart plant in Hambach, France to handle the production for the two-seater versions, and the Renault plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, to build the four-seater variants.

According to the two companies, the jointly developed future models will also be available with an electric drive right from their market launch.

Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance will also share powertrains for other models.

In particular, The Renault-Nissan Alliance will provide 3- and 4 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines out of its portfolio to Daimler, which will then be adapted and modified to reflect Mercedes' characteristics. These engines will be used on a variety of small Mercedes-Benz models.

Daimler on the other hand will give 4- and 6 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines to the Renault-Nissan Alliance's luxury division, Infiniti.

The companies have also agreed on a close cooperation in the light commercial vehicle segment. Mercedes-Benz's Van division will expand its portfolio to offer an all-new entry-level LCV based on a Renault model in 2012. It will be produced at the Renault plant in Maubeuge, France.

In addition to cooperating on small commercial vehicles, selected powertrain components will also be shared to enlarge mid-size vans. This includes a small diesel engine and transmissions which Daimler will obtain from Renault-Nissan for its mid-size van, the Mercedes-Benz Vito.

Finally, the two groups said that they are open to "future opportunities for collaboration" including the use of modules and components between Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, regional cooperation in the United States, China and Japan as well as the development of technologies related to electric vehicles and batteries.

Here's what the bosses over at Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance had to say about the "marriage":

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars:

"Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are combining common interests to form a promising foundation for a successful, strategically sound cooperation that is based on a number of very concrete and attractive project cooperations. Our skills complement each other very well. Right away, we are strengthening our competitiveness in the small and compact car segment and are reducing our CO₂ footprint – both on a long-term basis. We know that we can make brand-typical products based on shared architectures. The individual brand identities will remain unaffected."

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance:

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance knows how to work successfully in collaborative partnerships, and this experience is extremely valuable in today's and even more tomorrow's global auto industry. This agreement will extend our strategic collaboration and create lasting value for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler as we work on broadening and strengthening our product offering, efficiently utilizing all available resources and developing the innovative technologies required in the coming decade."

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Daimler and Renault-Nissan Alliance Tie the Knot: Infiniti Gets Mercedes-Benz Engines

In the latest sign of auto industry marriages, Mercedes-Benz' parent company Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance made their relationship official today at a news conference in Brussels, Belgium.

The two groups announced a broad strategic cooperation that includes an equity exchange that gives the Renault-Nissan Alliance a 3.1% stake in Daimler, and Daimler a 3.1% in Renault and a 3.1% stake in Nissan.

The newly-wed trio also revealed that they have agreed upon specific projects including the sharing and development of common powertrains and vehicle platforms that will be implemented with immediate effect.

Under the agreement, the two groups will co-develop a new platform that will be used on the successor to the current Smart Fortwo, a new four-seater Smart and the next-generation Renault Twingo.

Oddly enough (at least for Renault), the two automakers said that one main characteristic of the new architecture will be the unique rear wheel drive concept.

The launches of the jointly developed models are planned for 2013 onwards with Daimler's Smart plant in Hambach, France to handle the production for the two-seater versions, and the Renault plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, to build the four-seater variants.

According to the two companies, the jointly developed future models will also be available with an electric drive right from their market launch.

Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance will also share powertrains for other models.

In particular, The Renault-Nissan Alliance will provide 3- and 4 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines out of its portfolio to Daimler, which will then be adapted and modified to reflect Mercedes' characteristics. These engines will be used on a variety of small Mercedes-Benz models.

Daimler on the other hand will give 4- and 6 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines to the Renault-Nissan Alliance's luxury division, Infiniti.

The companies have also agreed on a close cooperation in the light commercial vehicle segment. Mercedes-Benz's Van division will expand its portfolio to offer an all-new entry-level LCV based on a Renault model in 2012. It will be produced at the Renault plant in Maubeuge, France.

In addition to cooperating on small commercial vehicles, selected powertrain components will also be shared to enlarge mid-size vans. This includes a small diesel engine and transmissions which Daimler will obtain from Renault-Nissan for its mid-size van, the Mercedes-Benz Vito.

Finally, the two groups said that they are open to "future opportunities for collaboration" including the use of modules and components between Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, regional cooperation in the United States, China and Japan as well as the development of technologies related to electric vehicles and batteries.

Here's what the bosses over at Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance had to say about the "marriage":

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars:

"Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are combining common interests to form a promising foundation for a successful, strategically sound cooperation that is based on a number of very concrete and attractive project cooperations. Our skills complement each other very well. Right away, we are strengthening our competitiveness in the small and compact car segment and are reducing our CO₂ footprint – both on a long-term basis. We know that we can make brand-typical products based on shared architectures. The individual brand identities will remain unaffected."

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance:

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance knows how to work successfully in collaborative partnerships, and this experience is extremely valuable in today's and even more tomorrow's global auto industry. This agreement will extend our strategic collaboration and create lasting value for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler as we work on broadening and strengthening our product offering, efficiently utilizing all available resources and developing the innovative technologies required in the coming decade."

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Sprouting from Brussels: The Nissan-Renault-Mercedes Alliance?

It appears as if Daimler and Renault-Nissan will be announcing another super-alliance tomorrow, following closely on the heels of the Volkswagen / Suzuki Eurasian powerhouse.

Renault Chairman/CEO Carlos Ghosn and Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche will be on-hand to clarify the specifics of the potential deal at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Renault and Nissan may buy into Daimler by as much as 3-4% each. On the opposite side of the coin, Daimler will buy into both Nissan and Renault with "similar or slightly larger stakes", a method called cross-shareholding.

Other plans rumored to be discussed tomorrow are joint-research programs regarding hybrid/electric/alternative fuel technologies, splitting vehicle development costs, and co-development of platforms for the firms' small cars (e.g. Daimler's Smart line and Renault's Twingo).

Business Week goes on to speculate that Mercedes may go so far as to offer power trains for Nissan's luxury marque, Infiniti. If that were to happen, Infiniti would be one step closer to battling Lexus for top-tier Japanese luxury car status. But how would Mercedes feel about helping the pseudo-competition so directly?

Expect official updates tomorrow.

By Phil Alex

Via: BW and WSJ (Sub. req)

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New Renault Wind Coupe-Roadster Priced from £15,500 in the UK

Renault's UK division has released pricing and specification details for its Wind Coupé-Roadster. Customer ordering for the Wind, which is offered with the choice of two engines, a 133HP 1.6-liter or a 100HP 1.2-liter turbo, opens in May for first deliveries in July with prices ranging from £15,500 to £18,200.

In addition, the new two-seater model will be available to pre-order later in April in an exclusive, range-topping "Collection" limited edition guise, of which only 200 examples will make their way to Britain.

The standard range is offered in two trim levels. The base Dynamique comes equipped with ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), front and lateral driver and passenger airbags, brake assist, ESC, immobiliser and electric retracting hard top roof as standard

Moving up to the Dynamique S adds 2x35W radio CD MP3 reader with fingertip remote control, 17-inch alloys, auto lights and wipers, alarm system, Bluetooth connectivity and multi-functional TunePoint (USB connection).

Finally, the limited edition Collection includes several more standard goodies such as electrically adjustable and heated chrome effect door mirrors, carbon black leather-faced heated seats, gloss black retractable roof, red and chrome dash inserts, leather sport wheel and gearknob, aluminium pedals, subtle 'Collection' side and boot badges, plus double chrome roof cover cowls.

Full pricing for Wind Coupé-Roadster is outlined below. Insurance groups have yet to be finalised, but are expected to be competitive.

Version	Engine	OTR Price
Dynamique	1.2 TCe 100	£15,500
	1.6 VVT 133	£16,400
Dynamique S	1.2 TCe 100	£16,400
	1.6 VVT 133	£17,300
Collection limited edition	1.2 TCe 100	£17,300
	1.6 VVT 133	£18,200

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Renault Prices Twingo Gordini 133 from £14,500, Only 200 Examples for the UK

Renault has announced UK pricing for its 'chic' version of the Twingo RS 133 with the Gordini signature. Available to order from April with first deliveries in June, on-the-road prices for the Twingo Gordini RS start from £14,500.

The "all-show, no-go" Gordini nameplate adds a Malta Blue metallic finish with twin white racing stripes and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. Furthermore, the front and rear bumpers are enhanced by gloss black centre sections, while the fog light surrounds, door mirrors housing and rear spoiler are all highlighted in a contrasting white finish.

Inside, the Twingo Gordini 144 has been upgraded with Renaultsport seats clothed in dark grey leather with blue details and Gordini-embossed logo, while the Blue detailing continues on to the door panels, the gearlever gaiter and Gordini-badged gearknob.

The steering wheel is finished in blue and dark grey leather with two white stripes, whilst the rev counter pod is also in blue with a white face.

In addition to the standard equipment of the Twingo RS, the Gordini also features climate control, automatic headlight and wiper activation, cruise control, speed limiter, ESC, 4x20W radio-CD with fingertip steering wheel-mounted remote control and separate display, Bluetooth connectivity, multifunctional TunePoint for personal music players (iPod, MP3) and extra-tinted rear windows..

Finally, all Twingo Gordini 133s will be equipped with a special plate showing the build number of the 200 examples that will make their way to the UK.

The Gordini model is powered by the same 133HP 1.6-liter naturally aspirated-four found on the standard Twingo RS.

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This Ain't a Joke: Russia's Lada to Sponsor Renault F1 Racing Team

Remember all the classic Lada jokes of the 80s and 90s of the sort that one could crank out endlessly because the patterns are so reliable? Jokes like these: "What do you call a classic Skoda? A Lada" and "What do you call the shock absorbers on a Lada? Passengers".

Well, even though a partnership between Renault's F1 division and Lada sounds like a good foundation for a new joke, it isn't. Seriously now, Renault announced today a sponsorship deal with Russia's AvtoVAZ that will see branding from Lada on the chassis of the Renault F1 Team R30 race cars during the 2010 season.

The agreement, which was backed by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, is linked to the signing of 25-year-old Vitaly Petrov, who will make history this year as the first ever Russian F1 driver.

"We are proud to announce this new agreement, which marks another important step for the Renault F1 Team and Formula 1 in Russia," commented Renault F1 Team Chairman Gerard Lopez as he was checking out the bus and train schedules on the last pages of the Lada User's Manual.

Guess we all know the type of jokes sport fans will be making about Renault's F1 team this season...

And just to ease the concerns of the Renault F1 fans, there are no CURRENT plans to change the name of the team.

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