Renault Captur Concept
Home >
News >
Renault
11th February, 2011
- Captur is the new concept car to demonstrate Renault’s new design strategy
- A sporty cross-over with a flowing and 'athletic' body 'language', it conjures up visions of two
people exploring the world and previews a forthcoming model
- Its Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine-concept combines driving fun, enjoyable performance and low CO2
emissions
At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault revealed its new brand identity which puts people at the
forefront of its concerns. The new, ambition design strategy which resulted from this is founded on
different stages of the human life cycle, with each phase taking the form of a specific concept car. The
first, the two-seater
DeZir
coupé, expressed ‘falling in love’, the passion present at the beginning of any new adventure.
Now Renault Captur addresses the second phase of this cycle, that of two people exploring the world
around them.
Just like its predecessor, Renault Captur defines the simple and warm style that will be progressively
extended to future Renault car designs. “Captur is a fun and sporty cross-over, ideal for a young
couple about to discover the world” explains director of design, Laurens Van den Acker. “It takes
as its basis the fundamental design language introduced on the DeZir concept car but adds a more
technical dimension – more functional but still highly sensuous," adds Axel Breun, director of concept
cars.
A CROSSOVER THAT’S ALL MUSCLE IN MOTION
In its proportions and fluid curves, Renault Captur evokes movement and lightness, yet at the same
time displaying powerful and muscular all-terrain cues. Just as with DeZir, angles, corners and lines
have given way to sensuous and natural forms. For the exterior designer, Julio Lozano, the main sources
of inspiration were athletes and radical sports. "In designing Captur, I began with the image of a
sprinter on the starting blocks, his muscles tensed, and the energy unleashed when the starting pistol
is fired," he explains. The design also references equipment such as helmets, gloves and other
protective gear used in radical sports, combining high technology with sophistication and lightness.
Renault Captur adopts the new frontal identity first presented by DeZir. As with DeZir, this identity
has as its centrepiece a large Renault logo, set vertically against a dark surface so as to stand out as
clearly as possible. Substantial, matt-finished guards reinforce the design’s visual strength. LEDs
relay the direction indicator signal in a wave effect running the whole length of the vehicle.
Renault Captur does more than simply stir the emotions: it is also a practical and versatile vehicle.
It is fitted with a hard convertible top which, once removed, reveals a carbon fibre framework. Captur
can thus transform itself from a coupé to a convertible, from an urban vehicle to an off-roader, while
its overall sporty appeal is reinforced by its butterfly doors and big tyres fitted to 22-inch black
and white rims. With its bodywork finished in a spicy shade of orange, Captur takes its cue from the
red championed by DeZir. This colour appears in a variety of different shades on materials both inside
and outside the vehicle.
AN INTERIOR FULLY BATHED IN WARMTH AND LIGHTNESS
The orange theme has been carried over to the cabin which also features fluorescent highlights
picked out by a constant stream of light. "My main sources of inspiration were the human body,
outdoor sports and urban styling," explains the colour and trim designer, Kana Watanabe. "I
wanted Captur to radiate warmth and dynamism."
The interior of Renault Captur is designed to be both welcoming and occupant-friendly. The impression
of lightness expressed by the exterior is dominant here, too, with the front seats attached to the
centre console as if suspended in mid-air. The passenger compartment is restrained and pure, with no
superfluous equipment. Innovative and ingenious materials have been employed, allowing the designers to
play with light and optical effects. The centre console, door casings and dashboard are formed using a
translucent material rather like a second skin. At the front of the cabin, this includes a glimpse of
the high-tech fibre ropes, luminescent in places, that have been used for most of the passenger
compartment. "The whole of the interior is designed around this network of stretched elastic ropes
which bring to mind the worlds of sailing or mountain climbing, They use graphics and light to bring
rhythm to the overall design and reinforce the dynamic feel of the vehicle while also ensuring a lighter
feel inside the cabin," explains the interior designer, Magali Gouraud-Borgers.
The aluminium pedals, carbon bucket-style front seats and steering wheel trimmed in grey textured
leather reassert the sporting side of the design, in keeping with the original brief.
The rear of the vehicle is a multipurpose area where the deck is lined with three layers of rope:
- The stretched cords are laid out in a way that allows items to be secured, thus providing a
reconfigurable storage area;
- They also provide an opportunity for relaxation thanks to the supple elasticity of the structure.
This is an entirely new type of comfort, a new form of seating akin to a hammock.
- Finally, it is possible to pull seatbacks from the side of the car to provide two full-sized rear
seats, complete with seat belts and head restraints. This enables Renault Captur to accommodate four
occupants.
AN INNOVATIVE CROSSOVER THAT’S STRONG ON PERFORMANCE AND LIGHT ON FUEL
Renault Captur Concept makes use of the Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine-concept, developed from
the new Energy dCi 130. Downsizing is a key element in Renault’s strategy to meet its declared
objective of being Europe’s leading vehicle manufacturer with regard to emissions. The range of
electric vehicles will run alongside internal-combustion engined models that combine performance with
reduced fuel consumption. Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo fits perfectly within this strategy. It produces
118 kW (160hp) from a capacity of 1.6 litres – that’s a specific power output of 100 hp per litre.
Peak torque (380 Nm) is available from as low as 1,750 rpm, giving powerful acceleration from low revs,
as well as refined performance under all driving conditions. Paired with a dual clutch EDC gearbox,
this driveline promises genuinely enjoyable driving with CO2 emissions of 99 g per kilometre.
|
|
|
Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
..... more
|
|
|
Renault Captur’s performance is further enhanced by the RX2®, a novel system that improves traction
at low speeds. Should one of the two driven wheels lose traction, this entirely new mechanical
self-locking differential transfers all or part of the engine’s torque to the wheel with the most grip.
Driving on slippery roads and tracks thus remains smooth and effortless.
Renault Captur also marks the debut of the "Visio-system", an innovation that uses a forward-facing
camera mounted at the top of the windscreen to provide driver-assistance functions. This new technology
is able to embed synthesised images into real-time images of the road ahead displayed on a central
screen; this is the principle of augmented reality, aiming to enhance the driver’s perception of the
external world by superimposing purpose-designed elements. The system helps reduce driving stress, for
a relaxed, reassuring ride.
The new design strategy takes as its basis the bonds that build between the brand and its customers
as they go through the many experiences of life: when they fall in love, begin to explore the world,
start a family, work, take time off to play, and gain wisdom.
This goes hand in hand with the definition of a new human design language inspired by the three
keywords that guide the brand’s future vision: simple and warm. In keeping with this strategy, concept
cars will be instrumental in putting shape to this vision, paving the way for a product plan featuring a
clear and consistent range of models.
Dimensions (mm)
|
Length |
4,223 |
|
Width |
1,950 |
|
Height |
1,586 |
|
Ground clearance (laden) |
261 |
|
Wheelbase |
2,624 |
|
Front track |
1,684 |
|
Rear track |
1,684 |
Technical data
|
Engine |
Energy dCi 160 Twin-Turbo |
|
Power |
118 kW (160hp) |
|
Capacity |
1,598 cm3 |
|
CO2 emissions |
99 g/km (NEDC combined cycle) |
|
Peak torque |
380 Nm |
|
Top speed |
210 km/h |
|
Transmission |
EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) |
|
Tyres |
250/40 R22 |
|
Cd |
0.31 |
|
Kerb weight, unladen (kg) |
1,300 |
|
0 to 100 km/h acceleration (s) |
8 |
|
1,000 m standing start (s) |
29 |
|
