Renault DeZir Concept For Paris Motor Show

This is Renault’s latest concept car, called DeZir, which of course is an electric vehicle. But it’s an important car because according to Renault, it hints at their new design language for future models. And apparently Renault Design department has hired a bunch of teenage girls, because it’s all very romantic!

“DeZir is a statement of our new formal design language which conveys notions such as movement, sensuality and emotion through ideal proportions, in much the same way as an object whose forms have been honed by nature. The result is a warm, stimulating design that says ‘Renault’,” explains Axel Breun, Renault’s Director of Concept Car and Show Car Design.

The interior design also suggests lightness. “Love is a sentiment that lifts you; gives you wings,” says Stéphane Maïore, who was in charge of DeZir’s interior styling. “Inside DeZir, you feel like you’re floating on a cloud,” adds Stéphanie Petit, Colours and Materials Designer.

The DeZir is 4.2 meters ling and has the profile of a compact coupe. The most significant features of its styling, apart form the all-new front-end which Renault says will be used in upcoming models, are its gullwing doors and 21-inch rims. They’re amazing, but rest assured neither of these things will make it into production models!

The letter Z in the car’s name refers to the fact that it’s a Zero Emission electric vehicle. It’s powered by an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position to optimise weight distribution over the front and rear wheels. Backed by vertically-mounted 24kWh lithium-ion battery, it generates 110 kW of power and 226Nm of torque, while giving a range of around 100 miles per charge.

Speaking of charging, a standard charge using a conventional household plug takes up to eight hours. But a 400V three-phase current you can do a fast recharge and get 80 percent of the battery’s capacity filled in just 20 minutes.

Renault DeZir Concept will make its public debut at 2010 Paris Motor Show.-motorward.

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