Bric à Brac
New book:
Renault R.S.
Renault's sporty models get a lot of attention. And that means that publications on this subject can also count on a lot of interest. ETAI is releasing a new book called Renault R.S. la signature racée. The book has 160 pages with many previously unpublished colour photos by photographer Etienne Crébressègues. The nine chapters cover all generations of Clio and Mégane R.S. as well as the Twingo R.S. and the origins of Renault Sport. The book with 250 illustrations costs 40 euro and is available at:
Arkana ready for production
Renault EZ-POD
EZ-Flex concept
Arkana ready for production
The concept of the coupé SUV Arkana which was presented in Moscow last August, seemed as good as ready for production. Renault now confirms this suspicion with the car that is actually going to run off the production line.
Details that differ are common parts such as mirrors, headlights, bumpers, wheels and finishes. Particular detail, the car has a normal trunk lid and can be seen as a sedan disguised as an SUV. The dimensions are now also released. The Arkana is 4.55 metres long, 1.82 metres wide and 1.57 metres high.
RUSSIA
The Renault uses the same base with a slightly longer wheelbase than the Renault Kaptur. And he shares his suspension with the Renault Duster. Arkana will be sold in Russia starting this summer, but will certainly be available in other markets as well. From an engine point of view, we are looking at a 150 hp petrol CT partnered with an automatic X-tronic gearbox and two or four-wheel drive. Exports to Western Europe are very unlikely.
ZE-POD
At the VIVA technology fair in Paris last May, Renault presented a special vehicle, the EZ-POD, which is intended purely for urban transport.
At first glance, the EZ-POD can be seen as a next step after the Twizy. But a structural difference is that the electric EZ-POD drives autonomously. This means that the two-seater doesn't have a steering wheel. The Renault is purely intended for mobility in the city centre from car parks to shopping centres and from apartment buildings to hotels or theatres. The EZ-POD serves as an additional means of transport for everyone to be deployed over short distances. The angular, colourful vehicle is a real eye-catcher and fits in perfectly with Renault's futuristic thinking.
Not surprisingly, a version for the transport of goods based on this compact EZ-POD has already been considered. The model is in the experimental phase.
EZ-Flex concept
More and more environmentally friendly and therefore electric vehicles will appear in cities. Probably also the Renault EZ-Flex.
The new Renault EZ-Flex may be a concept, but this compact city van now appears outside the walls of the Renault development centre. Several courier services in Europe are going to test twelve of this newcomer in practice and this should provide a lot of useful information, which can be taken into account in the further development.
LOADING VOLUME
In this case, the practical usefulness is more important than the design. Of course, the back is optimally angled to maximize the loading volume. This is three cubic metres, quiet considerable with a vehicle length of only 3.86 metres. This is considerable with a vehicle length of only 3.86 metres. Furthermore, the EZ-Flex is 1.65 metres wide and 1.88 metres high. A turning radius of only 4.5 metres is important for maximum manoeuvrability in heavy city traffic!
COURIER SERVICES
On a fully charged battery, the Renault EZ-Flex can drive 100 kilometres, which is more than sufficient in an industry where the average daily distance in the city is 50 kilometres. The EZ-Flex will certainly be appreciated by courier companies that are forecast to deliver four times as many parcels by 2050.