2004 Renault Fluence Concept

 Fluence, Renault’s latest concept car, is an upmarket, four-seater sports coupé.Its flowing bodywork and welcoming interior embrace the simplicity and sensualityof the car's form. Patrick le Quément, Senior Vice President CorporateDesign, sees Fluence as “the continuation of a long tradition of outstandingFrench coachbuilders.” The concept car will be shown at the prestigious LouisVuitton Classic in England on June 4, 2004.

Fluence expresses Renault’s vision of a key theme inautomobiles: that of upmarket, four-seater coupés.Mission accomplished: “Fluence is both a drawingand a sculpture. It blends bearing, generosity, eleganceand fluidity,”explains Patrick le Quément.

Sporting and Sensual

Fluence is a 4.60-metre long coupé whose voluptuousforms are sculpted from simple, structured lines. It is amodern expression of the principle that underlies allcoupés: pleasure of movement.

This pleasure of movement is suggested by the visuallydynamic contrast of a sloping front and a vertical rear.The frontal design is streamlined: the radiator grille isabsent to focus attention on the lozenge logo and toevoke other prestigious Renault cars. Narrow indicatorsjuxtapose the headlamps, whose shape reinforces thepurity and fluidity that characterize Fluence’s frontalstyling. A double strip of LEDs set at different angles ishoused behind two transparent curved glass lenses.The diodes illuminate as the steering angle changes toprovide multi-directional lighting when cornering. Twoair intakes extend and accentuate the headlamps’ form,bridged by a third narrow, horizontal inlet.

In contrast with the flowing frontal treatment, the verticalprofile of Fluence’s rear conveys a strong sense ofenergy. This impression of energy is underpinned bythe contrast between wide wings, highlighted by theelongated, horizontal lights, and a taller central sectionin a different colour. This section connects the rearwindow with a twin centre exhaust outlet, framed by anair extractor.

In between its very different front and rear, Fluenceis structured around a horizontal plane. Lines offorce emerge at the front to converge at the centre ofthe tailgate. Two run almost symmetrically thelength of each side. Two others frame the bonnet,then the roof and the rear window. This V-shapedrear window connects seamlessly to the windscreenby two strips of glass that stretch the length of theroof before dropping down towards the tailgate. Thebase of the body shell, with its aluminium finish,encircles the body to help reduce drag, a functionalso performed by the wheel rims. The 22” wheelsare further promise of Fluence's driving pleasure.

Inside Fluence,a natural and welcoming harmony“Fluence’s interior is simple and easily remembered,with natural harmony,” explains Patrick leQuément.

Light pours in through the glazed area to bring out thefull intensity of the prevailing Rouge Margaux red.

The printed leather seats are mounted on runners. The sides of the seat back and cushion fan out when the doors are opened, ready to welcome occupants. The lateral seat supports can then be adjusted to suit individual preferences. The door armrests, which are also on runners, adjust their position in conjunction with the seats.

The leather dashboard is again predominately redwith beige accents. Its ethereal design resembles aleaf that has been rolled then nipped at its centre.This leaf theme is repeated in the design of the centreconsole. In a spiral movement it embraces theintuitive Touch Design controls. Using a joystick, the driver selects the car’s main functions which areshown on a fold-away screen in the upper part of thedashboard. Instruments use both digital and analoguedisplay against a black and Rouge Margauxbackground.

Special attention has been paid to comfort in theback, beginning with the vast and welcomingenveloping rear seat. Renault’s designers looked tohome furnishings as inspiration for the readinglamps. These fit flush with the headlining and, whenrequired, are released by pulling a leather tab thentilted to the ideal angle.

The boot, lined in Rouge Margaux leather, provides396 dm3 capacity with two side storage units. It is accessedvia the tailgate by means of an innovative openingmechanism: the tailgate slides over the roof thanks toan articulated arm in its centre. This does away withside openings that obstruct access to the boot.

What design promises, engineeringdelivers

Fluence’s powertrain extends an irresistible invitationto travel.The front-mounted 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine develops280hp and brings driving pleasure at every speed. Thefinely-tuned suspensions and chassis allow a fast andagile driving style that adapts to all road conditions.Carefully-studied acoustics produce a deep and powerfulengine sound. Fluence is as much a pleasure to drive as a top-ofthe-range saloon, while six-speed automatic transmissionwith sequential control adds to driving comfortand serenity.

FLUENCE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS
Overall length  4,600 mm
Width exc. wing mirrors 1,890 mm
Height 1,390 mm
Wheel base 2,750 mm
Front overhang  920 mm
Rear overhang  960 mm
Ground clearance 200 mm
Weight 1,500 kg

POWERTRAIN
Engine Euro 4-compliant 3.5 litre V6 24V petrol engine
Power 206kW / 280hp power rating and 365Nm maximum torque
Gearbox Six-speed automatic transmission with sequential control
Performance 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds

TRANSMISSIONS
Drive Front-wheel drive with transverse engine layout
Wheels 22’’ rims
Tyres Specific Michelin PAX 245-710 / R560 tyres

PARTNERS
Valeo Twin-strip LED headlamps that light up
as the steering angle changes
Michelin Front and rear tyres with different tread
for better under-steer control
Montupet Lightweight alloy rims with suction fins to reduce drag
Recaro Seats allowing optimal entry and exit, and personalized comfort through adjustable lateral seat supports for the back and cushion