| Concept Car | Frankfurt Motor Show | Renault Laguna Coupé concept |
Answering critics of the standard and rather ordinary new Laguna hatch, Renault has produced a Coupé concept version, shown off in
Frankfurt this week. Insiders say much will be left untouched on the concept when the car is tipped to go on sale in late 2008, although expect the scissor doors to be replaced with conventional hinges and lights to be toned down for production.
In 2+2 form, Coupé buyers will get a choice of performance petrol and diesel derivatives. Picks of the bunch are the 309bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol and a new 265bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 406lb.ft of torque, mated to a six-speed 'Proactive' auto 'box that will help propel it from 0-60mph is a reported 7.0 seconds. The car will also feature Renault's new four-wheel steering active chassis, which will give it an added edge on the handling front.
Interior details are a little sparse, but expect Renault to deviate from the standard Laguna cabin; the Coupé concept featured a dash-long air conditioning vent, flat-bottomed steering wheel and pronounced central arm rest.
Prices could start at around £20,000 when the car finally goes into production, in what promises to be a very attractive shape. Expect more details to emerge on the Coupé into the New Year.
Kyle Molyneux - 15 Sep 2007