Renault has a significant electric presence at its home motor show in Paris, with the Trezor concept joining the more practical new Zoe on its stand.
The Trezor gives us a taste of what might come along from Renault in the future, with the most important aspect not being the stylish coupe bodywork, but the powertrain underneath.
Renault has designed the concept to use a 260kW (350hp) electric motor, which makes use of the company’s development work with its Formula E car. The set-up uses two batteries to power the motor, which will propel the car from 0-62mph in four seconds.
The Trezor also incorporates the Formula E car’s brake operated energy recovery system, and has ideal weight distribution thanks to having two batteries placed front and rear, rather than one huge pack.
The concept also previews Renault’s autonomous driving technology, with three driving modes – neutral, sport, and autonomous. The intention is to make autonomous vehicles that improve safety, while also making them fun for drivers.
In autonomous mode, the car’s exterior lighting changes to show other road users that the car is being piloted by itself, and the steering wheel changes shape, extending width-ways like a cinema screen to allow a greater view of the dashboard.
Renault has committed to developing a ‘hands-off/eyes-off’ autonomous driving system and making it available for its mainstream vehicles – with the aim to offer an affordable system beyond 2020.
The Trezor concept isn’t all about the technology though as it previews design trends likely to be seen in future models. Renault references the impact the DeZir concept from 2010 had on the current design language as proof that its concept cars often have a filtering down process, rather than purely conceptual machines.
The fuel filler cap has been replaced with a gauge showing how much charge is remaining, and Renault has used high quality materials, with increased amounts of leather and wood used. The company has partnered with French firm KEIM-cycles, known for its custom wooden cycle frames, for the use of wood within the cabin.
These sorts of features and styling ideas could well be seen in production form in a few year’s time, though it’s fairly safe to say that the clam-shell roof – allowing entry into the incredibly low model – will not make it to production.
