At the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Renault has unveiled Trezor – an all-electric Grand Tourer concept car that blends Renault’s very latest innovations in interior experience, all-electric powertrain and autonomous driving.
Trezor, a two-seater electric coupé, embodies the new design philosophy Renault introduced on its DeZir concept in 2010 before inspiring the lines of new Clio in 2012.
With its powerful styling and Passion Red coachwork, the DeZir heralded the first stage of a design strategy founded on the cycle of life: falling in love. The Trezor goes further, by symbolising feelings of maturity and commitment. It reflects the maturity of Renault’s designs – a factor that, since 2014, has become the primary reason driving customers to purchase one of the brand’s vehicles.
Trezor features the new Renault styling cues that are to be found across the contemporary range, namely warm, simple, sensual lines; a clearly defined family face and C-shaped lighting signature.
The Trezor features striking red glazing and innovative carbon bodywork with contrasting surface finishes. Smooth and silken at the front, this bodywork mirrors the car’s dynamic character. At the rear, it features hexagonal panels that underline the Trezor’s sporting temperament and technology. The metallic finish of the Trezor conveys an image that is both sleek and protective.
On the bonnet, the honeycomb-form air intake echoes the structure of the rear bodywork. These hexagonal shapes provide a variable-geometry intake, the movement of which embellishes the Trezor with extra dynamism and creates the impression that it is actually breathing.
On the left-hand side of the body, the fuel filler hatch has been replaced by an analogue gauge that indicates the vehicle’s charge level, drawing on traditional sports car practice.
At the rear, the Trezor is equipped with resolutely modern fibre-optic lighting integrating a red laser. This ‘rope-like’ fibre assembly provides bright, distinctive lighting. Under braking, the torsion and stacking of the optical fibres creates an interesting visual effect and increases the intensity of the light.
Standing just 1,080mm tall, the Trezor invites occupants to straddle the side of its body as they climb in. This style of entry is a throwback to the world of classic racing cars, where in drivers felt as one with their machines. The sporting and sensual manner of entry is accentuated by the red leather trim for the upper part of the pillar. It looks almost like a saddle, so you might be mounting a steed just as easily as getting into a car. Ingress isfacilitated by automatically reclining headrests.
The Trezor provides another surprise when you climb in, with a dashboard made from red wood that incorporates a luggage compartment at the front of the vehicle. Made-to-measure cases are held in place by leather straps and remind how travel can be an art form.
The seats’ rounded contours were inspired by the world of furniture design to create a plush, comfortable interior. Upholstered in smooth, deep-red leather, they embody the refinement of luxury goods.
The refined dashboard highlights the cabin’s modern, high-tech appointments and features a big touch-screen display.
The rectangular steering wheel opens up the driver’s field of vision and is redolent of the world of Formula 1. It features three screens, one centrally mounted featuring the logo and two touchscreen displays to either side instead of conventional stalk controls.
A motor inspired by Renault’s electric vehicle expertise
Not only does Renault stand out as a pioneer of electric mobility, in addition to being Europe’s best-selling electric-vehicle manufacturer, but it also is contributing directly to the expansion of all-electric motorsport through its participation in the FIA Formula E Championship.
The Trezor’s motor derives from the Renault e.dams, two-time winner of the Formula E Teams’ world title.
With a maximum power of 260kW (350hp) and peak torque of 380Nm, it provides acceleration from stand still to 62mph (0-100 km/h) in less than four seconds.
The Trezor features two batteries, each of which has its own cooling system optimised by the variable-geometry air intake incorporated in the bonnet.
The Trezor also incorporates a brake-operated energy recovery system, courtesy of the Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) technology developed for Formula E racing.
Thanks to its batteries being located separately, one at the front and the other at the rear, the Trezor has optimal weight distribution. Its rear-wheel-drive system ensures that power is delivered to the road more efficiently to enhance driving pleasure.
The Trezor’s proportions also contribute to its engaging on-the-road manner. Its wide tracks (front: 2,048mm / rear: 2,106mm) and wheelbase (2,776mm) enhance road holding, while the ultra-low bodywork optimises aerodynamics to achieve a drag co-efficient (Cd) of just 0.22. Its centre of gravity is also particularly low (ground clearance:25cm) for greater stability and less body roll.
To improve battery range and performance, Renault Design paid special attention to taking weight out of the vehicle. The chassis incorporates a central carbon cell mated to tubular steel frames front and rear. The monocoque and access hatch are made from carbon. Thanks to this work, the Trezor boasts the poise of a spectacular GT (length: 4,700mm / width: 2,180mm/ height: 1,080mm) while tipping the scales at just 1,600kg.
The Trezor is fitted with tailor-developed Continental tyres, fitted to 21- and 22-inch wheels at the front and rear respectively. A part of their tread features a pattern designed to optimise the clearance of surface water while the rest is entirely smooth to maximise grip.
A customisable, touch-operated dash with advanced connectivity
The Trezor sees the brand explore a new approach to dashboard design with a unique L-shaped display that combines the dashboard controls and the multimedia system.
This type of screen reinforces the interior’s cockpit feel while the satellite-navigation instructions continue to be visible on the upright part of the display. The Trezor makes use of the latest Ultra High Definition developments. A combination of OLED technology (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) and Corning Gorilla®Glass has produced a thin, curved screen which, unlike LED displays,does not require backlighting. The result is superior contrast and colour reproduction, along with deeper shades of black with no halo effect.
The touch-screen’s interface can be personalised. The smartphone’s apps will appear on the multimedia system’s screen and the driver can display the widgets of that he or she wishes to use on the screen positioned behind the steering wheel.
Autonomous driving mode allows you to stay in touch while on the move
Thanks to Renault’s Multi-Sense system, the Trezor offers a choice of three driving modes: neutral, sport and autonomous. The Trezor embodies Renault’s vision of how autonomous cars can make travelling safer and more enjoyable, while allowing motorists to optimise how they use their time.
When the car is in autonomous mode, the exterior lighting signature changes and extends to the lateral and rear logos, to indicate to other road users that driving has been delegated.
Formed by two leather-sheathed aluminium shafts, the steering wheel extends in width in autonomous mode. In the manner of a cinema screen, this movement symbolises a step into a whole new world of travelling.
With the wheel in this configuration, the driver also has a panoramic view of the dashboard.
In this mode, the Trezor allows occupants to use their time on a journey to stay connected. The driver and passenger are able to immerse themselves in a shared universe, perhaps by watching a film, playing a game or flicking through photographs.
Beyond 2020, Renault’s target is to make completely safe ‘hands-off / eyes-off’ technology available for its mainstream vehicles – at an affordable price.
