On this site I try to create a database of all
Renaults that have been built, from the 1898 Voiturette
to the latest prototype. I can use all help, suggestions,
comments and criticism. You can leave comments in
my guestbook.
Are you searching for something that's not on my
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and maybe I can help you out.
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Frans Los.
The new Laguna III
Renault has revealed the first images of the
new Laguna: the main innovations are focused on
riding comfort, safety and environmental respect.
The New Laguna will be unveiled to the public
at September's Frankfurt Motor Show and is scheduled
to go on sale from October 2007.
Exterior design
"New Laguna's styling epitomizes the quest
for dynamism and driving pleasure that prevailed
throughout its design and development."
"New
Laguna's lines have been carefully crafted to
create a dynamic, fluid design that underpins
the model's status as a true Grand Tourer."
Its front end features sweeping headlamps, a long,
steeply-raked bonnet and large grille that combine
to hint at a range of satisfying powerplants.
The plunging shoulder line contributes to the
new model's dynamic stance. Among the main design
elements are chrome side window surrounds and
the distinctive sills which make "the car
sits squarely on its 16- to 18- inch alloy wheels."
The higher performance versions feature twin chrome
exhaust tailpipes.
Estate version
The
dynamic styling of the Estate version of New Laguna
features a steeply-raked rear screen, while the
generous glazed area of the rearmost side windows
further accentuates the newcomer's assertive looks.
The waistline crease extends across the boot and
underneath the LED rear lights which give the
car a distinctive night-time lighting signature.
Interior
Particular attention has been paid to the acoustic
comfort: the new Laguna the most silent-running
Saloon in its segment, thanks to the reduced engine-generated
noise, especially at low revs, the dampening of
road-induced noise and, above all, work on combating
wind noise at high speeds.
The thermal comfort has been subjected to many
studies which led to the introduction of a new,
externally-controlled, high capacity compressor
that is capable of producing cold air particularly
quickly.
For
what concerns the choice of materials, the Initiale
versions will feature wood and leather finish,
available in a choice of either dark charcoal
or a lighter hue, while the Dynamique versions
combine the Alcantara leather upholstery with
a metallic ambience, and feature sporty elements
such as a flat-section steering wheel and seats
with more pronounced lateral support.
The interior of the estate version is characterized
by numerous new innovative stowage solutions and
the loading capacity is enhanced by the ability
to create a perfectly flat boot-floor at the touch
of a button.
Passive safety equipment includs new-generation
double lateral airbag (thorax + pelvis) which
is based on a twin-chamber, dual pressure system
triggered by two sensors located in the front
door and B-pillar: the system's deployment time
is adjusted as a function of the force of the
impact.
Technical features
New Laguna is available with a broad choice of
powerplants, all mated to six-speed transmissions.
The gasoline engines range includes the 145hp
(103.4kW) 2.0 16V (M4R)developed by in partnership
with Nissan, the 170hp (125kW) 2.0 16V Turbo coupled
to a six-speed Proactive automatic transmission.
The diesel range is based on the 1.5 dCi, which
delivers 110hp (81kW) and the 2.0 dCi block, which
is available in a choice of three versions (130hp,
150hp and 175hp; respectively 96, 110 and 127kW),
the second of which will be available with six-speed
Proactive automatic transmission from launch.
Equipped with a low inertia, variable geometry
turbo and ultra-fast glow plugs, this version
truly comes into its own under the bonnet of New
Laguna.
Other engines will be added to the catalogue shortly
after the model's launch. Some of the units already
comply with the forthcoming Euro5 legislation.
The
chassis has undergone many improvements: the development
was focused on the specific body-roll with front
and rear suspension stiffness uprated by 20 and
50%, respectively, plus higher performance anti-roll
bars.
Among the new features are the closer-ratio steering
and the improved filtering of the surface's irregularities.
Despite the stiffer body, the new model's weight
has been contained, and it is the first new Renault
to be lighter than its predecessor after shedding
an average 15kg across the range.
