We review 4 decades of concept car history from Renault

We review the prototypes presented by Renault since 1987. Futuristic models that radiate innovation and technology and that, in some cases, went on to see the light of day.

According to the French firm, concept cars are models that explore new trends. A brilliant tool for developing sustainable mobility and offering transport solutions that had never been considered before. But of course, there is a downside. Because on countless occasions, these prototypes never reach production due to their exaggerated and unrealistic ambitions.

These harsh weeks of lockdown are a good time to review stories of iconic models or stories from an industry such as, in this case, the prototypes of Renault. Last week we brought you the one from Citroën, and also reviewed stories such as that of the Audi Quattro or the DS “Tiburón”.

The 80s

The Renault Vesta II was presented in 1987 with the aim of meeting the challenge set by the French Government of building a car with a consumption of 3 litres. The French firm achieved this thanks to a bodywork design in fibreglass and thermoplastic that reduced the weight to a final figure of 470 kg.

Another reason why this car was a featherweight was its three-cylinder, 716 cc engine, with a power output of just 27 CV. Despite having no similarities in weight and power, we could say that this car sketch inspired future models with the concept of the three-cylinder engine. Furthermore, designed to achieve 3 l/100 km, it eventually managed to complete a route at a steady speed and record a ridiculous 1.94 litres.

The 90s

The last decade of the 20th century began with the first prototype of Renault that, years later, would be unveiled in full. The Scenic Concept was the origin of the compact MPV. A spacious, versatile vehicle with a futuristic design and a sliding door opening system with no centre pillar. This Scenic featured technical solutions that production models from other brands would use years later. Solutions such as fatigue detection, tyre pressure sensors or automatic door locking.

The Renault Espace F1 was presented in 1994 and had a completely different concept from anything we had seen before. It was an MPV oriented towards the circuit. The engineers at Renault Motorsport installed, in a central position, the engine used in the Williams-Renault FW15C single-seater. This engine was a 3.5-litre V10 with 800 CV. Yes, an 800 CV MPV. That’s concept cars for you. Furthermore, the 0-100 km/h time was 2.8 seconds and the claimed top speed was 312 km/h.

In 1995 came the first step towards electrification. The Renault Next featured a three-cylinder 750 cc engine assisted by two electric motors coupled to each rear wheel. This allowed the Next to travel around 20 km at top speeds of 40 km/h. Without a doubt, it was the beginning of something great.

The next prototype that would later see the light of day was the Koleos. An SUV ahead of its time that arrived when the Espace and Scénic were already on the market. A futuristic crossover with a flagship design. 21-inch wheels and a hybrid propulsion system combining a 170 CV petrol engine driving the front axle with a 30 kW electric motor on the rear axle.

21st century

In the modern era of the automotive industry, and just after the start of the 21st century, Renault presented the Talisman Concept in 2001. This model ended up giving its name to the current D-segment saloon. A saloon with a coupé-style design and features that were unusual at the time, such as keyless entry and a panoramic camera. It also featured a 4.5-litre V8 engine.

In 2009, Renault presented the ZOE Z.E. Concept. This model was what, three years later, would become the first electric model from Renault. A 100% electric city car with solar panels on the roof for energy recovery and designed for the comfort of its occupants. A purely individual and urban car that, to this day, is a benchmark for sustainable mobility in large metropolises.

The Renault Trezor was presented in 2016 as an electric, autonomous, road-going supercar. This model embraced the digitalisation of the cabin, which was accessed without doors thanks to a tilting roof. Its electric motor delivered 350 CV with a total weight of 1,600 kg. This model from the French firm represented an extremely radical advance and, given its lofty ambitions, it never reached production.

In 2017 Renault presented the SYMBIOZ. Since then we have heard nothing more of this car electric, autonomous and connected with a carbon fibre body and a floating roof. Its electric motors provided 680 CV of power, while its artificial intelligence system was capable of achieving level 4 autonomous driving.

And we arrive at 2020. The current year, when we met the MORPHOZ. A vehicle prototype built on a new modular electric platform, CMF-EV. This car features one of the most, or the most, innovative technologies we have ever seen in a vehicle. The Renault MORPHOZ is able to change its length depending on how it will be used. If we want the car for urban use, the body will be 4.40 metres long, whereas if we are going to make a long journey and need comfort, the car will extend its body by 40 cm and its wheelbase by 20 cm. It features level 3 autonomous driving and recharges by induction while on the move.