Renault Ondelios Concept

It’s no suprise that the French carmakers will do their best to have the most interesting stands at the upcoming Paris Motor Show and so far it seems that Renault has taking the lead. After announcing the new Renault Megane yesterday, today they’ve released details another premiere, the Renault Ondelios. Not the most beautiful concept we’ve seen, the Ondelios is Renault’s interpretation of a high-end crossover.

First thing that stands out is the aluminium-finish grille flanked by headlamp units with LED headlights, the butterfly-type side doors and the boomerang shaped tail lights. “Ondelios is inspired by motion rather than speed and is a whole new response to the call of the open road,” said Patrick Le Quément, Renault’s Design Director.

Meant to be a luxury car, the Ondelios offers all the passengers their own Samsung interactive portable multimedia devices which they can use for sharing data or multiplayer gaming, speakers incorporated into the headrests and a multizone HVAC system enables each passenger to set the temperature to his or her own liking. The dashboard also offers a whole bunch of features, like active display skins showing driver aid and ride information, monitor at the base of the windscreen displays the different menus and pictures from the door mirror cameras, three large strip displays provide driving-related information, revs and how the hybridized drivetrain is operating and a digital speedometer.

The Renault Ondelios is built on a hybrid powertrain, which combines a 205hp (150kW) 2.0 dCi engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front and rear, mated to a seven-speed, double-clutch gearbox. They operate in mild hybrid mode, giving the engine extra boost as required and use a brake and boost system, recovering energy during braking then delivering it to the engine to boost acceleration. The Ondelios goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.8 seconds, while keeping fuel consumption at 4.5 litres/100km (52.2 US mpg) and CO2 emissions at 120g/km.

© Source: autounleashed
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2008 Renault Ondelios Concept

(from Renault Press Release) ONDELIOS: AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY LONG-HAUL JOURNEY

The Paris Motor Show sees the wraps come off Renault’s top-of-the-range concept car Ondelios designed for lovers of long-haul travel who set store by comfort and refinement. Ondelios epitomizes Renault’s vision of the high-end crossover, combining a comfortable ride with respect for the environment. Clear illustrations of that vision are the vehicle’s ethereal design, its interior layout, and an original hybrid powertrain.

The 4.8-metre-long, 1.6-metre high Ondelios has drawn inspiration from the world of aviation design to deliver high drag efficiency and a Cd of just 0.29. This long-distance voyager boasts sleek, smooth, amazingly fluid lines that make it appear as though it glides over the ground. It embodies Renault’s vision of high-end car.

The aluminium-finish grille is flanked by headlamp units that also suggest flowing motion, while its high-performance LED headlights are both longer lasting and more efficient. Another feature of Ondelios' aerodynamic styling is the boomerang-shaped tail lights. They are built into the bodywork and ringed with air extractors to control the flow of air from the wheel arches.

The glazed roof further emphasises the vehicle’s airy look and feel, bathing the interior in natural light. The steeply raked windscreen, which extends well down the bonnet, further accentuates this ethereal feel.

The butterfly-type side doors, which also feature an extensive glazed area, add a further touch of elegance to the car’s overall styling. They swing out and upwards as the sills slide down to facilitate ingress.

With torque of 450Nm between 1,700 and 3800rpm, the diesel engine provides comfort and flexibility at all engine speeds for long-distance driving pleasure. The 2.0 dCi unit takes Ondelios from a standing start to 100kph in just 7.8 seconds. Driving through a seven-speed, double-clutch gearbox, it affords outstanding driving pleasure, while keeping fuel consumption at a frugal 4.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions at a lowly 120g/km – very impressive for a top-of-the-range vehicle.

© Source: seriouswheels
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