DeZir was the first Renault project to be led by Laurens van den Acker and exemplifies the brand's new philosophy with regard to design. It also marks the implementation of the strategy based on the notion of "life cycle". The first step involves falling in love, an experience that is perfectly illustrated by DeZir's powerful, sensuous styling and bright red finish; red being the colour associated with passion.
IN THE BEGINNING COMES DEZIR
Blood-red DeZir is a visionary and human electric two-seater compact coupé that embodies Renault's essential values. The famous diamond badge on the front of this all-new concept car has been enlarged and stretched vertically. Sitting proudly between the headlights, the famous emblem emphasizes the concept's historical heritage and bold innovation. The "Z" in DeZir refers to the ZE (zero emissions) range of electric vehicles, built for sustainable pleasure.
DeZir is the first concept car from Laurens Van Den Acker, the young Dutchman who succeeded Patrick Le Quément as Renault's new design director. The philosophy that guided Laurens' teams was to combine elegance with concern for the environment. So his desire coincided with the brand's determination to celebrate the "life cycle", echoing the deeply human nature of the entire Renault range.
Desire gives way to passion, then love, adventure, family, work, leisure and, finally, wisdom. Brimming with youth, DeZir is at the beginning of this cycle, flaunting all its seductive qualities, starting with the design. This futuristic boudoir not only protects the environment, it makes it even more resplendent through its electric beauty.
«Design must reflect the brand's values. Renault is a popular brand that is essentially human. And for me, human beings need simple, sensuous and warm designs».
Laurens Van Den Acker
A MODERN CREATION
In these transparent times, DeZir leaves nothing to the imagination. The Kevlar bodywork is made of liquid-like surfaces interspersed with openings that reveal the car's structure. DeZir is totally fluid, like these aluminum side inserts. The outline of the windows, which is not dictated by air flows around the vehicle, simplifies the car’s appearance. DeZir features the same tubular steel chassis and double wishbone suspension found in Mégane Trophy. But DeZir takes the same concepts even further.
When the very latest technology meets a desire for simplicity, class and comfort, the result goes beyond love at first sight. But there is much more to DeZir, as you discover when you get inside and carefully close the two gullwing-scissor doors. Driver and passenger come together like yin and yang. The interior design is resolutely modern (waves, reflections of light on the curves of the liquid surfaces), predominantly white, but with a touch of bright red that matches the exterior decor. The interior design, penned by Stéphane Maïore, is a bold yet moderate hymn to intimacy.
Seated in this jewel of steel and Kevlar, life is both modern and modest. The materials in the cocoon-like cockpit are precious, with white leather upholstery that is padded on the passenger side and smooth on the driver’s side. DeZir invites people to get closer... The back-lit seats follow the regular rhythm of a heartbeat, because emotions are shared more intensely on the road.
The touch-sensitive central screen features a smart navigation system that merges the itinerary data with the driver’s agenda in order to optimize the journey using a fun-to-use interface that looks like a video game.
«This concept car embodies the three key words that define my vision of design. It is simple, meaning that it sparks an immediate emotion. What I want is love at first sight. With its smooth and gentle profile, DeZir is a voluptuous car that you want to caress. It is sensuous, dare I say, sexy. And it is totally in tune with the times, with its electric motor and electrifying "Z".»
Laurens Van Den Acker
A CAR NAMED DESIRE
DeZir's leading-edge technology has been harnessed to deliver efficient and responsible pleasure at the wheel. With a drag coefficient of 0.25, this jewel of a car reaches 50 kph in less than 2 seconds and recovers braking energy using a system based on the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) used in F1 cars. This system can also be manually activated using a control on the steering wheel. The vertically positioned 24 kWh lithium-ion battery has a range of 160 km.
Renault DeZir is fast, light and efficient, but it is bright too. It seduces everyone it meets with its eyelid headlights. DeZir is perfect for a long night-time drive, with its rear lights that turn into luminous stripes across the full width of the car. DeZir is beautiful by night and by day, it does not pollute and it is silent. Silent and stealthy desire.
Designer Yann Jarsalle, appointed by Laurens Van Den Acker, brought all these desires to life. His approach to automotive design is almost sculptural, an approach in which shapes are created by reflections and contrasts of the light reflected by volumes. Renault DeZir is French yet resolutely international, a creation that is certain to attract a great deal of attention.
«I am a fairly simple person, and I think that there is always an element of truth behind a stereotype. Combine that with Renault's tradition for innovation and you are bound to get the chemistry right. As a general rule, France appreciates all that is grandiose, the "beau geste", and that's a fertile soil for a designer».
Laurens Van Den Acker
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions
Length: 4,225mm
Width: 1,968mm
Height: 1,163mm
Height, with doors open: 2,256mm
Width, with doors open: 2,682mm
Ground clearance: 110mm
Wheelbase: 2,582mm
Front track: 1,600mm
Rear track: 1,705mm
Technical data
Motor: Electric synchronous motor with rotor coil
Power: 110kW / 150hp
Maximum torque: 226Nm
Top speed: 180kph
Acceleration from standstill to 100kph: 5 seconds
Acceleration from standstill to 50kph: 2 seconds
Battery: Lithium-ion (24kW/h)
Range: 160km
Transmission: Rear-wheel drive. Direct, drive, with reducer and forward/reverse inverter
Drive: Electric with active differential
Chassis: Tubular steel frame
Wheels and tyres: 245/35 R 21
Diameter of ventilated brake discs: 356mm (front and rear)
Callipers: 6 pistons (front and rear)
Cd (drag coefficient): 0.25
Kerb weight: 830kg
Partners
G Studio: Body assembly
DuPont: Kevlar® body
Michelin: Tyres
IRCAM: Acoustics
Source: Groupe Renault
