2011 Renault Captur Sporty Crossover and DeZir Concept

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault revealed its new brand identity which puts people at the forefront of its concerns. The new, ambition design strategy that resulted from this is founded on different stages of the human life cycle with each phase taking the form of a specific concept car. The first, the two-seater DeZir, expressed ʻfalling in loveʼ, the passion present at the beginning of any new adventure. Now Renault Captur, which will debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, addresses the second phase of this cycle, that of two people exploring the world around them. Just like its predecessor, 2011 Renault Captur defines the simple, sensuous and warm style that will be progressively extended to future Renault car designs. “2011 Renault Captur is a fun and sporty crossover, ideal for a young couple about to discover the world”, explains Director of Design, Laurens Van den Acker. “It takes as its basis the fundamental design language introduced on the DeZir concept car but adds a more technical dimension – more functional but still highly sensuous," adds Axel Breun, Director of concept cars.

2011 Renault Captur

A CROSSOVER THATʼS ALL MUSCLE IN MOTION
In its proportions and fluid curves, 2011 Captur evokes movement and lightness, yet at the same time displaying powerful and muscular all-terrain cues. Just as with DeZir, angles, corners and lines have given way to sensuous and natural forms. For the exterior designer, Julio Lozano, the main sources of inspiration were athletes and radical sports. "In designing 2011 Captur, I began with the image of a sprinter on the starting blocks, his muscles tensed, and the energy unleashed when the starting pistol is fired," he explains The design also references equipment such as helmets, gloves and other protective gear used in radical sports, combining high technology with sophistication and lightness.

2011 Renault Captur

2011 Renault Captur adopts the new frontal identity first presented by DeZir. As with this, the identity has
as its centrepiece a large Renault logo, set vertically against a dark surface so as to stand out as clearly as possible. Substantial, matt-finished wings reinforce the designʼs visual strength. LEDs relay the direction indicator signal in a wave effect running the whole length of the vehicle. 2011 Renault Captur does more than simply stir the emotions: it is also a practical and versatile vehicle. It is fitted with a hard convertible top which, once removed, reveals a carbon fibre framework. 2011 Captur can thus transform itself from a coupé to a convertible, from an urban vehicle to an off-roader, while its overall sporty appeal is reinforced by its butterfly doors and big tyres fitted to 22-inch black and white rims. With its bodywork finished in a spicy shade of orange, Renault Captur takes its cue from the red championed by DeZir. This colour appears in a variety of different shades on materials both inside and outside the vehicle.

2011 Renault Captur

AN INTERIOR FULLY BATHED IN WARMTH AND LIGHTNESS
The orange theme has been carried over to the cabin which also features fluorescent highlights picked out by a constant stream of light. "My main sources of inspiration were the human body, outdoor sports and urban styling," explains the colour and trim designer, Kana Watanabe. "I wanted Captur to radiate warmth and dynamism." The interior of 2011 Renault Captur is designed to be both welcoming and occupant-friendly. The impression of lightness expressed by the exterior is dominant here, too, with the front seats attached to the centre console as if suspended in mid air. The passenger compartment is restrained and pure, with no superfluous equipment. Innovative and ingenious materials have been employed, allowing the designers to play with light and  optical effects.

The centre console, door casings and dashboard are formed using a translucent material rather like a second skin. At the front of the cabin, this includes a glimpse of the high-tech fibre ropes, luminescent in places, which have been used for most of the passenger compartment. "The whole of the interior is designed around this network of stretched elastic ropes which bring to mind the worlds of sailing or mountain climbing, They use graphics and light to bring rhythm to the overall design and reinforce the dynamic feel of the vehicle while also ensuring a lighter feel inside the cabin," explains the interior designer, Magali Gouraud-Borgers.

2011 Renault Captur

 AN INNOVATIVE CROSSOVER - STRONG ON PERFORMANCE AND LIGHT ON FUEL
2011 Renault Captur makes use of the Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine concept, developed from the new Energy dCi 130 that will eventually replace the 1.9 dCi. Downsizing is a key element in Renaultʼs strategy to meet its declared objective of being Europeʼs leading automaker for low CO2 emissions. The range of electric vehicles will run alongside internal-combustion engined models that combine performance with reduced fuel consumption. The Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo fits perfectly within this strategy. It produces 118kW (160hp) from a capacity of 1.6 litres thatʼs a specific power output of 100hp per litre. Peak torque (380Nm) is available from as low as 1,750rpm, giving powerful  acceleration from low revs, as well as refined performance under all driving conditions. Paired with a dual clutch EDC gearbox, this driveline promises genuinely enjoyable driving with CO2 emissions of less than 99g per kilometre.

Capturʼs performance is further enhanced by the RX2, a novel system that improves traction at low speeds. Should one of the two driven wheels lose traction, this entirely new mechanical self-locking differential transfers all or part of the engineʼs torque to the wheel with the most grip. Driving on slippery roads and tracks thus remains smooth and effortless.

2011 Renault Captur Interior

2011 Renault Captur also marks the debut of the Visio-System, an innovation that uses a forwardfacing camera mounted at the top of the windscreen to provide driver-assistance functions. This new technology is able to embed synthesised images into real-time images of the road ahead displayed on a central screen; this is the principle of augmented reality, aiming to enhance the driverʼs perception of the external world by superimposing purposedesigned elements. The system helps reduce driving stress, for a relaxed, reassuring drive.