The upcoming Paris auto show looks to be a good one, as several very interesting new concepts have been announced. This new Renault Nepta is just one more to add to the list. I especially find this new take on gull-wing doors to be of particular interest.
Snippet: Nepta is a combination of the dream car and the love of fine mechanical engineering...
The motor-driven gull wing doors open to reveal the interior and the engine, which is elegantly housed in its compartment. The centrally positioned door hinges are covered by polished aluminium panels representing a shooting star that runs the full length of the front bonnet, contributing to the impression of movement that the body shell creates.
The doors are fitted with electronic obstacle detectors and an anti-pinch device for greater safety.
Hmmm... I wonder how the doors work with the roof up? Certainly you would lose much of the ease of entry that the gull-wing-type door affords.
Check out the video here.
The doors are fitted with electronic obstacle detectors and an anti-pinch device for greater safety.
Hmmm... I wonder how the doors work with the roof up? Certainly you would lose much of the ease of entry that the gull-wing-type door affords.
Check out the video here.
ateixeira says:
08:36 AM, 09/11/06
To evaluate this car you have to toss out any ideas of practicality or even production. OK, so you can't open the doors with the top up. Who says there even is a top?
This concept it gorgeous. Best concept I've seen recently. Stunning.
God Bless the French for the variety they offer us, and this is no different. It's a work of art. If you put this in the middle of a dozen Ferraris and drove by, people would notice the Nepta, that would be the one they'd be talking about.
I see small hints of influence from Audi TT (lights) and even the GM EV1, but this is refreshingly new and unique.
A+.
rsholland says:
08:42 AM, 09/11/06
There must be a top. I can't imagine that it would not be designed without one. Assuming there is one, I would love to see how it works and interacts with the gull-wing doors.
ateixeira says:
09:05 AM, 09/11/06
There are countless beautiful details:
* the front logo incorporates the grille
* the side mirrors look like hanging landscaping lights
* the overall smiley face
* speedster front windshield
* exhaust in rear bumper
* lack of door seams
* unique CHMSL
* dual cockpit feel with the deflector in place
* and of course the doors and how they reveal the engine bay
I love it. Best concept in recent memory.
ateixeira says:
09:06 AM, 09/11/06
This is what the Chrysler Crossfire should have looked like!
rsholland says:
09:38 AM, 09/11/06
Speaking of Chrysler (and the Nepta), they're toying with a 300C 4-door convertible.
http://www.autoblog.com/2005/01/09/detroit-auto-show-asc-concepts/
ateixeira says:
09:43 AM, 09/11/06
Why not? They sell a lot of Sebrings, and being RWD and more upscale this wouldn't really compete directly. They should make it Hemi-only, though, to prevent overlap.
Heck, I might have to try one if they do!
vinnie08 says:
06:09 PM, 10/14/06
Agreed, bring on the 300C ragtop! Disagree on the overlap, though. The image of both cars is different enough to prevent that I think. Sebring = rental car. 300C = good looks/value/performance for the money...you'd buy this car.