The one thing that's predictable about the Paris auto show is that the vehicles that will debut will be unpredictable. Only the Tokyo auto show is wackier than the Paris show.
Among French automakers, Renault is sure to hold up this unpredictable theme, as they and others have been fine-tuning their art for decades. This year is no exception, as they will show the Ondelios, which is a luxury CUV hybrid. So they've covered all the buzz-word segments here, and have added the expected unexpectedness in terms of design.
For starters, the vehicle has gullwing doors, a feature usually reserved for Benz and Benz wannabes. It seats six, with six individual chairs. It's powered by a 2.0 dCi turbo diesel engine, with two 20kW electric motors at the front and rear that use a brake and boost system, recovering energy during braking then delivering it to the engine to boost acceleration. The crossover is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can deliver power of up to 4kW/h.
Renault claims a 0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds, as well as 53.2 US mpg.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: Renault Ondelios
ateixeira says:
08:10 AM, 09/11/08
The *new* Remington MicroScreen. Closest shave ever or your money back!
deagle13 says:
09:17 AM, 09/11/08
From the side, it looks like this thing is trying to give birth to a silver station wagon!
estreka says:
03:28 PM, 09/11/08
Only Citroen has stranger designs.
jriz says:
03:48 PM, 09/11/08
You know deagle, I was literally about to write the same thing. Damn you.
technetium99 says:
06:35 PM, 09/11/08
The style says Wallace and Grommit meets Aliens. This thing is almost hideous enough to be a French production vehicle.
billt9 says:
09:49 PM, 09/11/08
It would look like a decent spaceship if it didn't have wheels.
Too bad it has wheels.