2009 Renault Laguna Coupe

Head-turning, racy styling

The flowing lines of Renault Laguna Coupe’s elegant, uncluttered design express a blend of timeless beauty and the promise of sheer motoring enjoyment. There is no mistaking the legacy it has inherited from the show car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007 and from the Renault Laguna range at the top of which it is destined to preside. With a length of 4.64 metres and a width of 1.83 metres, its proportions are nicely balanced, while the character line which stems from the grille rises forcefully along its flanks, like a wave of air, gracefully underpinning the design of its front wings before extending rearwards to highlight its muscular haunches. The glazed area of its windows is shown off to its best advantage by a pure, flowing arc. Sitting on its 17- or 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels, Laguna Coupe’s stance exudes a sense of dynamism and power thanks to a wheelbase dimension of 2.69m and a height of 1.40m.

This sensation is echoed by the pronounced crease-lines of its long bonnet and by its new variant headlamps. The rear, meanwhile, features a very short overhang and broad, slim lights which give Laguna Coupe a bright, distinctive lighting signature which suggests refinement and power, especially at night when the indicators form a halo that picks out the contours of the thin red LEDs.

Four-wheel steering for an exceptional ride

Developed jointly by Renault Engineering and specialists from Renault Sport Technologies, Laguna Coupe’s technologically-advanced chassis guarantees the ultimate in dynamic performance. Its outstanding agility and stability set new standards when it comes to safety and surefooted handling, while the new car corners with unrivalled directional precision as if it were on rails. Following its introduction on the GT version of Renault Laguna, this chassis has naturally been carried over to Laguna Coupe and is particularly suited to being powered by the new car’s V6 engines. At low speeds, the Active Drive chassis and four-wheel steering system enhance manoeuvrability and it takes drivers no time at all to familiarize themselves with their characteristics. In town, as well as on twisty roads, the car is easy to drive and offers outstanding handling precision.

It makes choosing the optimal cornering line intuitive and further enhances the pleasure experienced behind Renault Laguna Coupe’s wheel, a feeling reinforced by the absence of transient dynamic phenomena through turns and by its directional precision at small low steering wheel angles. On the active safety front, the Active Drive chassis equipped with four-wheel steering excels not only under braking in difficult conditions (asymmetric grip, deployment of ESP), but also when taking avoidance action (the so-called ’elk test’). Meanwhile, the high level of travelling comfort ensures peace of mind for all occupants who can sense Laguna Coupe’s unrivalled active safety.

Powertrains with pedigree

Under the bonnet of Renault Laguna Coupe, the brand-new V6 dCi, which is destined to become a benchmark in terms of performance and driving pleasure, develops 235hp (173kW) and peak torque of 450Nm. The same figure for the petrol 3.5 V6 powerplant, which is mated for the first time with the AJ0 automatic six-speed transmission it shares with the diesel engine, is 330Nm, while maximum power is 240hp (175kW). In this configuration, Renault Laguna Coupe can accelerate to 100kph in less than seven seconds. Renault Laguna Coupe also naturally benefits from the best engines available for Laguna, in particular the top performing versions of the range’s two-litre petrol and diesel powerplants.

Immersive experience with Microsoft®’s Deep Zoom technology

Friday May 23 saw the inauguration of a bespoke Renault Laguna Coupe website. Building on the success of the Renault Laguna launch in 2007 (inside new laguna), the experience has been carried over for customers who wish to find out more about Laguna Coupe. The www.laguna-coupe.com website has been developed in an exclusive European association with Microsoft®. Thanks to a landmark innovation known as Deep Zoom technology, it has been designed to evolve constantly depending on the latest news to offer an immersive experience at the very heart of this exceptional coupe,.

Renault Laguna Coupe will be shown in greater detail at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show and will be available for international media road tests immediately after that. As the spearhead of the Laguna range, it has been designed to offer sheer driving pleasure and plays a key role in the Renault’s brand’s expansion in the upper-range market. Renault Laguna Coupe epitomizes this savoir-faire when it comes to motoring enjoyment and quality which is built into its genes and which can be seen in the finish which matches even the most demanding standards. Laguna Coupe will be introduced progressively across the Renault sales network from mid-October featuring a long list of luxury equipment.

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The essentials of timeless beauty

The flowing lines of the Renault Laguna Coupé’s elegant and uncluttered design express timeless beauty and sheer motoring enjoyment. There is no doubt that either the legacy it has inherited from the Fluence concept car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, or its kinship with the Renault Laguna range it now tops. With a length of 4.64 metres and a width of 1.81 metres, its harmoniously balanced proportions immediately position it in the world of classical Coupés.

Its elegant and dynamic design gives to the car a natural, non-ostentatious stature. On the contrary, Renault Laguna Coupé’s natural class and frill-free styling exude upper-range refinement.

RENAULT’S COUPÉ PEDIGREE

Renault Laguna Coupé announces Renault’s official come back in the Coupé market. Several concept cars have prepared the ground for this return:

• The upper-range Talisman Coupé exhibited at the 2001 Geneva Show,
• Wind, which was unveiled at Geneva in 2004. Its soothing, structured, coherent design expressed simplicity.
• The 2006 Paris Motor Show saw the wraps come off the Nepta concept car, a sporty, top-end cabriolet with a fluid and thoroughbred styling.

However, the concept car that most accurately reflects Renault’s Coupé styling ideas is Fluence that was revealed at the Louis Vuitton Classic in England in 2004. This sporty four-seater upmarket coupe showcased the underlying theme of Renault’s vision of what a Coupé should provide: the pleasure of movement. Indeed, its fluid lines and welcoming interior expressed the same kind of simplicity and sensuality that are hallmarks of Renault Laguna Coupé.

THE DESIRE TO CREATE A GENUINE HEAD-TURNING COUPÉ WITH A TIMELESS LOOK

Renault Laguna Coupé is the fruit of a bid to achieve a balance between modernity and timelessness. Renault’s designers succeeded in creating a genuine head-turning Coupé with a silhouette that ensures to never lose its appeal.

This is why Renault specifically paid attention in defining proper proportions and an overall balance.

Both the fluidity and the elegance of its styling clearly take their inspiration from Fluence, with its most salient angles softened to ensure that nothing prevents the gaze from taking its design as a whole.

The character line stems from beneath the grille and rises forcefully across Renault Laguna Coupé’s flanks like a wave of air, gracefully picking out the form of the front wings before extending rearwards to underline the car’s broad haunches. It then flows round the rear end and flows up over the roof before plunging the length of the bonnet along the inside of the headlamps.

This lightline, which is a Renault Laguna Coupé signature feature, is underpinned by a second line which takes the form of a flame that runs along the bottom of the body for a sense of added status. The curves, surfaces and generous sweeps of Renault Laguna Coupé’s styling combine to form a robust, reassuring design.

INHERENTLY DYNAMIC

Renault Laguna Coupé’s lines suggest a truly assertive character. The crown of its steeply raked bonnet and its broad meshed grille – redolent of the world of sports cars – point to a pedigree power train. The shape of the headlamps and the dark finish of their lenses accentuate the car’s determined gaze while Renault Laguna Coupé’s dynamic promise is further illustrated by its specific 17- or 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels.

The rear end features, a short 927mm wheelbase, contribute to the sensation of forward movement. The rear screen is smaller and puts more emphasis on Renault Laguna Coupé’s broad and powerful shoulders. Its dynamic potential is also emphasized by the aerodynamic diffuser which has been incorporated into the rear bumper along with the twin chrome square-section exhaust tailpipes.

AN INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURE FOR AN EYE-PLEASING DESIGN

To achieve the aesthetic forms of the rear-end design, the hatch is made of SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound), a particularly flexible composite material easier to ‘model. The multi-part stamping of the body’s side has called for a swan-neck boot opening mechanism which permits the tailgate to lift clear of the rear screen when opened. This constraint has given rise to a patented innovation: an ingenious architecture which houses the seatbelt reels and swan-neck mechanism in the same small space to the sides of the car.

TRUE BREEDING

The elegance and dynamism of Renault Laguna Coupé’s overall design calls on cues associated with the prestige of classic coupes. Its simple proportions and uncluttered, frill-free styling inevitably suggest class and pedigree.With a front overhang of 1,022mm, Renault Laguna Coupé’s long, low, plunging bonnet takes its inspiration from certain legendary cars, while the boot line, where the character lines cross, is designed to minimize drag. The arc formed by the glazed area is trimmed in chrome, another upmarket feature which underpins Renault Laguna Coupé’s status-enhancing calling.

Special care has been taken with the design of its lights which mirror Renault Laguna Coupé’s advanced technical specification. The rear lights employ LEDs which give more scope to designers and enable a greater spread of light. They are broad and slim, and wrap over to the car’s flanks to accentuate its stature and ensure a distinctive lighting signature that can be identified from a distance of up to 400 metres. LEDs also have the advantage of being low consumers of electricity, while at the same time benefiting from a far longer life expectancy than conventional incandescent lamps.

The standard bi-Xenon headlamps provide enhanced visibility thanks to their photometric performance and broader, farther-reaching beams. A particularity of bi-Xenon technology is that the same unit performs both the dipped and main beam functions thanks to a switching masking shield. This means that only one bulb is required, which in turn calls for less, leaving a free hand to designers.

AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE IN FAVOUR OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Aerodynamic efficiency plays a significant role in curbing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. A 0.02m² gain in CdA produces a CO2 saving of 1g/km and a fuel consumption benefit of 0.2 litres/100km at 130kph.

To help protect the environment, Renault has operated a shift on the current Coupé market trend by ensuring that Laguna Coupé tips the scales at no heavier than 1,428kg (2.0 Turbo 205hp petrol version) and by its particularly streamlined silhouette. Its CdA of 0.66m² has been achieved by optimizing the car’s superstructure (diffuser, lip spoiler, etc.), by its entirely fared-in underbody and the use of front wheel deflectors.

A COMFORTABLY-APPOINTED TOP-END INTERIOR

To match the saloon version’s high standard of comfort and quality, the front of Renault Laguna Coupé’s cabin features similarly plush appointments. The finish, appearance and perceived quality of the materials employed exude a sensation of harmony and well-being. The same ‘suspended’ dashboard sweeps from door to door with no visual evidence of a link with the console, while the door trimming carries over to the dash to encompass the radio and navigation displays. The doors themselves are finished in the same warm materials as the upholstery, providing further evidence of Laguna Coupé’s exclusive pedigree. The driver is pampered by a relaxing driving environment, with all the controls and displays carefully designed and positioned to make sure they are as effortless to use and take in as possible.

However, it is the rear part of the cabin that truly sets apart Renault Laguna Coupé’s interior design. With no middle seat, the two back seats have been brought closer together, yet without detracting from their remarkable elbowroom which stands at 1,440mm. Meanwhile, the black, soft-to-touch trim runs around the entire cabin and seems to envelope the passengers. This ‘lounge’ effect produces an unmistakably reassuring sense of protection, an impression reinforced by the standard central armrest which incorporates two cupholders. The top-end versions place the accent on dynamism and convey a distinctly upper-range feel thanks to 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels featuring an asymmetric 10-spoke design, the use of brushed aluminium inlay for the cabin and the aluminium-painted centre console. Meanwhile, the leather upholstery is available in a range of five colours, enabling buyers to customize the elegant interior of their Renault Laguna Coupé by opting for the combination of body colour and interior trim that most accurately suits their taste. For example, they might prefer a sporty interior featuring two-tone red and black leather on GT version, or else they might be tempted by more refined light beige hues, or the sort of classic, subdued ambience ensured by black leather upholstery.

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Chassis

Designed to deliver sheer motoring enjoyment, Renault Laguna Coupé features a raft of advanced technology for an outstandingly efficient ride and peace of mind. The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering ensures exceptional dynamic performance and manoeuvrability, plus precise, reassuring cornering in all conditions and situations. The 4Control chassis is standard equipment on all GT versions and is optional for the Initial V6-powered Renault Laguna Coupés.

A RENAULT INNOVATION FOR THE COUPÉ MARKET

Following its acclaimed introduction on the saloon of the Estate GT versions last March, the 4Control chassis is a standard feature of Renault Laguna Coupé GT and is optional for Initial versions powered by one of the range’s V6 powerplants. It combines with Renault Laguna’s particularly efficient suspension and was jointly developed by Renault engineering in association with specialists from Renault Sport Technologies. Its advanced technology delivers the ultimate dynamic and/or sporty ride, as well as manoeuvrability at low speed.

This surefooted, standard-setting combination of stability and agility permits Renault Laguna Coupé to corner with unrivalled directional precision, as if it were on rails. The 4Control chassis is standard equipment on GT versions but truly comes into its own when associated with either of the range’s V6-powered versions, for which it is available as an option on Initial. At low speed, the 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering ensures enhanced manoeuvrability and it takes drivers no time at all to familiarize themselves with its use and advantages. In town and along twisty roads, the car is easy to drive and offers crisp handling precision. Choosing the ideal cornering line becomes intuitive and further enhances the enjoyment experienced behind Renault Laguna Coupé’s wheel.

Based on specific settings, the control of body-roll gives occupants the sensation that car corners perfectly flat. Driving pleasure through the first turns of a series is augmented by the absence of transient dynamic phenomena, as well as by the car’s precise steering at low steeringwheel angles. On the active safety front, the 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering excels not only under braking in difficult conditions (asymmetric grip, deployment of ESC), but also – and above all – when taking avoidance action (the so-called ‘elk’ test). The reduced body roll is genuinely reassuring for occupants who are able to sense the high standard of active safety delivered by Renault Laguna Coupé.

4CONTROL: THE LOW-SPEED MANOEUVRABILITY OF A SMALL CITY CAR

The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering makes Renault Laguna Coupé as easy to handle in town and as it is agile on winding roads. At speeds of less than 60kph, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts, up to an angle of 3.5°. The 4Control chassis brings two benefits: a smaller turning circle for easy manoeuvring and smaller steeringwheel angles thanks to the more direct, specially-calibrated steering.

With the 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering, Renault Laguna Coupé’s turning circle is 10 per cent smaller than with two-wheel steering: just 10.10 metres (with 18-inch wheels) compared with 11.16 metres. The greater the rearwheel steering angle, therefore, the smaller the turning circle. This enhanced manoeuvrability is especially welcome in tight parking situations and along narrow city streets.

With the front wheels and rear wheels turning in opposite directions, the car effectively pivots, which means smaller steering angles are needed for the same turning effect. Whereas it takes a 16° steering wheel angle to produce a 1° turn of the front wheels on New Laguna with two-wheel steering, it takes just 13.5° with the 4Control chassis. And this drops to 12° when the rear wheels are turned at the maximum 3.5° angle in the opposite direction to the front wheels.

Because the steering is more direct, the driver doesn’t need to turn the steeringwheel so much, so the impression of manoeuvrability and agility is significantly reinforced. For any given bend profile, the driver needs to turn the steeringwheel less. Roundabouts are no trouble at all, and the car seems to weave effortlessly around obstacles.

4CONTROL: THE CAR TURNS AS IF ON RAILS

From 60kph, Renault Laguna Coupé offers greater steering precision. The rear wheels turn simultaneously in the same direction as the fronts for greater stability. In this configuration, it is almost as though the radius of the curve was bigger and the vehicle handles as if it had a longer wheelbase. This gives the driver greater control, almost as though the car is running on rails. The 4Control system with four-wheel steering counters the centrifugal force that tends to push the rear outwards round bends, and consequently raises the safe cornering speed. The rear axle follows the ideal trajectory, with a rear-wheel angle of less than 2° in most situations, for greater stability and efficacy. The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering combines exemplary handling, with sound, reassuring response for even greater driving pleasure.

4CONTROL: FOR UNPARALLELED ACTIVE SAFETY

The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering also contributes to safety and reinforces the sense of reassurance felt during avoidance manoeuvres (See drawing 1). In an emergency situation, the angle of the rear-wheels can rise to 3.5°. By constantly monitoring the way the steeringwheel angle evolves, the control unit is capable of sensing avoidance situations (when a sudden significant difference in the steeringwheel angle is detected) and the system adapts the angle of the rear wheels accordingly. Deployment of the ESC (Electronic Stability Control), which is specifically calibrated to suit a sporty driving style, is delayed to enable the manoeuvre to be completed more swiftly and more reassuringly.

The ESC is only activated when necessary, and is applied gradually since it is linked to the rear-wheel turning action. Via the ESC/ABS unit, the control unit also detects asymmetrical braking situations and automatically adapts the rear-wheel turn angle to keep the car stable with no driver action required. In conditions of asymmetric grip, the calibration developed by Renault ensures shorter stopping distances and compensates for any lateral deviation of the vehicle off its line (See drawing 2). The steering of the rear wheels enables additional braking force to be applied without adversely effecting stability. This enables the driver to stay in control during critical situations for an even safer ride in everyday driving situations.

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Engines

Renault Laguna Coupé benefits from the Alliance’s expertise in powertrain engineering for even greater performance and enjoyment. Two V6 engines are featured in the range of three petrol and five diesel engines that drive work through six-speed manual or automatic transmission. They feature a raft of technological innovations and a pleasant, telltale pitch.

FLAGSHIP V6 ENGINES

The brand new 3-litre V6 dCi (2,993cc) featured in the Renault Laguna Coupé range is poised to become a benchmark in terms of performance, driving pleasure and low noise. It delivers 235hp (173kW) and peak torque of 450Nm, more than 80% of which is available between 1,300 and 4,300rpm (155kW at 4,500rpm). Its internal aerodynamics have been engineered for optimal efficiency, while response is instantaneous thanks to the water-cooled, variable geometry turbo.Work on the turbine and compressor ensures excellent low-end torque plus power at high engine speeds, providing smooth, responsive acceleration all the way up to maximum revs (5,000rpm). Renault Laguna Coupé V6 dCi 235 reaches 100kph from standstill in just 7.3 seconds, yet it returns combined cycle fuel consumption of only 7.2 litres/100km (equivalent to 192g of CO2/km).

Careful attention has also been paid to the V6 dCi 235’s acoustic performance which contributes to the supreme driving pleasure it provides. It runs silently when starting, when idling and when driven at a stable speed, while the crisp sound that can be heard under acceleration and during transient phases is suggestive of its performance potential. It was this bid to achieve the quietest possible ride that guided its specification from the outset, as illustrated by features such as the stiffer structural casings (special cast aluminium compact structure cylinder block), large transmission mounting face, five-point engine suspension, camshaft play adjustment, sealed injector housings filled with absorbent foam and the high-pressure air system pulsation damper. The 240hp (175kW) petrol 3.5-litre V6 delivers peak torque of 330Nm at 4,400rpm.

This new generation powerplant already complies with Euro5 emission legislation and stands out as a perfect match for Renault Laguna Coupé’s dynamic performance credentials. In comparision with the other versions available for top-end Renault models, this engine features a free-wheel alternator pulley and an optimized accessory mating face compatible with the vehicle’s architecture. The combination of the air intake manifold’s design and elastic engine cover mounts frees up more space under the bonnet to ensure greater protection for pedestrians in case of impact.

For the first time, this normally-aspirated 3.5 V6 drives through the same six-speed automatic transmission (AJ0) as the diesel V6. Renault Laguna Coupé 3.5 V6 covers the 1,000-metre standing start in 27.6 seconds and returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 10 litres/100km (238g of CO2/km).

TWO-LITRE DOWNSIZING

Renault Laguna Coupé naturally benefits from the Laguna range’s top powerplants, especially the highest performance versions of the 2-litre engines coupled with either manual or automatic six-speed transmission.

The petrol range features the 2.0 Turbo associated with automatic transmission and a power output of 170hp (125kW) with torque of 270Nm. The sportier 205hp version (150kW at 5,000rpm, plus peak torque of 300Nm available from 3,000rpm) comes with a manual gearbox and profits from Renault Sport technology (Mégane Renault Sport).

It has been especially optimized to bring out the best in the 4Control chassis featured on the GT versions in order to combine performance, punch and sheer driving enjoyment. Its outstanding acceleration response has been achieved by specific work on the air intake and the use of a twin scroll turbo for reduced lag. Its versatility is characterized by the ultrasmooth ride it delivers in normal running conditions, as opposed to its astonishingly firm response when pushed a little harder. Renault Laguna Coupé GT TCe 205 accelerates from standstill to 100kph in 7.8 seconds and covers the 1,000 standing start in 28 seconds, yet its fuel consumption is a low 8.2 litres/100km (194g of CO2/km).

The diesel range is based on the 150, 175 and 180hp (110, 127, 131kW) versions of the 2.0 dCi (peak torque of 340, 380 and 400Nm respectively). The GT version is available with the dCi 180 which, in addition to its classtopping performance, driving pleasure and low noise, delivers maximum power of 180hp (131kW) at 3,750rpm and torque of 400Nm available from 2,000rpm. It revs freely and smoothly up to 5,000rpm and is equipped with a low inertia variable geometry turbo for extra punch at low revs, which is where it really comes into its own since Renault Laguna Coupé GT covers the kilometre standing start in just 29.6 seconds (0-100kph in 8.5 seconds). 

The dCi 180 of the 4Control version is equipped with a particulate filter and a more efficient EGR cooler, and is particularly respectful of the environment thanks to combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.5 litres/100km (172g of CO2/km). Meanwhile, thanks to its ultra-fast pre-heat sparkplugs, it only takes a press on the ’Start’ button to fire up the 2.0 dCi 180hp engine, even in very cold weather (minus 23°C). These Euro5-ready engines are equipped with a particulate filter and drive through a manual gearbox. A specific dCi 150hp version is available with automatic transmission.

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Audio and navigation technologies

In response to customer demand, Renault identified two priorities for its new range of audio systems: high sound quality and connectivity.

For optimum audio performance, Renault has joined forces with the digital sound processing specialist Arkamys. This partnership has led to the development of the 3D Sound by Arkamys® system which is unique on the automotive market and poised to become the Renault core range’s new audio benchmark. Arkamys’ tailor-developed digital sound processing software incorporated in the radio enables the performance of the existing audio system to be optimized and delivers remarkably superior quality sound.

For its top-end audio system, Renault has placed its confidence in the savoir-faire of Bose. Renault works with Bose engineers from a very early stage in the design process to produce complete bespoke audio systems which match the specific acoustic properties of the cabin of each model. The Bose® Sound System comprises 10 loudspeakers with neodymium magnets, a Bose® amplifier incorporating a digital signal processing system and a six-channel personalized equalizer. This set-up delivers crystal clear, distortion-free music and a high level of power. In terms of connectivity, Renault Laguna Coupé comes with a comprehensive choice of solutions, with an RCA socket as well as CD and MP3 compatibility. The new Plug & Music terminal incorporating jack and USB sockets will be available at a later date.

Renault Laguna Coupé is the first vehicle of the Renault range to benefit from this new-generation audio system. Improvements focused on two priorities – sound quality and connectivity – and the system aims to enable motorists to benefit from the best acoustic and sound technology.

The 3D Sound by Arkamys® system is available as standard equipment for Renault Laguna Coupé and provides access to outstanding sound quality and listening comfort. The tailor-developed software developed by Arkamys is incorporated directly into the radio and enables audio equipment to deliver a superior quality of sound.

The system features:

• Renault’s core-range audio system comprising a radio and eight loudspeakers,
• Arkamys® digital sound processing delivering three-dimensional sound (spatialization) and superior reproduction tailored to match the specific properties and materials of the cabin,
• A total power output of 140W with reduced risk of saturation and distortion associated with listening at high volumes,
• Optimized radio reception thanks to a dual aerial set-up.

Three-dimensional sound (or spatialization) is based on a realistic reproduction of the sound source. The sound is no longer emitted heterogeneously by the door-mounted loudspeakers and the tweeters in the dashboard; it seems to emanate from the windscreen as though it were emitted by virtual loudspeakers. The different instruments can be identified and positioned in space just as they were at the time of the original recording. The different spatialization modes available (‘driver alone’, ‘full car’, ‘muted rear’) enable the sound quality to be optimized according to where occupants are sitting in the car. For Renault Laguna Coupé’s premium audio system, Renault has chosen the unique savoir-faire of Bose® for a high standard of acoustic performance. This system, called the Bose® Sound System, was thought through from the very design stage of the vehicle in association with Renault Engineering. Following its introduction on Koleos, the Bose® system stood out as the natural choice for this exceptional coupe.

This made-to-measure approach is capable of reproducing clear, balanced, distortion-free sound, even at high volumes

The system comprises:

• Nine Bose® loudspeakers, including a Twiddler® mid/high-range speaker located in the centre of the dashboard and four tweeters.
• A Bose® Woofer Nd® incorporated in the rear parcel shelf.
• A Bose® amplifier incorporating a Bose® digital sound processor and a six-channel personalized equalizer.
• A dual radio aerial set-up.

All ten loudspeakers feature neodymium magnets which deliver 10 times the energy density of ferrite magnets. This means it is possible to use smaller speakers for the same power, while at the same time reducing the weight of the overall package.

The Bose® Sound System delivers sound of exceptional clarity and natural timbres. Music is pure and precise, voices are natural and the quality is very close to that of a live performance.

Renault Laguna Coupé comes with a complete range of connectivity solutions which allow occupants to listen to, monitor and control the musical content stored on portable systems.

Renault Laguna Coupé features new-generation analogue connectivity in the form of an RCA terminal. This standard equipment is situated in the cubby beneath the front centre console armrest. It enables all types of MP3 audio players such as iPods to be connected using an RCA cable. Occupants can consequently listen to their personal playlists via the vehicle’s own audio system and control the volume or mute function using the steeringwheelmounted fingertip controls.

The Bluetooth® telephony system is available as an option. Once the customer’s telephone has been paired with the system, it is automatically taken onboard each time the car is started, enabling calls to be made and taken via the vehicle’s audio system. The ‘automatic hold’ function, a safety feature specific to Renault, allows drivers to place calls on hold while they put themselves in a situation where they can talk on the telephone safely.

This system is combined with the Bluetooth® audio streaming and voice recognition functions which enable music stored on compatible portable players (A2DP protocol) to be controlled wirelessly via the vehicle’s interface: ‘next track’, ‘previous track’, ‘pause’ (depending on the portable player).

At a later date, Renault Laguna Coupé will be available with the new-generation digital Plug & Music terminal. This includes a USB port and a jack socket and will be located in the centre console stowage. The function connected to the USB port will benefit from the car’s dashboard display, including the name of the track being played and the menu tree of the portable player connected. The customer can listen to, visualize and scroll through tracks stored on their iPod using the USB connection.

TWO NAVIGATION SYSTEMS

Renault Laguna Coupé is available with two, complementary navigation systems. The core system is the attractively-priced Carminat Bluetooth® CD system which combines basic multimedia functions with a GPS system featuring traffic information, a 16/9 seven-inch colour display and Bluetooth telephony. Renault Laguna Coupé can also be ordered with the top-end Carminat Bluetooth® DVD system with 3D Birdview display, voice-activated navigation and an MP3/WMAcompatible six-CD multi-changer. These two systems incorporate a double tuner and dual aerial for outstanding radio reception, as well as sound source spatialization thanks to a Digital Sound Processor.

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Body

Renault Laguna Coupé naturally features the same high standard of comfort as the saloon version and accordingly enjoys an excellent positioning on the D-segment coupe market. It also benefits from the same suspension, acoustic performance, ergonomics and equipment as Renault Laguna.

Renault Laguna Coupé’s exterior design has not detracted from visibility, cabin space or ease of ingress and has successfully combined its pure, racy lines with first class travelling comfort. The comfort of Renault Laguna Coupé’s driving environment is on a par with the saloon version. The seats are firm and provide excellent lateral support.

Meanwhile, the results of customer satisfaction surveys relating to the saloon version of Renault Laguna enabled Renault to identify areas in which occupant posture could be improved. The cushions are more steeply raked, for example, and the front edge of the seat is straight to provide thigh support. Compared with the saloon version, Renault Laguna Coupé has sportier, more enveloping seats.

The suspension ensures a remarkably comfortable ride thanks to work on controlling vertical travel. The pressurized front dampers, bi-tube rear dampers and their respective calibration ensure smooth absorption of obstacles at moderate speeds.

Acoustic performance is another key consideration when it comes to travelling comfort. Renault Laguna stands out as the quietest five-door saloon of its segment and Renault Laguna Coupé naturally delivers the same exceptionally quiet ride. Engine noise, road noise and wind noise have all benefited from the careful attention paid in this area during Renault Laguna’s development.Work has been carried out on increasing engine-damping travel, including innovative solutions such as the fixation between the top of the gearbox casing and the battery support which enables the latter to serve as an acoustic damper (patent). This has enabled engine boom at high revs to be cut by 40%. Special care also went into the dashboard and the area at the base of the windscreen, with fins incorporated in the hollow sections (another patent).

Renault Laguna’s aerodynamics were honed at a very early stage. The windscreen-wipers are positioned beneath the bonnet line, while the special design of the exterior mirror housings and windscreen pillars reduces turbulence and therefore wind noise. Travelling comfort was also dialled in at a very early stage of Renault Laguna Coupé’s design. Neither visibility, cabin space nor ease of ingress have been sacrificed for styling reasons. Indeed, Renault Laguna Coupé benefits from the widest forward angle of vision of all its rivals (31.9°).

All occupants benefit from the work that has gone into the cabin layout. The saloon-type height of the front seat cushions (268mm) and the dimension between the floor and the roof lining (1,055mm) ensure highly appreciable front headroom, while Renault Laguna Coupé’s front elbowroom (1,476mm) figures amongst the best to be found in the D-segment Coupé market, and is only 12mm narrower than that of the saloon.

The constraints normally associated with coupe styling have had no adverse effect on the comfort of rear passengers, either. They benefit from elbowroom of 1,436mm, kneeroom of 172mm and headroom of 823mm, and Renault Laguna Coupé can comfortably seat two, even very tall adults (80th percentile) at the rear. Ingress is facilitated by the generously-dimensioned door-opening radius, while access to the rear seats is helped by the Easy Entry system which tips the front seatback forward and moves the seat itself forward by up to 240mm. For even easier access, this mechanism can be operated electrically (optional), in which case the front seat automatically stops if it meets an obstacle as it slides forward and returns to its original position.

Like the saloon and estate versions of Renault Laguna, Renault Laguna Coupé benefits from high quality thermal comfort. Thanks to the air-conditioning unit developed jointly with Nissan and the adoption of a high capacity, externallycontrolled compressor for the entire cooling circuit, the performance of the climate control system, which was conceived for such demanding markets as the USA and the Middle East, is particularly precise and responsive. Less than 10 minutes are required to cool a cabin heated to more than 50°C after being left in the sun for one hour in an outside temperature of 40°C to 22°C. The heater is just as effective thanks to the 1,000W electrical resistors that equip the diesel versions.

Careful control of the noise generated by the flow of air ensures that the system is particularly quiet.

The Soft-Auto-Fast controls for the advanced, innovative triple-action climate control are intuitive to use and positioned together between the vents, while the system’s automatic functions can be customized to suit individual requirements. The functions of the benchmark Auto mode take their inspiration from the market’s best systems and ensure an optimized trade-off between thermal and acoustic comfort, as well as quick start-up. The Soft mode favours a quieter ambience (up to 15dB quieter than the market’s best systems), notably for the driver and front passenger. Finally, the Fast mode responds swiftly and efficiently to adjust the temperature of the entire cabin.

Despite its coupe calling, Renault Laguna Coupé’s boot layout has not been neglected. Indeed, although typical Renault Laguna Coupé buyers are above all looking for a car with expressive styling, they still have high expectations when it comes to comfort and practicality. The volume of Renault Laguna Coupé’s boot is a generous 423dm³ boot which, in the absence of a conventional hatch, uses a swan-neck mechanism to provide extra clearance with the rear screen for easier access.

As is the case with Renault Laguna Estate, the rear seatbacks can be unlocked from the boot thanks to two controls which automatically and independently tip the 60/40-split seat forward. The maximum length of the resulting flat floor is 1.8 metres.

The list of equipment available for Renault Laguna Coupé is geared to improving the travelling comfort of the driver and passengers alike. Bi-Xenon headlamps with headlamp washers are standard. Their high photometric performance and broader, farther-reaching beam ensure enhanced visibility for a more comfortable, reassuring night-time ride. The bi-Xenon headlamps featured on the top-end equipment levels provide the added comfort of directional beams. They pivot horizontally through an angle of up to 15 degrees (eight degrees for the outer headlamp, and up to 15 degrees for the headlamp on the inside of the corner).

This system enables improved visibility of other road-users and possible hazards, which is an obvious ‘plus’ in terms of safety. Renault Laguna Coupé is delivered with a Renault card which controls the followme- home lights, automatic headlamps and windscreen-wiper activation, and integrated fuel filler cap release which facilitates refuelling. Optional equipment includes a front parking proximity sensor, electrically adjustable seats, heating seats (three settings) and the third-generation Renault hands-free system.

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Safety

The previous generation Laguna marked the beginning of a new era for the automobile by becoming the first vehicle ever to achieve a five-star rating after the passive safety test procedure carried out by the independent body EuroNCAP. New Renault Laguna, too, obtained the maximum five-star rating. Its score of 36 points out of a possible 37 represented a further step forward compared with its predecessor, providing further evidence of Renault’s expertise in the realm of passive safety. In addition to the equipment and components its shares with the New Laguna platform, Renault Laguna Coupé delivers reassuring on-road performance thanks to its precise, responsive chassis, braking ability and use of other class-leading technologies which address real-world motoring situations. The approach Renault has taken for its range as a whole is based on real-world safety and places the emphasis on incorporating the most effective technologies possible to ’prevent, correct and protect’, not to mention the awareness campaigns it organises for all road users.

A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO PROVIDING OPTIMAL PROTECTION FOR ALL OCCUPANTS

Laguna II was the first vehicle in history to obtain a five-star EuroNCAP crashtest rating, while New Laguna saw Renault introduce further innovative solutions in response to the results of accident research and real-world driving situations
to provide a more holistic and more efficient approach to occupant safety. To guarantee even greater protection, Renault Laguna Coupé has been designed to ensure that the latest-generation protection equipment is triggered sooner. A three-way algorithm now covers all the possible configurations to optimize performance in different impact situations (complex front impact, rear or side impact). This efficient set-up is founded on a system of eight airbags positioned all around passengers.

In the case of front impact, New Laguna is equipped with two new-generation adaptive, dual-volume airbags coupled with a seat rail position sensor on the driver’s side. The form and volume of the front airbag as it deploys adapt to the driver’s build (size and position), while the way the load is spread across the occupants’ head and thorax is also optimized. The three-point seatbelts are equipped with load limiters (400 and 600daN). The front seatbelt pretensioners act on the extremity of the belt reel.

This solution, combined with an antisubmarining airbag incorporated in the seat cushion, ensures that the groin is held in place and also optimizes the way the thorax is restrained in a head-on impact. The fixed central buckle has been designed to facilitate fastening of the seatbelt. In addition to simplifying access to the rear seats, this system enables the Coupé to offer the same protection as the saloon version. Both rear seats benefit from pretensioners and Isofix anchorage, while convertible child headrests are available as accessories. This equipment list is rounded off by the presence of rear seatbelt warning lights and audible seatbelt warnings for the front occupants.

Impact from the side is a leading cause of fatal injuries since the flanks of a car traditionally offer less protection. Specific work into this area has produced positive results on Laguna saloon, and Renault Laguna Coupé features a unique system comprising double side-impact sensors located in the front doors and B-pillars. An algorithm adapts the response time to the impact force and triggers the release of new generation dual-chamber, dual pressure lateral airbags which adjust the degree of protection applied to the more fragile thorax and to the more robust groin area. Legislation dictates that the system be effective up to 50kph, but the protection afforded by Renault Laguna Coupé is effective up to 70kph. A close look has been taken, too, at the seat-frames themselves for even greater efficiency and comfort. Despite the slimmer front seatbacks, the passengers’ backs can sink freely into the seat and protection of the neck in the case of rear impact is enhanced thanks to new-generation headrests into which the fixation rods are incorporated.

SAFETY IN ITS GENES… AND EQUIPMENT

Keeping weight to a minimum not only enhances driving enjoyment but it also makes a major contribution to safety performance since it means shorter braking distances (active safety) and less inertia in an impact (passive). As was the case for the saloon version, which was the first new Renault model to be lighter than its predecessor (average weight gain: 15kg, and up to 65kg for the 110hp éco² diesel version), careful attention was paid to keeping the weight of Renault Laguna Coupé to a minimum. In addition to the use of Very, Very High Elastic Limit Steel and hot stamping, the Laguna Coupé’s torsional stiffness has been improved by up to 25% compared with the saloon. The digitally pre-dimensioned programmed crumple body structure has been engineered to absorb impact energy more efficiently and spare the cabin under impact to provide the best possible protection for occupants.

The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering (standard on the GT version, optional for V6-engined versions) stands out as a major innovation on the active safety front. In addition to the outstanding handling it delivers, which in turn clearly contributes to safety, Renault Laguna Coupé boasts class-topping braking performance. The new control unit/hydraulic unit incorporates a more precise and faster emergency brake assist system which is unaffected by mechanical variations.

Thanks to a ‘pre-fill’ function, this system anticipates the demand for brake pressure whenever the foot lifts suddenly off the accelerator pedal. The quality of the chassis, combined with a more precise, auto-adaptive digital model of the car’s dynamics, permits more rigorous anticipation of emergency situations. ABS and ESC are standard and more efficient, and deploy at exactly the right moment to eliminate jolting. Combined with the 4Control chassis, they optimize braking performance and benefit steering when it comes to carrying out obstacle avoidance or in conditions of low or asymmetric grip.

Meanwhile, work on ergonomics has left the driver free to concentrate on the road. The graphics used for dashboard data and information are even easier to take in, while the matrix display features a range of colours and configurations. Bi-Xenon headlamps are available for all versions of Renault Laguna Coupé, either optionally or as standard equipment, and can even be directional, turning into the corner as a function of the car’s speed and steeringwheel angle. The Renault Laguna Coupé range benefits from a long list of aids that enable the driver to focus on the job of driving. These include a speed limiter with cruise control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a navigation system and Bluetooth® telephony with fingertip remote control or voice recognition, automatic headlamp and windscreen-wiper activation, and front and rear parking proximity sensors.

A PRAGMATIC, COMMITTED APPROACH

Renault’s approach to safety is based on the lessons taught by research into real-life accident situations with a view to developing effective solutions that address actual driving conditions. It consequently focuses on technologies that aim to prevent accidents from happening in the first place, correct unexpected situations and protect occupants should an impact occur. Renault’s holistic view is not restricted to the deployment of safety equipment and technology alone. Over the years, the brand has emerged as the benchmark when it comes to automotive safety, as illustrated by the results it has achieved in media ratings. Indeed, it is the only manufacturer to have seen ten of its models achieve the maximum crash-test rating, and Renault Laguna Coupé has naturally benefited from this expertise.