Finally, Renault showed the last of 6 concept cars in the design strategy initiated by Laurens van den Acker, called “Life Cycle”. For those who do not remember, we have Love (DeZir), Explore (Captur), Family (R-Space), Work (Frenzy), Play (Twin’Z and Twin’Run) and the last one is Wisdom, represented by the Initiale Paris Concept.
This concept previews the next-generation Espace, which is going upscale and enter the premium segment. The 4850mm long concept is described as having "the vitality of a sedan, through its emphatic grille and muscular shoulders, the character of an SUV, with large 22-inch wheels and sculptured wings, and the light and space of a minivan, through a generous glazed surface and innovative roof that plays with light".
One of the highlights is the aluminum and plexiglass roof. This roof has a map of Paris with the River Seine and the city’s districts and arteries. It also allows for the passengers to look up and see the Eiffel tower or anything else.
While the exterior may look like it is production-ready, the interior is clearly not. There is no b-pillar, a center console that appears to be floating, matt wood floor with high-tech aluminum set in a regular pattern, and the dashboard houses two screens that are built into the surface and curve of the console displaying videos and information on points of interest in the surrounding area. To finish, Renault fitted the Initiale Paris Concept with a Bose sound system comprising 32 speakers.
The Renault Initiale Paris Concept is powered by a twin-turbo dCi 130 engine with a maximum torque of 400Nm (295lb/ft), which in turn is connected to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission. This concept weighs 250kg (551lbs) less than the Grand Espace, emits 40g/km less CO2 and burns 25% less fuel.
Source: Renault
