8/05/2008

Renault's Curvy New Laguna Coupé




WHAT'S THIS THEN?This is the production version of the Renault Laguna Coupé.THERE WAS A CONCEPT CAR LIKE THIS, WASN'T THERE?Yes, the sexy Laguna Coupé concept was shown at Frankfurt last year and, thankfully, the production version retains a lot of the concept's style.IS IT GOING TO BE ANOTHER 407 COUPE - PRETTY BUT A BIT RUBBISH?Well, the Coupé is more than just a two-door Laguna. Renault is pitching the Laguna Coupé upmarket and will use the GT's four-wheel steering and active dampers on all models. Two new V6engines will power the coupé also.NEW V6 ENGINES? SOUNDS INTERESTING...Indeed, they are interesting. The new 3.0-litre V6 dCi produces 235hp and 450Nm of torque while a new 3.5-litre petrol powerplant from Nissan will offer 240hp and 330Nm but is only available with a six-speed automatic.ANY OTHER DETAILS?Renault says V6 petrol can accelerate to 100kmh in less than seven seconds and all will have 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. Expect climate control and possibly satellite navigation to be standard.WHEN DOES IT ARRIVE?It gets its public debut at the Paris show in September and goes on sale shortly thereafter priced at around €50,000

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