09-08-2005
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault is presenting its new Egeus concept car,
a resolutely upmarket 4WD SUV with the seductive elegance and luxurious,
comfortable interior of a saloon. Thanks to its SUV size, Egeus offers a spacious
interior while its exterior promises solidity and a dynamic personality. The
longer bonnet highlights a soft, flowing design worthy of an upper-segment coupé.
The elegance of a saloon,
the dynamic personality of a coupé
Egeus is the perfect combination of elegance and
sportiness, power and solidity.
Its design is a natural continuation of the previous
concept cars Wind and Fluence and carries echoes
of a top-of-the-range saloon. Its flowing, homogenous
lines have nothing of the angular styling
usually associated with an SUV.
The front end is deliberately pared-down. By incorporating
the air inlets under the headlamps, Egeus has no
need for a grille, too brash for such a pure design. The
play of light on the double curve of the sides further
accentuates its flowing form.
This suppleness is evident in the way the bonnet
flows into the rounded windscreen, which, in turn,
blends seamlessly into the bubble-shaped glazed
roof. The bubble shape of the rear window forms a
continuous, flowing line with the windscreen in a
streamlined shape worthy of any coupé. The rear
window rests on broad wings that sit the car
squarely on the road.
With its longer bonnet, shorter front and rear
overhang, and rounded rear wings, Egeus has a
dynamic, powerful character. Its 22-inch wheels
combine with higher ground clearance than that of
a classic saloon to give this concept car its solid
stance. Inside, the seat height is designed for
greater visibility while reinforcing passengers'
sensation of comfort and safety. “The outside is about simplicity,
unity, sensuality. Egeus looks as though
it has been sculpted from a single piece.
The undulating lines and voluptuous forms
instantly suggest driving pleasure,”
says Patrick le Quément.
Upmarket, functional
and innovative
Egeus features four independent seats with all the
comfort of a luxury car. Noble materials and a subtle
blend of colours and textures distinguish the
spacious interior. The relaxed, elegant atmosphere
adds to the feeling of serenity inside the
cabin.
The “Cythère Blue” bodywork, the “manta
ray” dashboard and the blue-tinted hues of
the cabin evoke an underwater world.
The leather upholstery in woven beige
tones, inspired by a pixelated image of a
setting sun, creates a warm atmosphere.
The centre console, upholstered in
blue-tinted leather, echoes Egeus' undulating
sides. It incorporates three generous
stowage compartments in addition to the
two front-door bins.
The cabin is warm and welcoming thanks to
the glazed roof and a central strip with two
transparent sections.
The side door handles are flush-fitting so as not
to detract from the streamlined sides. An optical
sensor detects an approaching hand and pushes the
handle out a few centimetres, making it easy
to grasp.
The GPS navigation system calculates the recommended
speed which is then shown in the centre of
the speedometer dial, with its analogue and digital
displays. LED diodes around the dial flash to alert
drivers if they go over this speed. In off-road mode,
an indicator on the instrument panel is automatically
activated to show the car's attitude to the
horizontal and alert the driver if there is any risk of
roll-over.
At the top of the dashboard, a centrally-positioned
interactive screen relays information to passengers,
in particular a detailed trajectory map.
The intuitive controls are true to the principles of
Touch Design. The central rotary speed selector
benefits from simple ergonomic styling. The ideallylocated
multimedia control lever makes for easy
handling while the steering wheel-mounted controls
mirror the natural curve of the hand. “The interior is spacious,
comfortable, simple and discreet.
Aesthetically, it aims for minimum
intrusion and maximum well-being,
as what counts when driving is the
environment outside as it unfurls.”
Driving pleasure,
power and control
The 250hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, mounted
north-south, gives Egeus both power and
agility. Euro 4 compliant, it is fitted with a
particulate filter.
The fully-automatic 4WD transmission regulates
traction on the four wheels from 0 to
100% according to grip. This, combined with
a seven-speed flick-shift automatic transmission,
ensures a high level of driving comfort
while substantially reducing fuel consumption
and CO2 emissions.
Michelin
Egeus is fitted with Michelin Eden Weiss tyres.
Striking a perfect balance between sensitivity and
performance, these tyres are ideally adapted to
Egeus’ dual function: the adaptability of a roadgoing
vehicle that can also handle off-road conditions.
The front and back tyres are mounted differently.
These tyres are designed to better withstand friction
and in doing so reduce fuel consumption and CO2
emissions. The compact, closed tread minimizes
deformation and therefore energy loss. The long,
shallow grooves help reduce road noise while ensuring
a firm grip in off-road conditions. The centre of
the front tyres' tread, with a less open tread pattern
and water-holding capacity, is designed to transmit
power to the ground and provide good grip on wet
roads. The rear tyres have rigid shoulders for optimal
handling during cornering.
Thanks to the PAX System, Egeus doesn’t need a
spare wheel.
Valeo
Egeus’ boomerang-shaped headlamp function as running
lights and indicators, thanks to LED diodes in
two different colours. This optical system, developed in
partnership with Valeo, matches efficiency with an
innovative and compact design.
All light comes from high-performance diodes and,
as on Fluence, the amount and direction is adjusted
according to the steering angle.
On twisty roads, an electronic function automatically
directs the beam.
On motorways, the diodes are automatically activated
and modulated to maintain a constant and optimal
range without dazzle. Their colour is similar to that
of daylight for greater comfort and visibility. These
diodes have a significantly longer lifespan than any
existing light source.
Text and photos courtesy of Renault 
