Renault’s latest concept car, Ellypse, heralds a new era of harmony between automobile and environment. Aggressiveness is banished from the soft yet structured forms behind its friendly personality, while the deliberately minimalist interior radiates soothing vibes- proof that charm doesn’t have to be contrived.
A cleverlydesigned car with new functions, Ellypse showcases the Touch Design concept for better man/machine interface.The Ellypse concept car also illustrates Renault’s commitment to sustainable development through its environmentally-friendly design: its architecture favours easy removal and recycling of components at the end of the car’s life-cycle, the newgeneration diesel engine reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions (85g of CO2/km), and it is equipped with advanced x-by-wire technology and 42-volt electrics.
Ellypse is a 3.9-metre long hatchback with undeniable appeal. The shape of its headlamps and of the radiator grille, which incorporates the brand’s new visual identity, give it a cheerful air. Its simple, non-aggressive contours, wrap-around windscreen and curved rear window make it hard to resist. Solar cells all along the transparent roof panel help optimize air-conditioning inside the cabin. Ellypse’s soft and natural colour scheme mirrors its gentle forms, with Blue-tinted Almond for the front and rear, and Ultra Light Blue for the doors.
While the left side is equipped with traditional doors, the right side reveals an original and innovative two-way opening system. Despite the absence of a centre pillar, the rear door opens either as a classic swing door to give direct access to the rear seats, or tilts from front to back. When the front door is also open, this second option completely frees access to the cabin.
Intended as a simple, welcoming and friendly car, - Ellypse is a bubble of optimism in the automotive world, - says Patrick le Quément, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design. With its deliberately minimalist style and Mimosa decor, the cabin has a feel-good, soothing atmosphere.
The long transparent roof combines with the vast glazed surface to let in light and give a wide-open vision of the outside. The shape of the dashboard leads onto the floor to create a gentle wave form that supports the four seats. The dashboard also adopts a streamlined design, with two central displays that neatly summarize essential data.
One shows driving information, while the second displays passenger information and can be folded away. A multi-function central control, built into the bottom of the dashboard and which can also be concealed, allows easy operation of most of the onboard features, including air-conditioning, radio, GPS navigation system with real-time traffic information, personal address book, maintenance manual and log book, and personalized servicing data.
Text and photos courtesy of Renault
