R-SPACE CONCEPT CAR

R-Space, unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor show, is the third concept car to be completed under the direction of Laurens van den Acker. It represents the "Family" stage in the company’s new life-cycle Design strategy. With a silhouette that is both sporty and sculptural and a playful interior, R-Space proves that a MPV can be cunning and innovative. It is also environment-friendly, as it is powered by a petrol concept engine that previews the new range of modular TCe engines, Energy TCe, that will be launched by Renault in 2012.

A fun and sporty car for the family 

The interlinking movement of the front seats is a return to the idea of a couple in love and playful backseat made up of cubes

Third phase of Laurens van den Acker's Design strategy, R-Space is a simple, sensuous and welcoming family vehicle. It also draws back to the sensuality of the first concept car of the cycle of life, DeZir. 

This family car features double doors which, unobstructed by any central pillar, give clear access to a spectacular interior designed to trigger strong emotions from the very first glance, and a feeling of space and openness.

The theme being that of the family, it was the image of the family Sunday breakfast that provided the inspiration for R-Space’s colours and materials. The tenderness and warmth of these shared moments find their expression in tones that are warm and "sweet".

The tapered profile of the side windows emphasises the dynamic profile, while the large windscreen and panoramic roof – the thickness of which gradually changes – transform the passenger compartment into a cosy cocoon of shade. The nose of R-Space adapts the new visual identity (centred on the large, vertically-oriented Renault lozenge), already used on DeZir and Captur.

In terms of interior design, the family likeness to the DeZir concept car is clearly visible at the front in the forms of the dashboard and seats. The driver enjoys a cockpit-like environment, with a section of the seemingly floating dashboard being specifically dedicated to driving functions. The interlinking movement suggested by the front seat backrests is a return to the idea of a couple in love.

The rear area of the vehicle revolves around children. With a flexible and infinitely versatile play space, it is shaped by twenty-seven cubes, powered by miniature motors. Four settings can be programmed, from an all-flat surface, to a booster seat, a table or a random configuration (only when the vehicle is parked) for children games. The cube in R-Space’s cabin is very much in evidence – to the extent of even forming the covering for the floor and door casings.

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An environment-friendly vehicle 

R-Space

A cockpit-like environment

R-Space is powered by the Energy TCe Concept engine. Packed with advanced features, this direct-injection petrol engine previews the new range of modular TCe engines that Renault will launch onto the market in 2012.

With a capacity of 900cc, this three-cylinder concept-engine is a product of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Mated to an automatic EDC double clutch gearbox, it provides the performance of a 1.6 litre engine, with a peak power of 110hp/80kW and 160Nm of torque.

The Energy TCe Concept engine offers technologies such as direct fuel-injection, radio-frequency spark plugs, an Exhaust Gas Recirculation Boost system, a pulse Stop&Start system – and even a variable-displacement oil pump. Its reduced CO₂ emissions have been kept to only 95g/km, equivalent to a fuel consumption of only 3.7 litres/100km, without sacrificing performance.

R-Space is also equipped with the Visio-System, a forward-facing camera sending information on the vehicle’s surroundings (traffic lights, pedestrian crossings etc), to the "DRIVINGECO²" function that indicates the best way to drive economically in each situation.  At the end of the journey, the "DRIVINGECO² Score" function rates the driver’s eco-driving performance, detailing various parameters such as the use of brakes and engine braking.

The fun side of improving one’s eco-driving performance is something that can also be shared in real time with the passengers : children in the rear playing video games on the seat screens automatically receive bonus points if the driver achieves a particularly good eco-score on a section of the journey.