By: Jason Woosey
Paris - Though Renault's striking new Eolab concept is not going into production in this exact form, we have a feeling that there’s a few chunks of next-generation Clio and/or Zoe in here.
In fact, it is safe to say that this is a ‘virtual test lab' - given that it features 100 new technological developments that will gradually find their way into future Renaults.
In keeping with the times, the main aim of this technological expedition is to achieve ultra-low fuel consumption and thanks to its glut of engine, structure and aerodynamic technologies the Eolab concept achieves a combined consumption figure of just one litre per 100km.
HATCH OF TOMORROW
Renault sees this as a "feasible B-segment car for within the next decade" that will roll off production lines at a price Clio customers can afford and without performance or comfort sacrifices. It's about the size of a Clio yet it weighs around 400kg less and furthering its efficiency cause is a suite of active aerodynamic components that reduce drag by up to 30 percent.
The weight saving comes courtesy of a multi-material body shell that combines steel, aluminium and composites along with a magnesium roof that weighs just 4kg. Thinner interior trim components and lighter plastics, along with many other advances like ultra-thin windscreen glass, all play apart in this car’s major diet.
THE GREEN ‘BOND CAR’
Numerous 'active' components come together to make the Eolab concept slice through the air. As the car picks up speed the air suspension system lowers, as does the active front spoiler while the rear flaps open and the wheels morph to create a smooth surface as the brakes no longer need air to cool. It clearly wants to be the James Bond car of the green era.
Of course, there's a hugely efficient powertrain in place to make the most of these light and slippery advances. This comes in the form of a petrol-electric hybrid system that mates a 55kW 1-litre three-cylinder petrol engine to a 6.7 kWh battery that has a plug-in facility allowing the car to cover as much as 60km on electricity alone. Power transmission is through a patented three-gear clutch-less transmission.
At the helm of this assymetrical ‘three-door’ hatch, front occupants face a dashboard of flowing lines and a large vertical screen that links you to the R-Link system, which is pretty much an android tablet for the road.