Concept cars are often no more than an automaker's chance to dream about a future of fully autonomous vehicles, sweeping curves and Jetsons-style glass panels, but once in a while a concept is unveiled which has what it takes to make it to production.
And these days, no concept would be complete without a green drivetrain.
Cue Renault, Nissan's European partner company and co-developer of electric cars. Its latest concept car, due to be displayed at the 2010 Paris Auto show is an exercise in sexy performance EVs.
The DeZir is a two-seat concept with massive 21-inch wheels and a wide stance and low grill evocative of the Audi R8 coupe.
Unlike the Mercedees Gullwing SLS E-Cell we wrote about a few weeks ago which uses four independent motors to provide all-wheel drive, the De-Zir features a 110kW motor mounted in a more traditional mid-chassis, rear wheel drive arrangement.
Batteries are mounted vertically behind the single piece bench seat, placing both batteries and motor in the centre of the car, something Renault claims will give improved handling and better road manners.
Renault have hinted that the motor, capable of producing 167 ft lbs (226 Nm) of torque is a tweaked version of motor found in its Fluence Z.E sedan and Kangoo Z.E. utility van, which are set to be launched in European markets by 2012.
While the company haven't acknowledged the origin of the battery pack, it is likely the 24 kWh battery pack is the same one found in Nissan's 2011 Leaf and 2012 Renault Fluence Z.E.
A tubular steel frame forms the DeZir's chassis, while lightweight composite panels keep the weight of the car under 1,830 lbs. Suspension components are taken from Renault's Megane range and stopping power is provided courtesy of massive six pot disc brakes all round.
0-62 mph is achieved in five seconds, leaving the DeZir a little behind the likes of Tesla in a straight drag race and top speed is limited to a measly 110 mph.
2010 Renault DeZir Concept
2010 Renault DeZir Concept
2010 Renault DeZir Concept
2010 Renault DeZir Concept
2010 Renault DeZir Concept
Unlike other sports EVs, the DeZir offers both a 20 minute to 80% full fast recharge where suitable chargers exist, or a fast-battery exchange thanks to the Quick Drop technology developed with BetterPlace.
Renault have also worked extensively with French based Istitut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM) to develop a series of sounds which will play at low speed to alert pedestrians to the presence of the car.
Although it is only a concept, the range and performance specifications leave a lot to be desired for a car wish such bold design statements such as the massive rear air exhausts to provide cooling for the motor and battery and the car's quirky opposite-opening gull-wing doors.
Renault is obviously keen to illustrate its prowess in the electric car world, but if this concept is anything to go by we should not expect a performance EV from them for some time.
Check out the video below for Renault's computer rended video of the DeZir in action.
[Renault]
