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2009 Renault Megane images pop up online
Filed under: Economy, Euro, Hatchbacks, Renault 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Renault Megane III
Images of the next-gen 2009 Renault Megane III have leaked out onto the interwebs today revealing a more mature design for the French hatchback. The cornucopia of press shots show a five-door hatchback, and while we were told the new Megane III would sport styling inspired by the Megane Coupe Concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last March, we're not seeing much of a resemblance. These shots show a design with swoops, curves and ripples, while the Coupe Concept was much more creased. Regardless, we like...
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Gulf Partner: Renault's Persian-market, Maxima-based Safrane
Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Renault 
Click above to view the Renault Safrane in high resolution
The Persian Gulf is fast becoming a demanding market for luxury automobiles. So demanding, in fact, that some automakers have begun creating special models just for consumption there. Just days ago we brought you news that Rolls-Royce, having already shipped a golden Drophead Coupe for one special customer, was launching a limited edition Phantom saloon called the Peony edition. This, however, is not a special Rolls-Royce. We won't list all the ways in which it isn't a Roller, but will save your time and ours by listing instead what it shares in common. It's a luxury sedan, and...
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Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS
Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Renault 
Click above for hi-res gallery of the Twingo Renault Sport
After its initial unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, Renault has finally released full details - including pricing, equipment, and a whole $h!tload of new photos - of the new Twingo Renault Sport. Following the great line of eminently chuckable sport hatches from the French automaker - including the current Clio and Megane Renault Sport models - the Twingo Renault Sport upgrades the existing range-topping Twingo GT with a host of performance-oriented equipment inside, outside and underneath. Power comes from a 133-hp 1.6-liter 16-valve four-banger, and the Twingo RS comes right out...
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Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia
Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault 
Click for a hi-res gallery of the Renault Symbol/Thesis
As Russia develops into an increasingly important market for many Asian and European carmakers, the Moscow Motor Show is becoming a more important venue. Alongside such new launches as the Lexus LS460 AWD, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Audi RS6 sedan, Renault will be unveiling a new version of its simple Symbol sedan. The car will be sold in such markets as Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey and North Africa, labeled alternatively as the Symbol or Thalia. The styling is rather uninspired, and the mechanics are nothing to write...
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RIP: Dino Toso, 1969-2008
Filed under: Motorsports, Renault  The motor racing world was bereaved this week to learn of the passing of Dino Toso. The former director of aerodynamics for Renault F1 was diagnosed with cancer back in 2004, but continued to work until two months ago.
Toso came from the aerospace industry and started his career in motorsports in 1995 with BMW's GT program before being picked up by Jordan Grand Prix in 1997. He then moved with Mike Gascoyne to Renault in 2000, where he remained until this year, playing a central role in the back-to-back drivers' and constructors' titles which the team won in 2005 and 2006. He was named Aerodynamicist of the Year in...
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KERS gets Formula 1 green light for 2009
Filed under: Motorsports, Green, BMW, Honda, Renault 
Despite some serious reservations regarding the safety and high cost of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System
(KERS), the hybrid system has received the green light for introduction into the 2009 Formula 1 season. After BMW and Renault had some, uh, issues with KERS, Renault called a meeting to discuss whether the new flywheel-based system should be postponed until 2010. BMW Sauber, Honda Racing and Williams are apparently feeling confident enough in their own systems to resist the delay. Because F1 rules dictate that a consensus must be reached to change the previous ruling, F1 cars...
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Renault engineer commits suicide at factory
Filed under: Etc., Renault 
Employees and management at Renault were shocked and saddened to discover the body of William Millar dead last week at the company's racing headquarters in Enstone with a mortal bullet wound to the head. The 53-year-old R&D engineer had been with the team for 27 years, remaining at his post as the team changed ownership and name from Toleman to Bennetton and then Renault. Sources suggest that Millar had shot himself in the head with a firearm, and police are not treating the incident with suspicion. Our condolences to the colleagues, friends and family of the departed. [Source: F1-Live] Spy Photos, Hatchbacks, Renault  While French authorities go after the journalists and photographers who obtained images of the new Renault Megane, an undisguised, production-ready example of the vehicle was spied undergoing testing right here in the good old US of A.
The new Megane III was previewed by the Megane Coupe Concept unveiled at the 2008 Geneva show. The production version will be officially launched in October at the Paris show, where we'll be on hand to bring you live shots, hopefully without test crews trying to block the car. [Source: World Car Fans]
Coupes, Euro, Nissan, Renault, Rumormill 
We've been following the developments of Renault's revival of the Alpine marque since earlier this year, and its been confirmed that the first of several new models will debut sometime in 2010. From the beginning, Renault made it clear that Alpine would benefit from dedicated models, rather than rebadged or re-engineered Renaults. Earlier reports suggested something mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive and similar in size to the Mazda Miata or last-generation Toyota MR2, but a new report suggests that Nissan might be tapped to provide a platform and drivetrain.
The director of Renaultsport supposedly sat down with CarTribe to discuss...
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London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R
Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault 
While most of our recent hot hatch affection has been aimed at the Ford Focus RS, Renault brought its own racy three-door to the London Motor Show party, and now we're torn. Admittedly, the Focus RS is easily the more suitable day-to-day driver - it's got a full interior and air conditioning -- but the Renaultsport Megane R26.R has all the kit for a serious track-day assault. Hell, it even has two Rs in its name.
With the new Megane slated to appear at this year's Paris Motor Show, Renault wanted to give the current model...
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