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Global Concepts (Part 1)
Renault Avantime
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Introduced at last year's Geneva Motor Show, Renault's Avantime four-seat GT coupe uses some elements from the company's VelSatis concept shown at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. Renault says the concept vehicle is a modern interpretation of its luxury sports models of the 1920s and 1930s-the eight-cylinder Reinastella and Nervastella-and is "a prelude to Renault's return to an exclusive area of the market." It includes a highly distinctive rear-end treatment with a wrap-around rear window and near-full-length glass roof. Built on an aluminum frame, the car's technology includes the novel parallel-opening door hinge mechanism that facilitates the use of very long doors without opening problems in tight places. For passengers accessing the rear seats, the rear side windows lower as the seats are slid forward. The car's interior is uncluttered and simple. The instruments are centrally mounted as in the Espace and the dashboard is dominated by a large, multipurpose screen for navigation and systems information that can be folded away when not in use. The rear seats also have screens fitted for information or TV displays. With its enormous roof of strengthened, heat-reflecting glass, the Avantime has an exceptionally light interior. The luggage area is in two parts, with a lower section for smaller items. Retractable lashing straps are fitted. The Avantime has a 3.0-L 24-valve V6 engine producing 187 kW (250 hp) driving through a six-speed gearbox. Tires are run-flat Michelin PAX. A "smart card" allows automatic unlocking of the doors and disengages the engine immobilizer as the driver approaches the vehicle. The card is then inserted in a dashboard slot to start the engine.
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