Paris Preview: Renault DeZir Concept

It is only summer right now, but previews for the Paris Auto Show this fall are already beginning. The Paris show is the domain of French automakers, and Renault is preparing to launch a new concept.

Renault has always been known for being quirky, though perhaps to a bit less degree than Citroen and Peugeot. The Renault DeZir was created to demonstrate the brand's new styling direction.

It is an interesting decision, choosing to demonstrate the styling direction of a mainstream brand on a one-off mid-engined coupe. It's a bit odd, but we won't complain. However, don't expect to see this one on the roads anytime soon.

It is a bit difficult to really analyze the car and preview what future Renaults will look like. We do know the DeZir represents a whole change in approach, led by Laurens van den Acker, Renault's new design vice president.

The DeZir is the first major project under his leadership. It takes a different tack with flowing surfaces and a bright red paint job.

Fluidity is the key here. Axel Breun, Renault's Director of Concept Car and Show Car Design says, "DeZir is a statement of our new formal design language which conveys notions such as movement, sensuality and emotion through ideal proportions, in much the same way as an object whose forms have been honed by nature. The result is a warm, stimulating design that says 'Renault'."

The car also debuts a new grille design prominently, featuring a large Renault logo. We expect that this element, along with the unique headlight graphic, will be what makes its way to production Renaults. The rear looks good, and is the best angle of the car to our eyes.

As is standard issue for nearly every concept lately, the DeZir has electric propulsion, with a driving range of 100 miles. The pack provides power to 150 horsepower (110 kilowatt) electric motor, launching the 1,830 pound DeZir to 60 mph in 5 seconds.

The DeZir isn't terribly exciting because it is highly unlikely to be produced (this is as pure concept as they come). It is possible Renault could field a competitor for the Audi R8, but we'll have to wait and see. For now, we're extremely interested to see how this new design direction will translate over to mainstream Renaults.