The new Renault Wind, where you can choose between a 100 and 133 hp engine for everyday driving pleasure...  

The French manufacturer sees the Geneva Motor Show as a chance to revive the tradition of affordable cars that place the emphasis on motoring enjoyment thanks to a combination of exciting styling, performance and innovative ideas. Not surprisingly, Renault has chosen Geneva to premiere two new convertible models: New Renault Megane Coupé-Cabriolet and Renault Wind. The former is the brand's fourth consecutive C-segment cabriolet, and the Renault Wind brings literally a breath of fresh air with an inventive, fun-to-drive coupé-roadster that lends itself perfectly to everyday motoring..

The Clio Gordini R.S. packs a 2.0-litre 16-valve engine generating 203 horsepower and 215Nm...

The addition of GT and GT Line versions to the Megane catalogue provides the model's line-up with even racier, more distinctive appeal thanks to a mix of good looks with a carefully-tuned chassis and a range of responsive engines.

Another exciting development is the extension of the Gordini 'French Touch' treatment to include Clio Renault Sport. The smart blue livery and famous white racing stripes are now available for two Renault hot hatches, namely Twingo Gordini R.S. and Clio Gordini R.S..

EDC technology…  

Renault has stepped up its effort on the environmental front and has chosen the Geneva Motor Show to introduce their “Efficient Dual Clutch” (EDC), which combines the comfort associated with automatic transmissions with the response of a manual gearbox. It is a new, six-speed gearbox combined with the use of a dual dry clutch combined with electric actuators, which is a world first. The first of the two clutches looks after the odd-number gears (1st, 3rd and 5th), while the second covers the even-number gears (2nd, 4th and 6th), as well as reverse. The gears are carried by four shafts: two concentric primary shafts (each of which is connected to a clutch) and two secondary shafts. Gears are matched by means of synchronizers, as is the case with a manual gearbox. These synchronizers, like the clutches, are operated by electric actuators which are in turn controlled by a control unit.

The gearlever of the EDC looks and feels like a normal automatic box, a flick of the gearlever to the left lets you select manual mode.

Reassuringly smooth, fast gear changes

As with any automatic transmission, gearshifts are carried out under load, i.e. the transmission of torque from the engine to the wheels is not interrupted.

When the vehicle is moving, one clutch is engaged and transmits engine torque via the selected gear, while the other clutch remains disengaged but connected to the next, pre-selected gear. At the ideal moment, the gearshift takes place by switching from one clutch to the other: the first clutch becomes disengaged at the same time as the second clutch engages, ensuring that traction is not uninterrupted during the shift (under load).

Gear changes are fast and jerk-free to ensure a reassuringly smooth ride.

Instant response to the driver's demands

With its six speeds and ultrafast shift time (290ms), the new EDC automatic dual clutch transmission is – according to the factory – “extremely responsive and is as enjoyable to drive as a manual gearbox”, whether in automatic or 'up/down' shift mode.

In automatic mode, the electronic control unit bases itself on a number of parameters to select the ideal gear. The system adapts instantaneously to the driver's demands by selecting the gear which delivers just the right amount of power at the ideal moment.

The driver can always select manual control with the 'up/down' shift mode. This new EDC transmission will initially be available for the 1.5 dCi 110 DPF diesel versions of the Renault Megane range. With this automatic transmission, New Megane Hatchback will emit just 114g of CO2/km. This will be the first automatic transmission to qualify for the Renault eco² signature.

The Renault Zoe Z(ero) E(mission) will hit the city roads next year...

Last but not least there are the Electric Zero Emission cars, The first all-electric powertrains are poised to equip Renault Fluence Z.E., Renault Kangoo Express and Renault Twizy Z.E. which are due to roll out from 2011.

... as will be the Z(ero) E(mission) Fluence...

The Renault Twizy Z.E., Renault Zoe Z.E. and Renault Fluence Z.E. concept cars were (of course) also on display in Geneva…

We look forward to driving these pleasurable new Renaults, and also the new transmission, keep looking at our site...  

Hans Knol ten Bensel