Latest news with #FabriceCambolive
Auto Express
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Think a Renault 5 Nurburgring record attempt is madness? It's on!
The wild Renault 5 Turbo 3E flagship is heading to the Nürburgring for an electric lap record attempt, Auto Express can reveal. With 533bhp and 4,800Nm of torque from two electric motors and 0-62mph in less than 3.5-seconds, the Turbo 3E has the firepower to set a competitive lap time. The fastest production electric car on the 20,832m-long Nordschleife circuit (12.944 miles) is the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra saloon, which posted a time of 7:04.957 in April 2025 and has gone even faster in uprated, prototype form. Advertisement - Article continues below The Rimac Nevera and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT aren't much slower but it'll be the Tesla Model S Plaid (7:35.579) and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N's 7:45.59 time that Renault has its eye on. One record is odds-on – the fastest rear-wheel drive EV around the 'Ring – because strictly all-wheel drive cars posted the existing benchmarks. The 5 Turbo 3E packs two advanced in-wheel motors spinning its rear end and an aluminium and carbonfibre construction that should keep weight below 1,450kg. Much of this technology will be shared with the upcoming Alpine A110 Electric. 'The 5 Turbo 3E has the potential to do two Nordschleife laps at full throttle,' Fabrice Cambolive, the Renault brand CEO, told Auto Express. Can it post a respectable lap in the 7-minute zone? 'We will communicate it at the right time,' winks the boss. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below 'With its in-wheel motors and really low centre of gravity, it's like piloting a video game,' claims the CEO, slumping down in his chair and making darty hand movements with an imaginary steering wheel. Renault Group test driver Laurent Hurgon, who also races a Lamborghini Super Trofeo, is tipped for the record run. He posted the Megane RS Trophy-R's front-wheel drive lap record in 2019, a 7:40.100 time (on a slightly shorter loop) subsequently bettered only by the FL5 Honda Civic Type R. Advertisement - Article continues below The Nordschleife is a huge challenge for any electric car, with repeated maximum accelerations and decelerations taking a massive toll on the battery, motors and brakes, and thermal management of the power cells critical to prevent a drop-off in performance. Hyundai's European R&D boss Tyrone Johnson told Auto Express that computer simulation was critical to prime the Ioniq 5 N for its arduous 'Ring run. 'With the Ioniq 5 N, we were the first [EV] to be tested on the Nurburgring with an official lap time by Sport Auto, a German magazine. Before Porsche,' he said. 'We did two laps and simulated that for a couple of months beforehand, to get the battery temperature and the [brake] rating just right, just to be able to make the two laps.' Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Turbo 3E prototypes should be out testing in public soon, with the record run expected before the weather becomes too unsettled. The pumped-up little hatch takes its inspiration from the original mid-engined versions of the Renault 5, which first appeared in 1980. That number is the production ceiling for the Turbo 3E, with Renault claiming to have more than 1,000 prospects lined up for the £135,000 superhatch. 'We want to demonstrate that a pure BEV car can also be a sporty car,' says Cambolive. 'The sportiness of the Renault 5 is already quite good, now we can replicate what we did in the past when the Turbo arrived.' The 5 has given Renault real electric car momentum, says UK managing director Adam Wood. The charismatic supermini was Britain's top-selling EV in April and May, with 70 per cent of buyers retail rather than the fleet customers lured by low company car tax. And its formula – mixing a retro form and nameplate with modern details and zero emissions tech – is being expanded into the small electric SUV segment with the Renault 4. Order books have just opened, after a UK introduction at this month's Goodwood Festival of Speed. In early 2024, with Renault reliant on just the Megane E-Tech, EVs contributed about 5 per cent of the French brand's sales. The introduction of the Scenic E-Tech grew this to 15 per cent by the year's end, and with Renault 5 deliveries now on song, one-in-four new Renaults are currently electric-powered. This is critical to meet the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle sales target which is pegged at 28 per cent of passenger car sales in 2025. The boss is confident this share can be maintained with another EV – the Twingo city car – confirmed for right-hand drive and arriving in 2026. Configure your perfect Renault 5 through our Find A Car service now. Alternatively, check out the best deals out there on a new Renault 5 from stock or top prices on used Renault 5 models... Find a car with the experts Range Rover's secret mid-size EV: Inside its £500m factory Range Rover's secret mid-size EV: Inside its £500m factory We take an exclusive look inside JLR's revamped Liverpool site as the brand gears up for EV production Chinese cars will take over as Britain's best sellers Chinese cars will take over as Britain's best sellers With a dramatic rise in sales, Mike Rutherford thinks it's only a matter of time before Chinese cars outsell all other countries in the UK Car Deal of the Day: The Audi A3 Saloon may be posh but not at this price Car Deal of the Day: The Audi A3 Saloon may be posh but not at this price It's posh, well appointed, and refined to drive – the Audi A3 Saloon is our Deal of the Day for July 18
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Renault Boreal SUV launch set to boost global presence
Renault says it is set to strengthen its global presence with the launch of the Renault Boreal SUV, a new addition to its line-up aimed at markets outside Europe. The Boreal is designed to drive growth and solidify the brand's presence in the C segment across more than 70 nations. Last year, Renault's sales reached 1.577 million vehicles, with around 40% (560,000 vehicles) sold outside Europe. The Boreal is said to be a key element of the 'International Game Plan 2024-2027', which includes a €3bn ($3.5bn) investment to introduce eight new vehicles outside Europe, five of which are in the high-value C and D segments. The company aims to double the unit revenue per vehicle sold outside Europe by 2027 compared to 2019. Renault Brand CEO Fabrice Cambolive said: 'Today, I'm proud to announce a new chapter in this adventure: Renault Boreal, a true emblem of our ambition to raise quality and innovation on a global scale, bringing more value to our customers outside Europe and reinforcing our move upmarket." Renault noted that Boreal targets areas where the brand is 'under-represented' in the C segment, catering to the growing demand for family SUVs in Latin America and complementing the brand's offerings in the Middle East, Turkey, and the Mediterranean Basin, where SUVs account for more than half of the vehicles sold. The industrial strategy for the Renault Boreal involves production on two continents. The Curitiba site in Brazil will cater to 17 Latin American nations, while the Bursa site in Turkey will serve 54 markets, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Mediterranean nations. This approach aims to enhance logistics agility and optimise production expenses. With 4.56m long and 1.84m wide, Boreal features up to 24 driver assistance systems, including emergency stop assist, lane keep assist, and blind spot warning, among others. The rollout of the Renault Boreal will commence in late 2025 in Brazil, with subsequent launches in the rest of Latin America, Turkey, and other markets starting in 2026. Last month, the company launched two new-generation full hybrid E-Tech powertrains, enhancing the performance of the Symbioz and Espace models. "Renault Boreal SUV launch set to boost global presence" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
India Today
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Renault Boreal unveiled: A global SUV to come in India next year
Renault has officially unveiled the Renault Boreal, a new C-segment SUV developed specifically for international markets. Designed to cater to markets outside Europe, including Latin America, Turkey, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean Basin, the Boreal is the fourth vehicle under Renault's 3 billion international gameplan to launch eight models outside Europe by of Renault's global strategyBuilding on the momentum of the Kardian and Grand Koleos, the Boreal aims to solidify Renault's position in over 70 markets by offering a blend of elegant design, modular engineering, and advanced in-car technology. Production will be localized at Renault's Curitiba plant in Brazil for 17 Latin American countries, while the Bursa plant in Turkey will serve 54 additional Boreal is a true emblem of our ambition to raise quality and innovation on a global scale,' said Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault Boreal design At 4.56m long and with a 2.70m wheelbase, the Boreal presents a bold, sculpted exterior with refined lines and a lighting signature inspired by the Niagara concept. The SUV features 19-inch alloy wheels, a contrasting black roof, panoramic sunroof, and aluminum skid plates, giving it a premium yet robust the Boreal's cabin is built for families and tech-savvy drivers alike. A twin 10-inch OpenR screen setup dominates the dashboard, supported by a Google-native infotainment system offering seamless integration of Google Maps, Assistant, and over 100 apps, including Amazon Music and Prime SUV offers customisable LED mood lighting with 48 colour options, soft-touch materials, Blue or Cool Grey upholstery depending on region, and dual-zone climate control. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom, USB-C ports, and dedicated air vents. Cargo space is rated at 586 litres, expandable to 1,770 comfort and safetyThe Boreal incorporates up to 24 driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Emergency Braking, 360-degree cameras, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. A premium Harman Kardon sound system, tuned by electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, elevates the in-cabin experience with five immersive sound performanceAt launch in Latin America, the Renault Boreal will be equipped with a new-generation 1.3 TCe turbocharged direct-injection engine. Depending on the country, it will be offered in either petrol or Flex Fuel variants, with Brazil being a key market for the Flex Fuel option. This engine produces up to 163bhp in the Flex Fuel version, 156 bhp in the petrol version for Latin America, and 138bhp in the petrol version for Turkey. Torque output reaches up to 270Nm in Latin America and 240Nm in Turkey. The engine is paired with a 6-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic drive with multi-senseRenault's Multi-Sense system allows drivers to tailor the driving experience across five modes which includes Eco, Comfort, Sport, MySense, and the newly introduced Smart mode, which intuitively adapts settings in real-time, from steering and throttle response to lighting and audio timelineThe Renault Boreal will first go on sale in Brazil by late 2025, with broader availability across Latin America and other international markets, including India in to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
New Twingo e-Tech details revealed - and the EV will cost £17,000
Drivers after a cheaper EV with a pinch of nostalgia will soon be able to snap up an electrified version of the Renault Twingo. Renault boss Fabrice Cambolive says the Twingo e-Tech will be sold in Britain and the retro-inspired sub £17,000 supermini EV has 'huge potential' here, he believes. Like the new electric R4 and R5, the Twingo will be another 20th century inspired EV - this time bringing back the feel of the original 90s car in an updated electric form. The R4 and R5 e-Tech have both been hailed for being brilliant and budget, starting at £22,995 and £27,000 respectively, but the Twingo will top both price tags as it is set to cost £16,800 (€20,000). 'Accessibility to EVs is critical for the future, and Twingo offers something new for Renault, and for all car buyers,' Cambolive said. The news has yet to be given a definitive timeline but the Twingo's arrival was originally touted for 2026. Here's everything we know... Why is the Twingo coming? Cambolive said at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit on 14 May: 'I put all my attention on the challenge to launch Twingo in right-hand drive, because I believe a car under 20,000 euro equivalent has huge potential in the UK as well as Europe, both for opening up the segment because of its design, technology and dynamics as with R5 and R4, but also because it brings a new level of versatility for the class that I believe customers will respond to.' Confirmation of the Twingo puts Renault in a select class of sub-£20,000 EVs that are proving electric cars can be as cheap as combustion. Currently only the £14,995 Dacia Spring – the cheapest new EV in the UK - and the £15,995 Leap Motor T03 come in under £20,000. The new Fiat Panda EV starts just above at £20,995, as does the £22,715 Hyundai Inster and Renault's £22,995 R5. However, VW is bringing its £17k ID.1 to the UK in 2027, while Dacia has announced another sub-£15k EV will arrive soon and China's BYD has said its Dolphin Surf EV will go on sale later this year. At the Parisian concept launch in 2023 Renault Group chief executive Luca de Meo promised the next-generation Twingo will 'be a game changer once again like it was 30 years ago' and promises it to be a 'fit for purpose urban vehicle, state-of-the-art EV with no compromise'. He also said that a newly-formed spin-off design team has been tasked with fast-tracking the concept car's development into a full-production car in just two years. This is to match the progression of Chinese rivals he noted. He also promised that the Twingo will also be around 20 per cent smaller than superminis that currently sit in the smallest passenger car segment. The race to dominate the true budget end of the market and to make the chicest and cheapest supermini is on - and the Twingo very much puts Renault in contention for the crown. A nod to the 90s Twingo – how the Twingo EV will take inspiration At the moment all we've got to go on for what the Twingo will look like or what features it will have is the concept car which is loosely based on the first Mk1 Twingo. Launched in 1992, the Twingo got its name from a mix of the dance styles twist, swing and tango. Comparing the concept with the Mk1, it's clear to see that the semi-circular headlights have been carried over – although this time in LED-strip form – as have the rear lights and an updated version of the iconic upright rear window. The three air scoops on the bonnet lid are also nostalgic touches. While these were originally used to cool the 1.0-1.2-litre engines of the original Twingo, in the concept they show the remaining battery level instead. During the original concept unveil bosses said it should be available on finance for less than €100 per month (approximately £87), making it an affordable option The 1992 Mk1 Twingo was known to Europeans as a Tardis-like car because it was so spacious inside for such small exterior dimensions The EV Twingo will be the fourth-generation of the supermini city car and will captilise on Renault's current design success There are also circular recesses for the front door handles in a nod to the original, although the Twingo EV will be a five-door car unlike the three-door 90s version. The original car was famed by French owners for its Tardis-like packaging, with a surprisingly spacious interior for compact, city-car dimensions. Hopefully the electric Twingo follows suit. The interior has a similarly retro feel with a cylindrical-shaped dash, just with a modern digital driver display and landscape infotainment touchscreen. Since the Renault Twingo went on sale in April 1993, Renault has sold over 2.4 million Twingos worldwide. The first-generation Twingo alone saw production of 2.6 million units Original sales success of the Twingo The 1992 Mk1 Twingo was sold in Europe, but British drivers had to wait for the arrival of the second-generation in 2006 to get their hands on a right-hand drive version. The Mk3 version also came to the UK in 2014 with the unique selling point of having its engine at the rear under the boot floor. It wasn't a sales success though, with 2018 seeing just 877 examples sold to customers in Britain. Bosses axed it from UK showrooms a year later. However, if the fanfare surrounding the new R4 and R5 EVs is anything to go on the new Twingo EV will be shoo-in sales success.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic 1990s hatchback has comeback CONFIRMED for the UK with bargain start price
It follows the release of two other throwback hatchbacks BRING IT BACK Iconic 1990s hatchback has comeback CONFIRMED for the UK with bargain start price Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR car brand has confirmed that its new electric car will arrive in the UK shortly after its launch next year. British motorists will be able to buy the new Renault Twingo electric car in right-hand drive form after its initial launch, Renault boss Fabrice Cambolive has announced. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The Renault Twingo electric car is set to launch in the UK sometime in 2026 Credit: RENAULT 6 Its seats are colour-matched to the exterior paintwork Credit: RENAULT 6 It features a modern interior while maintaining the charm of early models Credit: RENAULT The car is due to launch in mainland Europe next year but there were doubts about its viability in the UK because of the cost of converting it to a right-hand drive. It is now in its fourth generation, with an affordable starting price tag of under €20,000 (£16,700). Autocar reported yesterday that Cambolive would be retailing the model in the UK following the success of the Renault 5 and 4. Cambolive said: "The UK is very important in terms of product recognition, because your legacy in terms of cars is very important. 'I've followed closely the reaction to the R5 and R4 [in the UK], and with Twingo the exercise will be even more interesting because it's not only sportiness, agility, design and practicality but we can play on versatility. 'The Twingo can be one of the solutions of mobility for the UK tomorrow. "You couldn't have the genuine Twingo in 1992, because right-hand drive didn't arrive until a generation after, but I will put all my pressure and my attention to get the Twingo for the UK as soon as possible [after it is launched in mainland Europe].' The success of Renault's other cars in the UK has reassured Cambolive that the costly risk of producing the right-hand drive model of the Twingo will be worthwhile. The interior draws on its original 1992 design, while modernising with a 7.0in digital instrument cluster and a 10.1in infotainment touchscreen. Its seats mirror the exterior paint, again referencing early models of the car which featured bold upholstery options. Nostalgia underpins the cars design, even in the small details, like the front seatbacks being adjusted using skateboard wheels. Its interior is designed solely "to make life easier" with features that prioritise storage capacity and utility. This includes bag storage cubbies under the dashboard, in addition to a full-width shelf to increase storage efficiency. 6 With a starting price of €20,000, its an affordable option for motorists Credit: RENAULT 6 The interior prioritises storage capacity and utility Credit: RENAULT 6 Previous generations of the car were not available in the UK Credit: RENAULT Previous generations of the car, like its first 1990 model, were only available in Europe. Similarly, the Twingo ZE, was never sold in the UK and went out of production in 2024.
