da http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?n=178&sid=178

Spy pictures of a top-secret Renault prototype confirm that the state-owned French automobile manufacturer is working on a medium-size off road vehicle, due for launch in 2006. The prototype is currently being tested in the South of France.

At first glance, the test mule resembles an estate-SUV crossover of the Laguna Weekend estate, in the style of the Volvo V70 XC Cross Country or the Audi A6 allroad. But take a closer look and the following details are revealed, which indicate that this should be the first prototype of a genuine Jeep-style off-roader.

The rear end has been considerably shortened, the rear axle is moved forward, and the car has higher ground clearance and considerably larger wheels. All of these features of the prototype vehicle hint to a medium-size 4x4 model in the category of a Toyota RAV4, Land Rover Freelander, Honda CR-V, or Hyundai Santa Fe.

The looks of the prototype may be barely indicative of the final styling of Renault's off-roader. The main proportions, though, should get very close to the real thing. This includes the length, height, and width of the vehicle, the wheelbase, the front and rear overhang, the position of the greenhouse, and the size and position of the radiator air intakes.

Renault is developing the new model together with Nissan, taking heed of the Japanese company's long experience in the off-road car section. The Renault 4x4 is expected to use the European Nissan X-Trail's transmission, suspension, and brakes. Nothing has yet been confirmed about the engines, but most likely they will be four-cylinder diesels with between 130 and 150 hp.

The photos show the test car and a computer rendering of how the new Renault 4x4 could look.

sembra sulla base della vecchia laguna sw

si; appunto conciata cosi' e' orrenda

Beh, in fondo stanno solo provando una base meccanica: sopra ci possono mettere anche la carrozzeria del Pendolino o quella della Trabant.....

Ricordate quando Mercedes e BMW, per provare telai nuovi, ci montavano le carrozzerie dei rispettivi concorrenti?

E' sicuramente un muletto per testare gli organi meccanici, costruito con la carrozzeria della Laguna 1a serie...

già probabilmente sono solo prove meccaniche

si certo!! :wink: :wink:

gia' che c'erano potevano montareci la Renault 21 :wink:

Quando lo farà la Citroen proverà con la carrozzeria della AMI 8 ?

Pensate che per provare la base meccanica della 158 hanno mandato in giro per un sacco di tempo delle 166...

però la laguna prima serie... davvero poco mimetica, se provata così

ciao ciao!