Renault Nepta
Renault's Nepta concept points the way forward for the firm's future models
This big, open-top, four-seater Renault concept, called the Nepta, may not have a production future, but its front-end styling and rear-drive platform are pointers to what the French firm has waiting in the wings.
The Paris show car’s nose hints at the look of the next-generation Laguna, due out next year, while the rear-wheel-drive chassis – a novelty for any non-two-seater Renault – suggests that Renault is investigating platform-sharing with Nissan’s Infiniti range. Infiniti is Nissan’s upmarket American division and its mechanical and dynamics know-how could help Renault finally break into the elusive executive-car sector.
Power for the Nepta comes from a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 producing 414bhp and coupled to a paddle-shift seven-speed automatic gearbox; claimed performance is 0-62mph in 4.9sec.
Amongst the Nepta’s clever details are 'gullwing' doors that hinge in the centre of the car and take the entire flank between the wheels up with them as they rise.
