Renault has selected the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend to unveil the new 2009 Renault Laguna Coupe.

The Laguna Coupe is powered by several power plants which include the brand-new 3.0-liter V6 dCi turbo diesel engine producing 235 hp (173 kW) and maximum torque of 450 Nm. Another version is the 3.5 V6 petrol engines which are mated for the first time mated for the first time with the AJ0 automatic 6-speed transmission it shares with the diesel engine producing 240 hp (175 kW) and maximum torque of 330 Nm.

With the engine configuration above, the Laguna Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds. The car also benefits from the best engines available for Laguna, in particular the top performing versions of the range’s two-litre petrol and diesel powerplants. The Renault Laguna Coupe measures at 4.64 m long and 1.83 m wide and stands on its 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. The car is also equipped with Active Drive chassis and 4-wheel steering system first introduced on the Renault Laguna GT Version which enhance manoeuvrability in town and also on twisty roads where it promise outstanding handling precision.

Renault Laguna Coupe will be shown in better detail at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show and will be available for international media road tests immediately after that. As the spearhead of the Laguna range, it has been designed to offer sheer driving pleasure and plays a key role in the Renault’s brand’s expansion in the upper-range market. Renault Laguna Coupe epitomizes this savoir-faire when it comes to motoring enjoyment and quality which is built into its genes and which can be seen in the finish which matches even the most demanding standards. Laguna Coupe will be introduced progressively across the Renault sales network from mid-October featuring a long list of luxury equipment.

The retro-penned racer is the work of coachbuilder and restoration specialist, “Creative Workshop” that’s based in Dania Beach, Florida. Dubbed “Sport Speciale”, this one-off creation was influenced in terms of styling by the designs of famous racecars of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s like the Ferrari TR59/60, Aston Martin DBR1, and Maserati 450S. Details include original Veglia gauges, a Nardi steering wheel, original Marchal and Carello lights and Magneti Marelli switches.

Car Details:

Body:

• Body constructed with exact “Carrozzeria” build techniques, as the famous Italian builders of the 50’s did. Body construction is “Superleggera” style.
• All body and chassis elements of car completely fabricated from raw materials – from special thermo-formable acrylic headlight covers to the shift knob, which was machined from a solid block of Stainless Steel.
• Panel “rub protection” in matching leather beading
• Color: Ferrari Rossa Barchetta, OEM code 320

Performance:

• Power to Weight Ratio: 4.95
• Weight Distribution: 1000lbs/Front (45%), 1230lbs/Rear (55%)
• Fuel Injection: 12 individual injectors and throttle bodies. Completely programmable – both on the acceleration and deceleration curve.
• Traction: Cutting edge limited slip traction control. No noise, no clicking, power-to-positive-grip-wheel.
• Handling: Racing, quick ratio rack steering, NASCAR-inspired fully adjustable front sway bar.
• Completely adjustable coil over shock absorbers, with multi-position rebound control valving.
• Fuel Cell: Fully Baffled, “1000 rivet style” hand built gas tank, Approximately 20 Gallon capacity.
• Mechanical, self-proportioning, 4-wheel race disc brakes
• Completely hand constructed header and exhaust system. Ceramic coated.