Find out more on the birth of Twin’Z, thanks to Laurens van den Acker and Ross Lovegrove :

First reaction may come from Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President Corporate Design: “Renault Design must remain attentive and open-minded at all times. We need to be attentive to new trends in order to stay ahead of the game, while an open-mind that embraces all sectors of activity is necessary to inspire innovation. There are numerous bridges between the work of Ross Lovegrove – which combines beauty and intelligence thanks to an approach inspired by the living, natural world – and the strategy we have been working on for three years now at Renault, producing designs that are sensuous, based on simple emotions and close to the public. Twin’Z provided us with the ideal opportunity to place the process of automotive design under a different spotlight, a process which straddles the boundary between the world of the automobile and that of furniture. For this mission, we called on the creative input of one of today’s most talented designers, and the Milan Show provided us with the ideal setting in which to reveal our latest concept car.”

As the ‘Play’ petal of Renault Design’s life-cycle ‘flower’, Twin’Z is the latest concept car in the programme which sets out to illustrate Renault’s new design strategy through parallels with threshold phases of human existence. Twin’Z is a fun, modern, artistic take on the city-car which plays on emotions and excites the senses. It draws its inspiration from the heritage of some of the brand’s most emblematic models, such as the Renault 5 and Renault Twingo. The Twin’Z is an all-electric car with rear-wheel drive and a rear-mounted motor.

Renault invited British designer Ross Lovegrove to add some design flourishes and the result is an arresting blend of technology and refinement. Ross Lovegrove was given a free hand to imagine a cabin that is truly occupant-friendly. This project eloquently illustrates the many possible sources of inspiration that can drive Design and represents an original approach to the city-car.

Ross Lovegrove’s personal vision of the automobile takes its inspiration from the world of nature, and the result combines an unprecedented play on light and organic forms to make Z28RL an endearing, almost living object.

Inspirations behind Renault Captur’s exterior design:

Innovations and ideas: the interior of Renault Captur:

Don’t you think Captur’s styling will come across as rather too sensible compared with the much more radical design of the concept car of the same name?

Not at all! Captur steps right into a boom segment with high-appeal styling, extensive customization capabilities (such as two-tone paintwork), and a highly persuasive profile.

With today’s emphasis on a global outlook, carmakers’ eyes are turning increasingly to emerging markets, so how does this influence the design of Renault cars?

Though design trends tend to be universal, people’s budgets are anything but. So our challenge is to create cars that embody our values – human, sensory and emotional – and are priced right for our various markets. Response to the Captur photos we released has been overwhelmingly positive, worldwide. Our aim is to make cars that appeal to motorists irrespective of geographical location. It can be done: I’m sure of that.

What are the origins of two-tone paintwork, an increasingly commonplace design trend?

Two-tone paintwork is almost as old as the motorcar itself, but until fairly recently it wasn’t really a viable proposition for volume production models. Technological breakthroughs open it up to a larger market today, and that fits in neatly with Renault’s take on innovation for all.

Is Captur primarily a man’s car, or a woman’s?

Customer surveys show that Captur appeals to a much broader section of the public that we’d initially thought: families with young children; seniors who appreciate the car’s practicality, high driving position and youthful image; and young motorists aspiring to a car that matches their exuberant, inquisitive outlook as they start out in active life.

The crossover format has become a must for most carmakers today, so what exactly sets Captur apart from the rest of the field, and how will Renault be facing up to brands like Kia?

Renault Captur is true to Renault’s background and know-how, as expressed by the “voitures à vivre” (“Cars for living”) ethic. Compared to other crossovers it comes across as particularly modern and innovative, and that applies especially to the car interior, which offers a unique range of groundbreaking solutions.

When can we expect Renault’s next compact SUV, and will it look anything like Captur?

Renault will be fielding a unique and highly attractive line-up of crossovers, each with its own unique personality and positioning. But it’s too early to talk about exact release dates.

Will there be a 4×4 version of Captur?

In-depth, close-contact analysis of customer needs reveals that factors such as fuel economy, compact footprint and interior features greatly outweigh interest in off-road capabilities.

How does the exterior styling differ from that of the concept car?

You have to realize that a concept car is a bit like a film trailer. It’s designed to give people a taste of what’s to come. So it’s deliberately over the top on several counts: very wide wheels, excessively broad shoulders, a little cramped inside, etc. A concept car is great to look at, but it would hardly make a realistic purchase choice, because the people who buy cars have more everyday concerns in mind, such as practicality and running costs. That being said, we do want the car in the showroom to carry over the spirit of the initial concept car. New Clio definitely did express the DeZir spirit, and I hope Captur too will be true to those initial concept-car statements.

Will there be a sports version of Captur, along the lines of Nissan’s Juke-R?

That would be great, especially when you realize that our Clio RS experience offers all the ingredients for a truly fabulous project! That being said, no decision has been taken as yet.

Common features of these cars: their pricetag is below €55,000 and they have been marketed within the year. Conceived as a piece of sensuous sculpture, New Clio should be a heartbreaker for many voters. For the record, Renault won this election for the last time in 2007 with Laguna Estate. We count on your vote to celebrate the brand’s design renewal!

Schedule:

• Launch of the votes, December 6-16
• Quarter finals, December 17-26
• Semi finals, December 27-January 7
• Final, January 7-20

Announcement of the winning car during the opening ceremony of the 28th edition of the Festival Automobile Internationale on January 29, 2013.

Marco Barbieri (left) and Vincent Pedretti (right)

Renault Design América Latina (RDAL) was opened in 2008 to “inject some Latin American DNA into Renault projects”. How would you define Latin American DNA?

Apart from the economic side, Latin America has a different attitude to cars from Europe and other parts of the world. It is a more emotional, more explicit and also a “younger” relationship. Our job is to bring our cars closer to those aspirations by emphasizing their qualities… Latin American DNA can be defined as that “little bit extra”: extra punch, extra sensuality, extra value… and ultimately extra emotion.

The word “Latin American” is the key to this market looking for a balance between American “consumerist” influences and the “decadent elegance” of Europe. These are ideal conditions for testing new concepts.

What are your main achievements? The projects you are the most proud of?

Every year, RDAL works on around 20 projects of varying sizes… which adds up to more than 100 since the center was opened! The main projects have been 100% local developments like Sandero and Stepway Phase 2, Clio and the dashboards for Sandero and Logan in Colombia. Although each project is important and in general the newest baby feels the most special, the project the team is probably the proudest of Lodgy… That was the first full project on which we were in competition with the group’s other design centers. It was our proposal that was selected in the end… That showed us that we were 100% operational, and we were very proud of that.

The 2013 collection of Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan: these models have been redesigned by RDAL and are manufactured in the Curitiba plant

You have designed two concept cars so far: Sand’Up in 2008 and Sandero Stepway Concept in 2010. What were the objectives of these concept cars? Do you have other similar projects?

As well as an exercise in style, Sand’Up was an opportunity for us to test our perception of the market and the responses we could offer. As a result, many of the details and finishes were incorporated later into Sanderos and Stepway Phase 2. In terms of communications and products, we sent a clear message at the 2008 São Paulo Motor Show: Renault and Renault Design are here and will develop local products to meet the specific needs of the Latin American market.

Sandero Stepway Concept was designed to test the idea of a car that would appeal specifically to women in a traditionally more male environment. This approach has already been tried and tested by Renault in Europe but is still unknown in this part of the world. The feedback we’ve received has been very encouraging. We are now working on a strategy to strengthen the brand while building links between concepts and volume-produced cars. We are planning to extend presentations of show cars to Argentina, the second-biggest market in Latin America, taking our designs beyond Brazil.

Sand’Up Concept (2008)

Sandero Stepway Concept (2010)

You have adapted several vehicles for Latin America in the past two years, including Sandero Phase 2, Sandero Stepway Phase 2 and Duster. What were the specific aspects of those projects?

Because they share a platform with Dacia vehicles, those projects arrived in Latin America with some “entry level” genes, as well as some technical, economical and design features that did not suit the fiercely competitive local market where cost, although very important, is not the only buying criterion. The aim was therefore to reinject value and emotion while remaining within a tight economic equation.

Renault Duster benefited from the work of Renault Design América Latina

New Clio, which will soon go on the market in Brazil and Argentina, is being unveiled at the São Paulo Motor Show. What kinds of adaptations did you make to the vehicle?

Clio for Latin America was like a full phase 2 project. Exterior design changes include the front bumper, headlights, indicator lights, radiator grille, hood, tailgate door and wheels. As for the interior, the door panels were redesigned from a single piece, which is a technical feat in itself. The central console and instruments were also restyled. To give you an idea, the design area impacted was bigger than for a Twingo Phase 2.

Renault Clio will be the first model in Latin America to feature the new brand identity

How did you organize yourselves? Which divisions do you work with mainly? When and how are you taking projects in charge?

Firstly, it is important to stress that RDAL is responsible for the whole of Latin America, which means we work not only with Brazil but also Argentina, Colombia, etc. Generally, we work on projects assigned to Renault Technologies América (RTA). RTA is the regional engineering centre based in Curitiba, which handles the technical features specific to Latin American markets. Three RDAL employees are also based at RTA in Curitiba (overseeing surface design and perceived Design quality). All the major design-related events take place at RDAL in São Paulo, however, where we are on the pulse of new trends. Last year we have started hosting other countries from the region at Product Days in São Paulo.

As Renault expands globally, we are sometimes involved in projects that will also be marketed outside Latin America. The Design Range Directors liaise with France. We are always responsible for limited editions and model years for the local market.

RDAL comprises 14 experts of different nationalities, mainly from Latin America (Brazil, Argentina and Colombia) and France. How is this rich melting pot organized?  Does the melting pot also work when it comes to football?!

Currently 14 people work at RDAL, which is more than a football team. RDAL’s employees are responsible for exterior design, colours and materials, perceived quality, overseeing the surface design and managing the project. We are probably the only satellite design studio to have adopted the local language (Portuguese) as the official working language, which undoubtedly brings people closer. The diversity of nationalities, expertise and businesses is the strength and richness of our centre. The countries represented at RDAL have won 12 world cups, so we are hotly awaiting 2014! Fingers crossed!

What are the profiles, training and experience of the designers at RDAL?

The design team comprises four exterior designers and two colours & materials designers. Their profiles are highly varied, and they range from junior to senior with between 1 and 15 years’ experience. Most of the designers are graduates of Brazilian design schools, but we have one unusual case who trained as an engineer. Half of the designers previously worked for another car manufacturer in Brazil (Fiat, Ford or GM).

We do your designers get their creative inspiration from? Art? Fashion? The competition?

Renault Design is unusual in having developed, long ago, a design culture that extends beyond automotive design. The Milan Furniture Fair, the Venice Biennale, and other major international events are part of our “ongoing training” that keeps our minds open. Fashion, for example, is a very important source of inspiration for the colours & materials designers.

RDAL is located on the elegant Avenida Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, in the heart of the Jardins district of São Paulo, where Latin America’s most chic furtniture, art and interior design stores are found. Is that another source of inspiration and creativity?

RDAL is located right in the center of São Paulo, at a prestigious address: Avenida Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, the showcase of European design. So we can’t say it’s not a source of inspiration. But other nearby districts, like Vila Madalena, which are now thriving embody the renewal of Brazilian art and design. Incidentally, that district was also in the area where Design was looking to locate its new centre for Latin America in 2007. It is vital for us to be located in downtown São Paulo, and not on the outskirts like some of our competitors. It’s a strategy aimed at fostering creativity and to attracting and retaining young talent.

This second video will show you the designer at work…

Yan-Alexandre (blenheimgang.com), whose report – in French – can be read here, Ludovic (blogosports.com) and Adrien (blogautomobile.fr, the report is here) had the opportunity to discuss the highlights of the show, from Citröen to McLaren, Kia, Opel, Mercedes and Lexus. Laurens van den Acker expressed the sharp-eyed impressions of a world-class designer. It was also an opportunity to discuss Renault’s position on this highly competitive scene. Some extracts from a meeting that lasted almost 2 hours.

Onyx concept car. “An interesting project in terms of pure design that is inspired by Peugeot’s DNA. The sporty image creates a positive image for the brand. And it’s the first time that I have ever seen copper used in a car. And the dashboard is made of recycled paper. This is an innovative exploration of the use of new materials. And the Lion is back on the grill. Does this mean something? I also wanted to restore the importance of the lozenge symbol on Renault’s models. I found that it was too discreet, so I opted for a bolder and larger lozenge”.

BMW i3 Concept. “This may be a concept car, but at least it proves that BMW is taking electric vehicles seriously. Everyone needs to adopt this new technology, if it is to be taken seriously. Renault has stolen a lead with its Z.E. range, and the brand new Renault ZOE in particular”.

Mini Paceman. “This Mini is not so mini after all! It’s an interesting idea. They offer the most compact model in every segment (cabriolet, estate, etc.). And every car blends in perfectly with the stand. They offer a real automotive experience. This is what we wanted to achieve with the Renault stand, which is more celebratory, sensual and Latin, in line with New Clio. And the same is true of Dacia, with its stand that expresses robustness, with no frills attached”.

Hyundai Veloster. ”Hyundai has succeeded in completely turning around its brand image in just a few years, in terms of engines, design and perceived quality. Renault is engaged in a similar process. With our Energy engines, the Z.E. range and our renewed designs, we have an opportunity to make the automobile a sign of progress. It’s very exciting. But what is so interesting about the Veloster is that the future of the brand does not depend only on the success of this model. This is a sign of confidence. This is the advantage of being present on several markets. It evens out the risks, whilst allowing us to take more. And to test our customers’ expectations”.

Lexus LF-CC. “This is an interesting concept car. The graphics are distinctive and the exterior is very modern. Especially the shape of the rear lights. But the interior is strangely conservative. The front end is quite distinctive. Lexus is a premium brand that is not intended for the greatest number. So they can be more daring than a volume manufacturer that has to remain in the main stream. I believe that Renault must earn its position at the top of the range. Today, my job consists in consolidating our credibility with our existing models: Clio, Scenic, Espace, etc”.

Kudos to Renault Design and specifically François Leboine, Yasuhiro Suzuki and Mathilde Bancon who drawn this car unlike any other for receiving the “red dot award: product design 2012″ and “red dot: best of the best” awards during a ceremony that took place on July 2. Here’s what the jury said: “Twizy is a highly convincing and expressive transportation solution for mobility in the near future. This vehicle impresses the target group both through easy handling and its sophisticated concept concerning ergonomics and safety”.

Laurens van den Acker, Senior VP Corporate Design explains: New Clio was conceived as a piece of sensuous sculpture which stimulates desire. Like muscles, its curves express the dynamism radiated by the DeZir concept car. No acute or aggressive angles, just voluptuous curves that make you want to go up to it and caress it. So, what is your opinion about New Clio ? Feel free to leave a comment right here.

We look forward to drive the car to share our impressions. Let’s finish this post with a few pictures, for your viewing pleasure!