Renault has made a habit over the last ten years of producing stylish transport for the masses and they appear to be keeping to that theme with the new Laguna GT. Renault class the Laguna GT as a sports tourer which should give an indication of the way the vehicle will drive. Two engine options exist for the GT customer and they are both exclusive to the GT range. A 205hp 2.0L turbo petrol engine and a 180hp 2.0L dCi Diesel should provide effortless trans-continental ability.
More interestingly, the Renault Laguna GT’s will come equipped with a sophisticated four wheel steering set up which Renault refer to as its Active Drive chassis. According to the press release some of the benefits are “enhanced manoeuvrability, rigorous dynamic response and unmatched steering precision”. It all sounds very impressive in what is essentially a sporty version of a family vehicle.
The exterior styling is improved over the standard Laguna models with the fitment of special 18 – inch Celsium alloy wheels which hide large 320mm front brake discs. 300mm discs slow down the rear wheels.
The interior boasts dark charcoal leather upholstery and aluminium pedals and gear knob। The Renault Laguna GT will be officially launched at the 2008 Geneva motorshow.
Press Release
RENAULT LAGUNA GT
A CONCENTRATE OF DRIVING PLEASURE AND AUTOMOTIVE EFFICIENCY
Stylish, expressive Renault Laguna GT introduces the new Active Drive chassis with four-wheel steering (4WS) and two exclusive high-performance engines in the form of the diesel 2.0 dCi 180hp and the petrol 2.0 turbo 205hp. Renault Laguna GT makes a sparkling entry into the select field of sports tourers, combining real and perceived quality with performance, safety and driving pleasure.
Not only does the Active Drive chassis with four-wheel steering break new ground on the sporting saloon market but it also brings a long list of real benefits which combine to reach new heights in driveability and active safety. These include enhanced manoeuvrability, rigorous dynamic response and unmatched steering precision which gives the driver truly intuitive control over the cornering line. The steering is immediately reassuring and agreeable, even at low speeds. In town and on winding roads, the car is easy to drive: agile and precise. The Active Drive chassis with four-wheel steering also excels in active safety, both under difficult braking conditions and during avoidance manoeuvres at speed. Sleek and distinctive, Renault Laguna GT delivers a unique and unprecedented blend of driving pleasure and peace of mind at an affordable price which is backed by a three-year (or 150,000km) warranty.
Distinctive GT styling
Renault Laguna GT's stylish looks express an elegance that goes much further than sporting ability alone. The lines of its long, steeply-raked bonnet highlight the purposeful front-end and grille which is redolent of the most powerful Renaults. The car's forceful character is further underpinned by its lateral air-intakes and headlamps with black masks. Renault Laguna GT sits on specific, generously sized 225/45 18-inch Bridgestone Potenza tyres, the DNA of which can be traced back to Formula 1, while the special Celsium wheels barely conceal 320mm diameter discs at the front and 300mm discs at the rear which provide plenty of braking bite.
The promise of the Active Drive chassis is also exuded by the aerodynamically designed sills which extend from the front of the car to the characteristic straight-section twin tailpipe at the rear. Sports tourer attributes run through to every last detail, such as the gloss black wing mirrors and smoked rear lamp units.
Sports interior
As well as appearing on the outside centre pillar, the exclusive GT logo is also embossed on the light grey alcantara of the front seatbacks. As on all Renault Laguna models, the interior design exudes a most impressive sense of comfort and quality for all occupants.
Sports design details abound, highlighting the exclusive capacities of the GT version: cross-drilled aluminium pedal, sports gearshift lever knob, dark charcoal leather upholstery with reinforced lateral support and special steering wheel. Extreme attention has been paid to materials and finish, true to the car’s unwavering commitment to pure motoring pleasure.
GT version with three-year (or 150,000km) warranty
Renault Laguna GT is available in saloon and estate forms, both of which occupy the topend of the Laguna range in terms of technology and engines. In addition to delivering best-in-class performance, driveability and acoustics, the very latest evolution of the 2.0 dCi engine yields exceptional peak power of 180hp/131kW at 3,750rpm, while peak torque of 400Nm is available from 2,000rpm. Renault Laguna GT is also available with a sports version of the two-litre 16-valve petrol unit (205hp/150kW at 5,000rpm; 300Nm from 3,000rpm). Derived from Renault Sport technology as featured on Mégane RS, it has been specifically optimized for Renault Laguna GT. The international media test-drive programme begins on March 20, followed by a staggered sales release schedule for most European countries starting mid-spring. Renault Laguna GT will be unveiled at the 2008
Geneva Motor Show
With its Active Drive chassis and specific powerplants, this is a car for demanding, imageconscious motorists. Yet it is remarkably affordable for a vehicle with this spectrum of features. Renault Laguna GT takes up a unique position on the sports saloon market, offering a sensational driving experience with total peace of mind.
Source: Renault
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