Renault has announced it will build a high-performance, plug-in hybrid version of its forthcoming Rafale coupe-SUV, promising 300hp and all-wheel drive, as well as styling inspired by the French company’s sibling brand, Alpine. The new model is expected to crown the Rafale range, which includes models with the same ‘full hybrid’ system as the Renault Austral and Espace.
Plug-in power
Central to the new range-topping Rafale models is a 1.2-litre plug-in hybrid system, which is based on the E-Tech 200 hybrid powertrain already seen in the Austral and set for use in cheaper Rafale variants. However, the more powerful plug-in hybrid system complements the existing tech with another electric motor on the rear wheels and a 22kWh battery pack.
Renault has also fitted a new turbocharger to the petrol engine, upping its peak power from 130hp to 150hp, and increasing torque from 205 to 230Nm. Combined with the extra electric motor, that gives the car up to 300hp and all-wheel drive, allowing it to get from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds - a 2.5-second improvement on the E-Tech 200 hybrid.
Moreover, the new system means the Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300hp will be officially capable of up to 100km on electrical power alone, while Renault is quoting 0.7 litres/100km as an official fuel consumption figure. More importantly, and arguably more realistically, the system will only use 5.8 litres/100km when the battery is discharged. With a fully-charged battery and a full tank of petrol, the Rafale will cover more than 1,000km before it needs to recharge or refuel - according to Renault.
Charging the battery completely from flat will take just under three hours, while a 10- to 80-per-cent charge will take just over two hours, thanks to 7.4kW AC charging that’s designed to work with ‘wallbox’ home charging points.
Alpine style
As well as the high-performance powertrain, the E-Tech 4x4 300hp will also come with a choice of trim levels inspired by Renault’s performance brand, Alpine. Things will kick off with the Esprit Alpine, which has become commonplace on Renault’s other models as a replacement for the old R.S. Line specification, while the Atelier Alpine will top things off.
That model will come with special chassis features, including dampers, springs and anti-roll bars developed with Alpine, as well as a special active suspension system that ‘reads’ the road using a camera and sets the suspension up accordingly. The car will also benefit from recalibration of the engine control unit (ECU) and specific Agility Control modes.
In addition to all that, the Atelier Alpine will have specific styling upgrades, including Satin Summit Blue bodywork, a black floating spoiler and 21-inch wheels with Continental tyres. Mats finished with the Alpine blue will also be added.
Renault Ireland has not yet confirmed how much the more powerful Rafale versions will cost, but with the car set to launch this summer, that information should come through fairly soon.