Laguna coupé shapes up

The Laguna Coupé will sit above the forthcoming hatch­back and estate models, which will be unveiled for the first time later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The nag's pictures have been produced using inside information from Auto Express's French contacts. They show that the Laguna Coupé draws much of its styling inspiration from the Nepta concept car, which debuted at the Paris exhibition last autumn. With a huge Renault badge taking pride of place on the bonnet, flanked by vast headlights and a gaping lower grille, the Coupé certainly stands out. There is a sweeping roofline, complete with a panoramic glass top, while a radical rear end with an angular bootlid and tail-lights that stretch over the wings completes the stylish design. Inside, buyers can expect a sporty and luxurious cockpit with plenty of soft-touch materials and generous standard kit, including satellite navigation.

The car will also be spacious, with comfortable seating for four and a large boot. The Laguna Coupé is one of more than 20 exciting new Renault models which are due to be launched between now and 2009.
It will share its underpinnings with the new two-door Altima from partner Nissan, and use the 3.5-litre V6 from the Japanese firm's 350Z sports car. In the French machine, the powerplant will drive the front wheels and be tuned to around 260bhp. This should be enough to take the car from 0-60mph in less than seven seconds and on to a 140mph maximum speed.

The Renault is likely to deliver a more comfort-oriented driving experience than the 350Z. Renault is set to offer customers a choice of manual and automatic transmissions on the coupé when it goes on sale in 2008, priced at around £25,000.