2013 Renault Wind Roadster Spectacular

When it comes to convertible car technology, 2013 Renault Wind Roadster roof breaks new ground. Owners of soft top cars are often anxious when their vehicle is parked outside, while folding hard tops can take up a disproportionate amount of boot space when lowered and are frequently restricted to larger cars. As a fast, easy and reliable means of lowering and raising the roof, and to avoid encroaching on valuable boot space when the top is down, a rotating mechanism stood out as the best solution.

Minimizing weight is the single most important factor when it comes to optimizing performance. It also contributes to reducing fuel consumption, yet a high level of body rigidity is necessary to ensure faultless roadholding. Consequently, the engineering teams paid careful attention to eliminate vibrations and achieve a high degree of body stiffness (9000Nm/degree). To achieve this, they equipped the body with simple, innovative and effective additional bracing:
• strengthening bars underneath the body and in the boot,
• reinforced sills,
• a full bulkhead between the cockpit and the boot.

The sum of this work enables Wind to claim a best-in-class weight-tostructural rigidity ratio. Meanwhile, the low weight of the rotating roof (21.8kg) allows the TCe 100 and 1.6 16V 133 versions of Wind to tip the scales at just 1,131kg and 1,173kg respectively. The TCe 100: flexible and responsive (TCe = Turbo Control Efficiency)…In addition to returning the fuel consumption of an engine of its size, this feisty powerplant boasts the power output of a 1.4 and the torque of a 1.6-litre powerplant. It is equipped with a low inertia turbo which ensures minimal lag thanks to the fitment of a small-diameter turbine and compressor. Maximum power is 100hp (74kW) at 5,500rpm, while peak torque is 152Nm (3,500rpm).
 
The combination of the TCe 100’s small cubic capacity and low inertia turbo ensures responsive pick-up from low revs, with peak torque available at very low engine speeds and across a broad rev-band. The turbocharger includes a 'over-boost' feature which temporarily increases power output and torque (by 5hp and 6Nm respectively) in second, third and fourth gears at engine speeds of more than 4,500rpm. For added character, as well as extra punch and response, the TCE 100 engine drives through a short-ratio five-speed manual gearbox (JH3). The combination of the TCe 100 engine’s smaller cubic capacity and the technology it employs maximizes driving pleasure, yet its combined cycle fuel consumption stands at only 6.3 litres/100km (equivalent to 145g of CO2/km). Renault Wind TCe 100 accelerates from standstill to 100kph in just 10.5 seconds.

1.6 16V 133hp: a flexible, normally-aspirated engine with bags of character…Renault Wind is alternatively available with the Renault Sport Technologies-developed 1.6 16V normally-aspirated powerplant, the specially-tuned pitch of which serves as an immediate pointer to its fiery character. This flexible, high-revving, normally-aspirated 1.6 16V engine produces 133hp (98kW) at 6,750rpm and maximum torque of 160Nm at 4,400rpm. It revs swiftly and crisply all the way up to the red line which is set at 7,000rpm. With this engine under the bonnet, Renault Wind Roadster delivers plenty of punch and driving pleasure at low and transient engine speeds up to 4,500rpm, although it truly come into its own when pushed beyond the 4,500rpm mark. Renault Wind 1.6 16V accelerates from standstill to 100kph is just 9.2 seconds and boasts a top speed of 201kph, yet fuel consumption has been contained at 7 litres/100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 165g/km).

Safety is a strategic priority for Renault which builds on the results of work carried out by LAB(1) and from its own engineering expertise to develop the most effective safety systems for real world driving situations. Renault Wind benefits fully from Renault’s savoir-faire in the fields of both active and passive safety. Renault Wind benefits from Renault Sport’s braking expertise to deliver powerful, durable stopping power combined with a reassuringly progressive pedal feel. Braking is provided by 280mm-diameter ventilated discs and 57mm-diameter callipers at the front, and 240mm-diameter discs with 34mm-diameter callipers at the rear.

Renault Wind Roadster reinforced body structure notably features steel bars and tubing for the underbody and boot. Patented, innovative door bracing protects the survival cell in the case
of a head-on or side-on impact. The fixed rollover hoop incorporates the rear window and protects occupants in a rollover. The deformable steering wheel, retractable steering column and extensive padding help prevent traumatic injuries in a major head-on impact.

Plug & Music connectivity permits occupants to plug digital devices such as iPod, iPhone, USB keys and other USB-compatible MP3 players into Renault Wind's own audio. This system enables occupants to enjoy music stored on a portable player and allows them to scroll through menus using the steering column-mounted or radio fascia controls. Directory, file and tune names are shown on the separate display. The hands-free Bluetooth telephony function enables drivers to make and take calls safely via Renault Wind's own loudspeakers. The system automatically recognizes the telephone each time the car is started. An exclusive Renault function enables the driver to select an automatic ‘hold’ setting that puts callers on hold until he or she is in a situation where they can take an incoming call safely.

The radio automatically mutes when an incoming or outgoing call is detected, while telephone functions can be controlled via the steering column-mounted fingertip controls, with messages shown on the separate display. The Bluetooth telephony function also incorporates audio streaming, enabling favourite music stored on an A2DP-compatible portable device to be played wirelessly through the car’s loudspeakers.