Frankfurt preview: Renault roadster takes aim at MX-5
by Damon Lavrinc on Aug 3rd 2007 at 8:33AM 
Last year, AutoExpress reported that Renault was beginning development of a new roadster that would directly compete with Mazda's unrivaled (in Europe) MX-5. Fast-forward to late last month when a story surfaced over at Autotriti that the French automaker was planning on unveiling something special in Frankfurt next month. Today, AutoExpress has confirmed that not only is Renault developing a roadster, but production is expected to begin in 2009.
This new model, which may draw cues from the Wind concept that debuted back in 2004 at the Geneva Motor Show (pictured), may or may not be equipped with a retractable hardtop, but it's expected that there will be a wide selection of engine choices that will range from the subdued to the sublime; the latter involving the Renaultsport Clio 197's rev-happy two-liter four-pot.
We'll be on hand next month to see if the rumors will be rendered in sheetmetal.
[Source: AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jon 8:42AM (8/03/2007)
I would buy that.
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felipe 8:47AM (8/03/2007)
I wouldn't.
at least it makes the MX-5 look more manly
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Roger 8:51AM (8/03/2007)
Assuming you call the Solstice/Sky a US MX-5 competitor, then what do you call the Opel GT? There are existing competitors in Europe.
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Mike 8:53AM (8/03/2007)
It's....cute.
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no_slushbox 9:05AM (8/03/2007)
It's not really a Miata competitor unless it's RWD, but from the profile of this rendering it looks RWD. Their Nissan subsidiary better bring this over.
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ChucktownChuck 9:15AM (8/03/2007)
Rear wheel drive? I'm assuming they are tapping Nissan for rear wheel drive parts.
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Kowell 9:10AM (8/03/2007)
Is it just me or does it look like some sort of kid's toy... You'd imagine it to be 10 inches long and made of plastic
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Barney 9:11AM (8/03/2007)
They would blow it by putting on a retractable roof. The (Miata) MX 5is attracting customers that have no desire for bells & whistles.
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Jay Evans 9:50AM (8/03/2007)
Uhhh, the MX-5 already has a power retractable hardtop model, selling like hotcakes in the US.
chris 9:16AM (8/03/2007)
More importantly, if Renault are making a new small, RWD platform, the Nissan Silvia could come back :O And be even more lightweight this time to further differentiate it from the Z. Or maybe it'll end up being that URGE thing or something, not that that's a bad car, but it's just not the same.
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Barry 9:52AM (8/03/2007)
Before people start slamming the design, remember that the picture is of 2004's Wind concept. The car that MAY be shown at Frankfurt "may draw cues from the Wind concept". Keep in mind that Renault's design language has evolved quite a bit over the past three years.
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omar 9:19AM (8/03/2007)
i really like this, roadsters are very nice, i think volvo really needs a roadster vehicle, that would be really neat if they do and give it the new T6 engine
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ToMiTa 9:41AM (8/03/2007)
The design?? Nice but, too "girly". Needs a shot of "macho".
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PakieMak 10:49AM (8/03/2007)
Bring it to the states.
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MGBYG 12:53PM (8/03/2007)
Nice shoe!
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