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]
Paris Preview: Officially Official, Honda's new hybrid is the Insight!
Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris
Leaked: Official updated Mazda MX-5 image
Reader Spy: Chevy Volt caught on set of Transformers 2
Spy Shot: Production interior of Chevy Volt (maybe)
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged
By the Numbers - August 2008: New Digs Edition
In the Autoblog Garage: KITT Shelby GT500 KR
First Drive: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Nissan Murano
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jon @ Aug 3rd 2007 8:42AM
I would buy that.
felipe @ Aug 3rd 2007 8:47AM
I wouldn't.
at least it makes the MX-5 look more manly
Roger @ Aug 3rd 2007 8:51AM
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.
Mike @ Aug 3rd 2007 8:53AM
It's....cute.
no_slushbox @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:05AM
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.
Kowell @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:10AM
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
Barney @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:11AM
They would blow it by putting on a retractable roof. The (Miata) MX 5is attracting customers that have no desire for bells & whistles.
Jay Evans @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:50AM
Uhhh, the MX-5 already has a power retractable hardtop model, selling like hotcakes in the US.
ChucktownChuck @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:15AM
Rear wheel drive? I'm assuming they are tapping Nissan for rear wheel drive parts.
chris @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:16AM
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.
omar @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:19AM
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
ToMiTa @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:41AM
The design?? Nice but, too "girly". Needs a shot of "macho".
Barry @ Aug 3rd 2007 9:52AM
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.
PakieMak @ Aug 3rd 2007 10:49AM
Bring it to the states.
MGBYG @ Aug 3rd 2007 12:53PM
Nice shoe!