Autoblog

click either image for high-res gallery of the Renault Laguna GT

At the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in less than two weeks, Renault will unveil the Laguna GT Hatch and Sport Tourer to eagerly awaiting Europeans. Both models can be had with one of two new engines making their world debut: a new 2.0 dCi diesel producing 180 hp and 295 pound feet of torque and a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder running on good old gasoline while offering 205 hp and 221 pound feet of torque. In addition to the new motors, the Laguna GT also comes standard with what Renault calls its Active Drive chassis, which is basically a four-wheel steering system. Renault claims all sorts of performance and safety benefits for the Active Drive chassis, though we imagine it will be most appreciated while while trying to parallel park your long Laguna GT between a smart car and somebody's Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Of course, anything charged with carrying the mantle of a GT has to look the part, so Renault spiffed up the Laguna's exterior with new vertical air intake slits up front, a new grille, black surrounds for the headlamps, gloss black side view mirrors and smoked taillights. There are new 18-inch "Celsium" alloy wheels and pronounced side sills also run the length of the car on either side. Inside there are embossed GT logos on the bolstered sports seats, an aluminum shifter and drilled foot pedals, as well as a steering wheel specific to the Laguna GT.

Renault is still mum on pricing and availability, but will likely give up the goods at the Geneva show in less than two weeks. Until then, peruse the press release after the jump and partake in the high-res image gallery below.


[Source: Renault]

PRESS RELEASE

RENAULT ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF NEW LAGUNA GT AHEAD OF
GENEVA MOTOR SHOW WORLD PREMIERE

• New high-performance GT versions of New Laguna Hatch and Sport Tourer to debut at Geneva Motor Show
• Featuring Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering
• Exclusively available with 205hp two-litre turbo petrol engine or 180hp two-litre diesel – both making their debut in New Laguna
• New versions feature numerous sport styling touches, including: lateral air-intakes and larger front grille, new 18-inch alloy wheels, smoked rear light clusters and black background to the headlamps
• Inside, the new models boast GT-embossed leather/alcantara sports seats, drilled aluminium pedals, aluminium gearknob and GT steering wheel
• Pricing, specification and technical information to be made available nearer to UK launch in April 2008

Laguna GT introduces the new Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering and two exclusive high-performance engines in the form of the diesel 2.0 dCi 180hp and the petrol 2.0 turbo 205hp. Available in Hatchback and Sport Tourer, Laguna GT combines quality with performance, safety and driving pleasure.

Not only does the Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering break new ground on the sporting saloon market but it also brings a long list of benefits that combine to reach new heights in driveability and active safety. These include enhanced manoeuvrability, sharpened dynamic response and unmatched steering precision giving the driver truly intuitive control in cornering. In town and on winding roads, the car is easy to drive: agile and precise. The Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering also excels in active safety, both under difficult braking conditions and during avoidance manoeuvres at speed.

Sleek and distinctive, Laguna GT delivers a unique and unprecedented blend of driving pleasure and peace of mind with a three-year 100,000 mile warranty.

Distinctive GT styling
Laguna GT's stylish looks express an elegance that goes much further than ability alone. The car's sporting character is underpinned by lateral air-intakes in the front bumper, a larger front grille and black background to the headlamps. Laguna GT sits on specific 225/45 Bridgestone Potenza tyres, the DNA of which can be traced back to Formula 1, with new 18-inch 'Celsium' alloy wheels. Braking power is provided by larger 320mm diameter discs at the front and 300mm discs at the rear.

The promise of the Active Drive chassis is also identified by the aerodynamically designed sills which extend from the front of the car to twin tailpipes at the rear. GT attributes run through to every last detail, such as the gloss black door mirrors and smoked rear lights.

Sports interior
As well as appearing outside on the B- pillar, the exclusive GT logo is also embossed into the light grey alcantara on the backrests of the front seats. As on all Laguna versions, the interior design exudes an impressive sense of comfort and quality for all occupants. Sports design details abound highlighting the GT version: drilled aluminium pedals, aluminium gearshift knob, leather and alcantara upholstery, increased lateral support on the front seats and a specific GT steering wheel. Close attention has been paid to materials and finish, true to the car's unwavering commitment to pure driving pleasure.

GT power
In addition to delivering best-in-class performance, driveability and acoustics, the very latest evolution of the 2.0 dCi engine yields an increased peak power of 180hp at 3,750rpm, while peak torque of 400Nm is available from 2,000rpm. Laguna GT is also available with a turbo-charged version of the two-litre 16-valve petrol unit boasting 205hp at 5,000rpm and a peak torque of 300Nm from 3,000rpm.

With its Active Drive chassis and specific engines, this is a car for demanding motorists. Laguna GT takes up a unique position on the sports saloon market, offering a sensational driving experience with total peace of mind.

Laguna GT will be unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Pricing, specification and technical information to be made available nearer to UK launch in April 2008.