Carscoop Reader Chops Renault Latitude Cabrio Prior to Flagship Sedan's Paris Debut

Renault's new Latitude mid-size sedan will make it western European debut in Paris very soon, so now's about the time for people to start photoshopping to their hearts' content to see how Renault's funky hit-and-miss lineup can be improved.

In this case, a reader sent in his take on a 4-door Latitude-based cabrio. Other than the poppin' orange paint and lack of a roof, some nice additional design elements show up in the form of front fascia-mounted LED running lights, a narrower grille, and the flat black trunk lip spoiler. Other additions include larger rims and the requisite sleekification of an average-looking mid-size sedan.

Combine the two images - that is, add the nice details from the convertible onto the sedan - and Renault could have its average-looking flagship's appearance be a little more luxurious. As for 4-seat convertible, it's far from realistic; overall a neat chop, but Renault's already got the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet 4-seater convertible. That, and the market for 4-door convertibles is toast.

By Phil Alex

Photoshop courtesy of Carscoop reader Lil-K

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Renault Latitude Flagship Premieres in Moscow, European Version to Debut in Paris

We first heard about the Renault Latitude in June, but today, the French carmaker revealed its new flagship sedan to the public for the first time at the Moscow International Motor Show. What is in effect a replacement for the controversially styled Vel Satis positioned above the Laguna in Renault's line up, is also a 2010 Samsung SM5 sedan in disguise - if you can call a new grille and different badges a "disguise"...

The Latitude will be manufactured in South Korea at the Busan Renault-Samsung-Motors plant and will go on sale at the end of September in Morocco and Algeria, then in Russia and Ukraine and in Africa. Renault will unveil the European version of the car with specific engines, fascia and exterior detailing at next month's Paris Motor Show.

For now, it's the French carmaker's largest car measuring 4,887mm long, 1,832mm wide, 1,483mm tall with a wheelbase of 2.760mm. It's 195mm longer, 19mm wider and 45mm taller than the Laguna five-door liftback. According to Renault, the boot compartment can hold 477-liters, or 511 liters without the spare wheel.

In Russia, the Latitude will come with a choice of two power plants. The entry level 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol unit produces 139HP and 191Nm of peak torque, and is offered with a continuous variable transmission (CVT) returning a combined fuel efficiency of 8.3lt/100km (28.4mpg US).

The range-topping 2.5-liter V6 petrol churns out 177HP and 233Nm, and is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. Renault says with this engine the Latitude reaches a top speed of 209km/h (131mph) and returns a combined fuel consumption of 9.7lt/100km (24.2mpg US).

For some markets, the lineup will also include a 2.0-liter diesel with 150HP or 175HP, a V6 diesel with 240HP and a 3.5-liter V6 petrol delivering 240HP.

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New Renault Latitude Sedan Takes Flagship Spot in Range

Renault has lifted the covers off a new flagship sedan named Latitude that will in effect replace the discontinued (and rather controversial) Vel Satis.

Described by the French carmaker as "its latest international status-enhancing family saloon" [sic..], the Latitude will get its first public outing at the Moscow Motor Show at the end of August, while Europeans will get their first view of the car at this Fall's 2010 Paris Motor Show.

For those of you that keep a close eye on global automotive news, the new Latitude won't come as a surprise as it's based on the Renault Group's 2010 Samsung SM5 sedan that recently went on sale in South Korea. And by "based", we mean re-badged and VW- re-grilled... [see pictures of the SM5 below]

Built on a modified version of the Laguna's platform, Renault's new flagship model features a conventional four-door sedan body instead of a five-door fastback form like it's 25, Safrane (not the Samsung-based Safrane) and Vel-Satis predecessors

The Latitude measures 4.890mm in length, 1.830mm in width and 1.490mm in height, meaning it's 195mm longer, 19mm wider and 45mm taller than the Laguna hatch.

Renault has not yet released details on the engine range, but motorists should expect the usual mix of petrol and diesel engines.

The French automaker said that the Latitude will be offered with a variety of features that place the emphasis "on innovation and travelling comfort", including a dual-mode air ionizer with double fragrance diffuser, triple-zone climate control, a massaging driver's seat, Bose Premium audio, the Renault hands-free card and more.

According to the company, the Latitude is due to go on sale this autumn in Asia, Africa, Russia, Turkey, Gulf, Australia and Mexico, with Europe to follow shortly after.

New Renault Latitude

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New Samsung SM5 Sedan

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