Renault is unveiling the high-performance version of Rafale: Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp. Channelling all the passion and expertise of the brand, the new plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers the best of both worlds, ICE and electric, with a preference for everyday electric driving. Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp is more than just a high-performance powertrain. A vehicle in tune with its times, it is ultra-efficient, with a range of up to 1,000 km (WLTP*). With the electric motor added to the rear axle, this brand flagship gains a permanently active 4-wheel drive set-up. Packed with the best in high-tech features and safety systems, Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp also optimises traction and roadholding in all circumstances.
The Atelier Alpine version pushes the boundaries of excellence still further in terms of sheer driving pleasure, with the support of the experts from the Alpine brand. With a chassis tuned by the engineers of Alpine Cars and a smart active suspension system, Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp Atelier Alpine is built to deliver exceptional handling and driving pleasure.
The Atelier Alpine version pushes the boundaries of excellence still further in terms of sheer driving pleasure, with the support of the experts from the Alpine brand. With a chassis tuned by the engineers of Alpine Cars and a smart active suspension system, Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp Atelier Alpine is built to deliver exceptional handling and driving pleasure.
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MotorTranscript
00:00 [MUSIC]
00:29 I'm Nicola Hume, I'm an automotive specialist.
00:32 There's so many SUV options out there at the moment and in terms of where Renault are, how can they stand out?
00:40 Everyone wants something that's practical for day to day things, but also at the same time a lot of people want to have a lot of fun while you're hitting the hills.
00:50 So can they merge the two? Better than other brands.
00:55 So here's the promise, Renault Rafale have joined forces with Alpine Cars who have added performance, excitement to the car.
01:04 300 horsepower, four wheel drive, but then you've still got that craftsmanship and the beauty of the Rafale that we've grown to know and love.
01:13 My expectations are high. I mean Renault's aiming high. I'm intrigued to see what it's actually capable of.
01:19 It looks nice.
01:20 Yeah. It's actually named after a plane. So a bit like the namesake, like an aeroplane.
01:27 Renault are planning to take the whole thing to new heights.
01:30 [MUSIC]
01:45 [FRENCH]
01:50 Take one. Take one.
01:52 [MUSIC]
01:54 [FRENCH]
02:02 [FRENCH]
02:10 [FRENCH]
02:25 [MUSIC]
02:27 [FRENCH]
02:39 Yeah. I look forward to that. I feel like it's about time they've done that. Stepping up. Can they manage it is the question.
02:48 [MUSIC]
02:54 I'm Gregory Lonnais and I'm a revenue leader on this amazing project that is Rafale.
03:00 Take two. Take one.
03:02 Rafale has been designed to rebuild Renault's reputation for creating high-end vehicles.
03:09 The challenge was to coordinate the teams from Alpine and Renault in order to achieve what we are looking for.
03:16 For Renault, first the priority was given to the powertrain developments with a full new E-Tech hybrid engine delivering 300 horsepower,
03:25 a 4x4 transmission and a 22 kilowatt hour recharging battery.
03:31 [MUSIC]
03:38 [FRENCH]
03:42 Are we in sport mode?
03:43 Yes, we are.
03:44 [ENGINE REVVING]
03:47 It sounds good as well, doesn't it?
03:48 [ENGINE REVVING]
03:50 That's so good for an SUV.
03:52 Yeah. Honestly, it's like, look at this response. It's quite flat.
03:57 You are absolutely a racing driver.
03:59 [LAUGHING]
04:01 [FRENCH]
04:22 The grip on this thing is insane. That's insane.
04:25 Those tires are specifically developed for this car.
04:29 [LAUGHING]
04:31 A bit of sideways here, maybe.
04:33 [LAUGHING]
04:35 I think I'm mostly surprised by how it's taking corners with such a big body.
04:42 And even at high speed here, if I put a lot of steering wheel speed, it's very stable.
04:49 I'm expecting that the car will be able to stay reasonably stable when it comes to tight corners,
04:54 because at a 300 horsepower car, you're going to want to throw it around.
04:57 I know that's what I'm going to want to do.
04:59 Ready?
05:00 No!
05:01 [LAUGHING]
05:05 You can feel the electric power underneath it. It's not having to stop and think. It's just going.
05:10 I love the agility of this one.
05:12 Even if it's a pretty big car, with the four-wheel steer, it's very agile.
05:16 Like you see, you put very low steering angle.
05:19 It took the corners so well, and I felt completely in control of the car at the same time,
05:25 which was a rare thing sometimes.
05:27 You can even get a whole family in here if you've got kids and everything.
05:31 Go away on a weekend and go around some hilly roads and just have a jolly good time.
05:35 Just have fun.
05:39 I'm extremely proud of this car, and proud of Alpine's contribution to the development of this car,
05:45 which is comfortable and sporty at the same time.
05:48 I think they've kept their promise there.
05:50 It's very impressive behind the wheel, as well as being a really nice SUV.
05:55 They've managed both.
05:57 How was that?
05:58 You don't get bored. It's always so pleasant to drive.
06:01 What we have delivered, first a high-performance car, new achievements in efficiency,
06:07 an agility control system delivering an amazing dynamism,
06:11 while preserving the comfort of a high-end 4.7-metre vehicle,
06:15 all while maintaining the genetics of the Renault brand in terms of roominess for passenger and luggage,
06:21 and in terms of comfort that make this car a voiture à vivre.
06:25 Performance and power, Alpine.
06:27 Pleasure and passion, Renault.
06:29 Put the two together, chef's kiss.
06:32 [Music]