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
00:00I'm Nicola Hulme.
00:30I'm an automotive specialist.
00:33There's so many SUV options out there at the moment.
00:36And in terms of where Renault are, how can they stand out?
00:40Slate three, take one.
00:43Everyone wants something that's practical for day-to-day things,
00:46but also at the same time, a lot of people want to have a lot of fun
00:48while you're hitting the hills.
00:50So can they merge the two better than other brands?
00:55So here's the promise.
00:56Renault-Rafale have joined forces with Alpine Cars,
01:00who have added performance, excitement to the car.
01:04300 horsepower, four-wheel drive.
01:06But then you've still got that craftsmanship and the beauty
01:10of the Rafale that we've grown to know and love.
01:13My expectations are high.
01:14OK.
01:15I mean, Renault's aiming high.
01:16I'm intrigued to see what it's actually capable of.
01:19It looks nice.
01:20Yeah.
01:21I don't know if you know this, but it's actually named after a plane.
01:24So a bit like the namesake, like an aeroplane.
01:27Renault are planning to take the whole thing to new heights.
01:45My name is Philippe Mérimée,
01:46I'm the head of the ground-based alignment service at Alpine Cars.
01:50Slate one, take one.
01:52Rafale is the best of the two worlds,
01:56the Renault technology and Alpine's expertise in ground-based alignment.
02:02The challenge on this vehicle was to reach a high level of sportiness
02:07without degrading the level of comfort.
02:09The best Renault technology we've had on Rafale
02:13is, of course, the E-Tech engine for its great energy efficiency,
02:16this time at 300 horsepower,
02:19but also the Ford Control and Active Suspension,
02:22which in this version are equipped with a camera for the first time.
02:27There's a dream that this brand has always had in history,
02:30which is to show that we are also capable of reaching new heights.
02:34And even to go for a track tour on the top of the markets.
02:40Yeah, I look forward to that.
02:42I feel like it's about time they've done that.
02:45Stepping up.
02:46Can they manage it, is the question.
02:48RAFALE
02:54I'm Gregory Launay,
02:56and I'm a revenue leader on this amazing project that is Rafale.
03:00Slate two, take one.
03:03Rafale has been designed to rebuild Renault's reputation
03:06for creating high-end vehicles.
03:09The challenge was to coordinate the teams from Alpine and Renault
03:13in order to achieve what we are looking for.
03:16For Renault, first, the priority was given to the powertrain developments
03:20with a full new e-tech hybrid engine
03:23delivering 300 horsepower,
03:25a 4x4 transmission and a 22 kWh recharging battery.
03:38My name is Arthur Ferriere,
03:39and I'm a Customer Performance Pilot at Alpine Cars.
03:42Are we in sport mode?
03:43Yes, we are.
03:46It sounds good as well, though, doesn't it?
03:50That's so good for an SUV.
03:52Yeah, honestly, it's like, look at this response.
03:55It's quite flat.
03:57You are absolutely a racing driver.
04:01Driving this Rafale Atelier Alpine is really pleasant,
04:03especially on small winding roads.
04:05We've worked on a large number of parts on this chassis
04:08of the Rafale Atelier Alpine.
04:10The anti-roll bars, the springs, the dampers,
04:13and the settings of the piloted systems,
04:15namely the ESP, the steering tuning,
04:18but also the settings of the 4Control and the Active Suspension.
04:22The grip on this thing is insane.
04:24That's insane.
04:25Those tyres are specifically developed for this car.
04:31A bit of sideways here, maybe.
04:34I think I'm mostly surprised by how it's taking corners
04:40with such a big body.
04:42And even at high speed here,
04:44if I put a lot of steering wheel speed,
04:48it's very stable.
04:49I'm expecting that the car will be able to stay reasonably stable
04:53when it comes to tight corners,
04:54because at a 300-horsepower car,
04:55you're going to want to throw it around.
04:57I know that's what I'm going to want to do.
04:58Ready?
05:00No!
05:05You can feel the electric power underneath it.
05:07It's not having to stop and think, it's just going.
05:09I love the agility of this one.
05:12Even if it's a pretty big car,
05:14with the four-wheel steer, it's very agile.
05:16Like you see, you put very low steering angle.
05:19It took the corners so well,
05:21and I felt completely in control of the car at the same time,
05:24which was a rare thing sometimes.
05:27You can even get a whole family in here,
05:30if you've got kids and everything.
05:31Go away on a weekend and go around some hilly roads
05:34and just have a jolly good time.
05:35Just have fun.
05:39Personally, I'm extremely proud of this vehicle.
05:41I'm proud of Alpine's contribution to the development of this vehicle,
05:45which is comfortable and sporty at the same time.
05:48I think they've kept their promise there.
05:49It's very impressive behind the wheel,
05:52as well as being a really nice SUV.
05:55They've managed both.
05:57How was that?
05:58You don't get bored.
05:59It's always so pleasant to drive.
06:00What we have delivered,
06:02first a high-performance car,
06:04new achievements in efficiency,
06:07an agility control system delivering an amazing dynamism,
06:11while preserving the comfort of a high-end 4.7-metre vehicle,
06:15all while maintaining the genetics of the Renault brand
06:18in terms of roominess for passenger and luggage,
06:21and in terms of comfort that make this car a voiture à vivre.
06:25Performance and power, Alpine.
06:27Pleasure and passion, Renault.
06:30Put the two together,
06:31chef's kiss.