New Vel Satis: travel "business class" - Renault

PRESS RELEASE
MARCH 1, 2005
New Vel Satis:
travel "business class"
The daring and modern lines of Vel Satis have gently evolved with New Vel Satis. The
cabin has gained in functionality and elegance. Inside, quality materials and the blending
of upholsteries provide each passenger with comfort and refinement. Many of the
features already fitted to Vel Satis, such as the parking aid system, the xenon headlamps
and the navigation system, have been further developed. The existing range of power
units and transmissions is retained, but with greater power and torque for the 2.0 Turbo
engine and a particulate filter for the 2.2 dCi engine. New Vel Satis illustrates the priority
allocated by Renault to safety and quality.
Refined exterior design
The new front design incorporates the grille with chromed strakes, the headlamps and a
redesigned lower air intake. The rear section of the car becomes lighter and more dynamic, with
two visible exhaust outlets and crystal-treated lamp clusters. The door handles are now chrome-
finished on all Vel Satis models. Two new types of aluminium wheel make their appearance, in
17-inch and 18-inch sizes, as well as two new body colours, Marron Glacé and Platinum Grey.
High-quality materials, space, comfort and light on the inside
The dashboard has been given a more streamlined shape, and clad in high quality materials. Its
chromed elements now have a satinized finish, while new faces and needles for the instrument
dials evoke the world of watchmaking.
Direction de la Communication
1967, rue du Vieux Pont de Sèvres – 92109 Boulogne Billancourt Cedex
Tel.: + 33 (0)1 76 84 63 36 – Fax: + 33 (0)1 76 84 52 89 – Sites : www.renault.com
© Renault - Direction de la communication / Corporate Communications
& www.media.renault.com
1

New upholstery in cloth (dark charcoal or light grey) and in leather (very dark charcoal or
tobacco beige) are introduced. The interior lighting has been completely redesigned. The
overhead light, which progressively dims to extinction, uses opal glass and satinized chrome. It
emphasizes the welcoming nature of the cabin. The reading lamps illuminate to complement the
central overhead light whenever the doors are opened.
On board New Vel Satis, the idea of a “high class saloon” is given full rein. Seat comfort
remains exceptional. The front seats, power operated and heated, consist of three sections,
each of which may be separately adjusted. The driver’s seat adjusts over a wide range (6cm in
height) and its settings can be memorized. Together with the adjustment of the steering wheel
for height and reach, this allows the driving position to be very finely adjusted. Much attention
has been paid to the ergonomics, notably with the installation of the controls for the new
Carminat Navigation and Communication system in the centre console.
Efficient and reassuring behaviour on the road
Since its introduction, the stability and handling of Vel Satis has been universally admired. The
suspension, MacPherson type at the front and Renault’s patented “trigonal” multi-link
arrangement at the rear, ensures remarkable stability in a straight line and when cornering,
regardless of load distribution.
This effective and innovative chassis is well served by tyres of generous dimensions (225/55-17
or 245/45-18 according to version), and by a powerful, progressive and fade-resistant braking
system (with 324mm discs at the front and 300mm discs at the rear). The variable-assistance
power steering system ensures precision of control and ease of driving in all circumstances.
Powertrains: flexibility and driving pleasure
Within the range of engines and transmissions for Vel Satis, the two four-cylinder engines have
been further developed.
New Vel Satis introduces an evolution of the 2.0 T engine (F4Rt). This now produces 170hp
(125kW) at 5,000rpm and torque of 270Nm at 3,250rpm. This engine is equipped with a Twin
Scroll type turbo unit to the benefit of ease of driving as well as emissions. A twin-mass flywheel
reduces noise and vibration within the kinematic chain. Available with manual or automatic
transmission, this engine conforms with Euro 4 emission standards.
2

The 2.2 dCi engine continues to be offered in three versions: 115hp (85 kW/320 Nm), 140hp
with particulate filter (102kW/320Nm), and 150hp (110kW/320Nm).
The particulate filter (a cylinder forming part of the exhaust system) is an emission control
system which significantly reduces the emission of unburned particulates.
The 3.5 V6 24V engine, a fruit of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, develops 245hp (177kW) at
6,000rpm and maximum torque of 330Nm at 3,600rpm. At least 85% of maximum torque is
available from 1,200rpm, ensuring a high level of flexibility and response. This engine is offered
only with a five-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is notable for the smoothness
and quietness of its operation, which guarantees real driving pleasure.
The 3.0 V6 turbodiesel engine with common rail fuel injection and a variable geometry turbo
develops 180hp (130kW) at 4,400rpm with a maximum torque of 350Nm at 1,800rpm. It
provides a high level of performance with reduced fuel consumption and the appeal of a six-
cylinder power unit. New engines will appear in the range during 2005 and 2006.
New Vel Satis offers a choice of transmissions, either six-speed manual or five-speed pro-active
automatic with flick-shift selection.
High standards of comfort and convenience
New Vel Satis benefits from the latest technologies to assist ease of use, such as the Renault
card for hands-free access and engine starting.The parking aid system is now installed at the
front as well as the rear of the New Vel Satis. It warns the driver of the proximity of unseen
obstacles by means of audible “beeping” which becomes more frequent as the object is
approached.
New Vel Satis incorporates a new multimedia system. This comprises a latest-generation
navigation system, a Cabasse Tronic 6CD MP3 4x50W audio system, and a hands-free kit with
advanced functions (as an option). Voice recognition, a central controller and a 6.5-inch
(16.5cm) wide colour screen considerably add to the ease of using the system.
Carminat Navigation and Communication includes a control and voice recognition system (for
navigation and telephoning). This new multimedia navigation system is more ergonomic. The
most frequently used functions are directly accessible from a control which falls immediately to
hand. Cartography covering 22 countries is stored on a single DVD. The power available to
3

perform itinerary calculations, panning and zooming within the map is almost three times as fast
as with Carminat II. Any itinerary is simultaneously calculated according to three different
criteria: the shortest distance, the fastest, and avoiding motorways. Drivers can immediately
select which of these is most suited to their needs. The system provides three viewing modes:
Junctionview (a view with motorway intersections throughout Europe), 2D Mapview and 3D
Birdview.
Where the audio and CD player system is concerned, three alternatives are offered: a 4x15W
radio/CD, and 4x40W or 4x50W Cabasse Tronic radio/6CD with Cabasse tronic interface
(associated with the navigation system). ll of these systems include a remote display unit and a
steering wheel control satellite.
Finally, Vel Satis can be equipped with a DVD video system for the rear seat passengers
featuring a folding centre screen with adjustable tilt, supplied with a remote control.
New Vel Satis can be equipped with a completely built-in hands-free telephone kit. The car’s
powerful radio aerial links to the network, and the SIM menu and call archives are transferred to
the dashboard screen. The telephone sound is broadcast through the front loudspeakers and
the microphone is housed in the dashboard. The telephone cradle is housed in the centre
armrest, hidden from view from outside.
Safety: one step further
Already awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, like six other Renault models, New Vel Satis
progresses even further in passive safety terms. The protection and restraint systems fitted
within the cabin interior are numerous: frontal driver and passenger airbags, auto-adaptive in
the front, and curtain and thorax side airbags for both front and back seats.
The front seats actively contribute to the safety and comfort of their occupants. They are
equipped with 3-point inertia-reel safety belts with load limiters, and with height-adjustable
close-contact head restraints. In the back, all three passengers are provided with 3-point inertia-
reel belts with load limiters. Isofix attachments in the two outboard rear seats allow the
installation of child safety seats.
In addition to its many passive safety features, New Vel Satis is naturally equipped with a full
range of active safety features in order to prevent or correct, as far as possible, critical and often
unpredictable driving situations. Features fitted as standard include ABS anti-lock braking with
EBD, emergency brake assist, ESP and ASR traction control.
4

The lighting system in New Vel Satis ensures optimum visibility for both dipped and main
headlamp beams. It includes range-adaptive xenon headlamps and retractable high-pressure
headlamp washers. The car is now equipped (according to equipment level) with an
arrangement which allows the intensity and spread of the main beam to be increased. With an
increased light range for the main beam, the elliptical xenon headlamp module is added to the
output of the halogen headlamp units whose complex surface reflectors increase the light
output.
The cruise control and speed limiter, and the tyre pressure monitoring system round out the
range of safety systems fitted to the New Vel Satis.
Constant attention to quality and reliability
New Vel Satis forms part of the company’s commitment in the areas of quality and reliability.
These two fundamentals are among Renault’s core concerns: in New Vel Satis, progress has
most notably been achieved in the quality of assembly and materials. The dashboard, the
overhead lighting, the centre console and the controls for the Carminat Navigation and
Communication system are visible signs of the improvements achieved.
Press contact:
Renault Press: +33.1.76.84.63.36
Web sites: www.renault.com – www.media.renault.com
5