The Renault WIND
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Wind Roadster extends the brand’s range with a new model wholly dedicated to the pleasure of its occupants inviting them to enjoy an alternative way of driving. Through its concept and the technology it employs, Renault’s Wind Roadster is an ingenious illustration of the company’s new brand signature, 'Drive the Change'.
Wind Roadster targets customers looking for a compact everyday car and, as a two-seat coupé-roadster with a length of 3.83 metres, it slots into the Renault range between Twingo and Clio. Thanks to its ingenious, electrically-operated roof system, which pivots open in just 12 seconds, Wind Roadster boasts unprecedented versatility: in the lowered position, the roof panel rests above the boot, meaning that boot volume is always 270dm3 VDA, whether the roof is up or down.
Wind Roadster has head-turning looks. Its blue-tinged gaze, muscular profile and rear-end forms, give it an emphatically modern profile. Unique styling details include the roof-cover cowls, chrome exterior door mirror housings and badging on the side which recalls the rotational movement of the roof-opening mechanism.
Meanwhile, there is an unmistakable 'cockpit' feel about the interior. The instruments are reminiscent of the world of motorbikes, the sport seats feature integrated head rests, while the low-set driving position and sporty layout of the controls are typical of roadsters.
A REVOLUTIONARY ROOF
When it comes to convertible car technology, Wind Roadster’s roof breaks new ground.
Owners of soft top cars are often anxious when their vehicle is parked outside, while folding hard tops can take up a disproportionate amount of boot space when lowered and are frequently restricted to larger cars. As a fast, easy and reliable means of lowering and raising the roof, and to avoid encroaching on valuable boot space when the top is down, a rotating mechanism stood out as the best solution.
Just 12 seconds to lower the top – best-in-class
After pulling on a handle to release the roof lock, the driver simply has to press on the electric switch for the roof to pivot round its axis between the quarter panels before silently coming to rest on top of the boot covered by an additional panel.
An audible warning and a message on the trip computer inform the driver once the operation has been completed. In addition to being a quick way to lower or raise the top, this ingenious rotating system employs very few parts, which further contributes to its reliability.
The combined weight of the roof and its kinematics is a mere 21.8kg, which is a fifth of that of a conventional hard top.
