Renault presents its 'Frendzy' Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Concept cars do appear in almost all shapes, sizes, colours and patterns; while their quirky designs may appear strange at first, an insight into their creative inspiration always help us put the pieces of their visual puzzle together. Human beings, their individual habits, varied lifestyles and  behaviour patterns have often been the motivation behind designers shaping cars of the modern day, and the creative minds behind Renault latest ‘Frendzy’ concept have once again brought that tradition to life.

However, this latest concept car is not the French car makers first tryst with a so called multi-dimensional design language. It is on the contrary the fourth in a series of concept cars that according to Renault are characterized by the different stages of the human life cycle. It all started with a two-seater DeZir coupe that explored the human notion of ‘love at first sight’. This was followed by the world debut of the Captur concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show that was built for two people to explore the world in; and finally the R Space that represented a human being’s need to start a family.

At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the French car maker once again targets a crucial part of any being’s livelihood i.e. managing his work and family life. Code named the ‘Frendzy’, this bright, bold and busy concept car is Renault’s solution to a hectic lifestyle, of which any form of transportation is an intrinsic part. So what makes Renault’s fourth step in its human lifestyle centric automotive design, such a multi-faceted vehicle? 

The answer to this question lies in both the interior and exterior design of the ‘Frendzy’ concept, that according to exterior designer, Deyan Denkov expresses this vehicle’s dual personality. His inspiration for the design came from a wide variety of sources, including unconventionally shaped aircrafts such as the Airbus Beluga and the Antonov 224.

Like the DeZir, which was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the Frendzy is also an electric vehicle. However, what makes this concept so different and multi-faceted is its ability to be an ideal work space during the week, and an equally likeable family car over the weekend.

The car achieves this new form of versatility through a host of user-friendly tech gadgets, adjustable front and rear seats, and for the very first time in a full-fledged concept vehicle interchangeable colour tones on the inside that help create different environments for work and pleasure activities.

Green lights emanating from the dashboard signify the ‘work’ mode and in the ‘family’ mode, the atmosphere becomes warmer as the green lights turn orange. Through a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet plugged into the dashboard, the Frendzy also allows users to benefit from an effective workplace and unrestricted mobility while on the go.  The device has an important role to play, too, in the customisation of the vehicle as it controls the exterior screen while the vehicle is in motion and when parked.

The Frendzy’s dual personality prompted Renault and IRCAM to develop a broad range of sounds that are emitted both inside and outside the vehicle to signal outsiders as to whether the car is in business of passenger mode.

Though far from actual production anytime in the near future, the arrival of the Renault Frendzy at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show is a bold and remarkable continuation of Renault’s fourth and most recent design concept that once again successfully touches upon the very essence of the human existence.

Dimensions (mm)

Length 4,091

Width 1,872 (excluding mirrors)  2,172 (including mirrors) 

Height 1,743

Ground clearance (laden) 200

Wheelbase  2,691

Front track   1,640

Rear track    1,640

Load capacity (litres)  2,250

Technical data

Motor Electric

Power (kW /hp) 44 / 60

CO2 emissions (g/km) 0 (in road use)

Batteries      Lithium – ion

Peak torque (Nm)    226

Top speed (kph)       130

Transmission  Direct drive, with reverse

Tyres   Concept 205/45 R19

Kerb weight (kg) 1,420