Renault has built a presidential crossover with marble, armour and flagpoles
Renault has unveiled a unique version of its Rafale Hyper Hybrid E-Tech crossover, created especially for the French President. One copy, equipped with a hybrid unit with an output of 300 hp, received an extended wheelbase, armoured body and exclusive trim.
Here's What We Know
The Rafale resembles the BMW X2 in shape, but differs by 48 mm longer wheelbase. For the presidential version, Renault engineers have further increased the axle spacing for the sake of rear-row comfort and added armour to ensure the safety of high-ranking passengers.
The body is painted in a special Bleu Présidence colour, a blue-violet shade with white and red sequins that shine in the sun. There are emblems in the colours of the French flag on the front fenders, a decorative tricolour insert on the grille and removable flag holders on the sides.
Wood and stone craftsmen have been involved in the interior design to emphasise the French sense of style and craftsmanship. The steering wheel, front panel and rear console are finished in natural black marble from the Pyrenees, while the control panels at the rear are finished in noble dark beech. The seats are covered in ventilated leather and the doors are equipped with a door closer. Additionally, noise insulation has been strengthened.
Renault does not disclose how much the weight of the vehicle has increased after modifications, but compared to the production version (approximately 1,700 kg), the armoured presidential Rafale can approach 2,700 kg. With that in mind, even a 300 hp hybrid setup with a 1.2-litre petrol engine is unlikely to provide the same dynamics - the production Rafale accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and can travel up to 105 km on electric power.
Source: Renault
