Alpine has worked its magic again, this time on the Renault Rafale. The crossover coupe was unveiled last year, and as of now, it is available in a hotter configuration that bears the signature of the diamond company's performance-oriented brand.
Simply named the Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp, the model boasts 300 metric horsepower combined, which translates to 206 brake horsepower and 221 kilowatts. The powertrain is based on the 197 hp (200 ps/147 kW) E-Tech hybrid and adds an electric unit at the rear axle and a chargeable battery with a 22 kWh capacity.
The 1.2L three-pot produces 148 hp (150 ps/110 kW), 20 hp (20 ps/15 kW) more than the regular variant, and 174 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque, up 184 lb-ft (250 Nm). The front-mounted electric motor generates 69 hp (70 ps/51 kW) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm). The second main electric motor connected to the rear axle is good for 134 hp (136 ps/100 kW) and 144 lb-ft (195 Nm). The high-voltage starter-generator contributes to the combined power with 34 hp (34 ps/25 kW) and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm).
With the 22 kWh battery fully charged, the Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp can travel up to 62 miles (100 km) in the all-quiet model. However, the energy choice limits the output to 158 hp (160 ps/118 kW), and the EV mode functions at up to 84 mph (135 kph). Recharging takes two hours and ten minutes, from 0 to 80%, and almost three hours up to 100%.
Photo: Renault
Performance-wise, the company says it needs 6.4s to 62 mph (100 kph), 2.5s quicker than the regular hybrid, with the 50-75 mph (80-120 kph) spring being dealt with in 4.0 seconds, which is 1.6 seconds faster. Renault also says the Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp runs the standing kilometer (0.62-mile) in 26.9 seconds.
Interested parties can choose between the two trim levels available for this model. The Esprit Alpine comes with 20-inch alloys and the typical Alpine styling tweaks. The superior Atelier Alpine features a chassis tuned by Alpine's engineers with a focus on improved handling. It has special dampers, springs, anti-roll bars at both ends, jounce bumpers, active damping, calibration of various components, 21-inch wheels, and Continental sports tires.
The Atelier Alpine version of the sporty crossover comes with an exclusive Satin Summit Blue bodywork, a Starry Black floating spoiler, smart self-adapting suspension, and a Chassis Control menu in the multimedia screen, allowing drivers to choose Comfort, Dynamic, and Sport for the damping profile and rear steering angles, four modes for the agility control settings (Eco, Comfort, Sport, and MySense – in addition to Snow).
Renault says the price of the car for the United Kingdom will be announced in June.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News