This is the Renault Latitude, which effectively replaces the Vel Satis that was discontinued in 2009 as the largest car in Renault's range.
The Latitude is based on the firm's Laguna and Espace-related A34R architecture, which has also spawned the Korean market Samsung SM5 and Gulf state only Renault Safrane.
It will be the French marque's largest car when it goes on sale later this year. It is 4.89 metres long, 1.83 metres wide and 1.49 metres high.
The car is being billed by Renault as a vehicle that deliver "a truly high-end package that will position it as the spearhead of international Renault's saloon car range". Some sources say that the car is designed to evoke memories of the big (and successful) Renault 25, which offered a purely French take on the luxury large car format.
As such, Renault says it will be sold with a combination of cutting edge engines and high-end options, including a dual-mode air ionizer with double fragrance diffuser, triple-zone climate control, a massaging driver's seat and Bose Premium audio system.
Renault has only confirmed sales in Asia, Africa, Russia, Turkey, the Gulf, Australia and Mexico from this autumn. The car will be displayed for the first time at the Moscow motor show at the end of August. Company insiders say that the Renault brand is particularly well-respected in many of these markets, which will open the way into the booming large car segment.
However, a European version of the car will be shown at the Paris motor show, when Renault has promised to reveal more details of its "luxury" interior before it goes on sale in early 2011. It is not clear if the car will be sold in the UK, but if it is, it will be positioned above the Laguna.
Thanks to: Autocar
