BUSAN ― Renault Samsung Motor introduced its latest concept car Initiale Paris as “sophisticated masculinity in a multipurpose vehicle” at the Busan International Motor Show 2014 on Thursday.

Initiale Paris also represents the final stage of Renault Group’s design strategy, company officials said.

The first stage, which depicted people in love, was embodied in the Dezir line, while the spirit of adventure was highlighted in the Capture vehicles. Later on, family was emphasized in the R-Space series, with cars like Frendzy and Twin’Run expressing the need for both work and play. 

Now, everything has come full circle with Initiale Paris.

“Our focus is to express the warmth of people through our vehicles,” a Renault Samsung official said.

The Initiale Paris also reflects people’s desire for serenity and open-mindedness, along with the pleasure associated with high-end vehicles, he added.

Inspired by the iconic Seine River of Paris, the 4.85-meter-long vehicle gives a softer first impression with a streamline exterior design representing worlds of architecture and aeronautics. “The structural composition brings to mind the frame of an airplane, but also gives a nod to the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower, emblematic Parisian monuments,” the carmaker said.

At the same time, it boasts a masculine flank with a powerful radiator grille, but with hints of an SUV in its 22-inch wheels and sculpted wings.

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is the aluminum and plexiglass roof depicting a map of Paris. At night, the transparent roof gives off glints like stars in the sky, the company said.

The concept car’s dice 130 concept engine forms the pinnacle of Renault’s powertrain technology with a maximum torque of 40.7 kilogram-meters.

The engine also emits 40 grams less CO2 per kilometer than a diesel engine of the same size, and is up to 25 percent more fuel-efficient.

By Bae Ji-sook, Korea Herald correspondent
(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)