The French automaker Renault has returned to the future with an electrified version of its legendary Renault 4 from the 21st century.
However, the new version presented on the first press day of the Paris Motor Show on Monday lays the way for a future all-electric compact SUV when Renault revives a legend after a thirty-year hiatus.
Between 1962 and 1992, nearly eight million Renault 4s were sold worldwide (or 1994 in Slovenia).
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 4L Trophy humanitarian journey across the Moroccan desert, the new 4Ever Trophy idea has been designed with a rugged, adventure-ready twist and a “dune-buggy atmosphere.”
The rally, which began in 1997, comprises students driving Renault 4 automobiles and donating school supplies to children.
When introducing the new 4, Renault stated that, like the original, it sought to be modest yet stylish and a car that appealed to both men and women.
Renault stated categorically, “The 4Ever Trophy concept vehicle lays the path for the future all-electric B-Segment SUV that will be equally at home on urban and rural roads.”
The vehicle on display in Paris is a tough, off-road-capable electric vehicle: “The electric motor reflects the future production model.”
It will be built on the same CMF-BEV B-segment electric car platform as the new Renault 5: “The platform will provide the highest performance in terms of range, acoustics, and on-road behavior without compromising the design.”
It was stated that the market placement of the forthcoming Renault 5 and Renault 4 will be comparable to that of the Clio and Captur.
Renault stated, “Although the 4Ever Trophy is an off-road vehicle by nature, it was also meant to be enjoyed on any road with minimal effort.”
The future electric 4L seeks to be as adaptable as its predecessor, which has been since 1962.
Renault emphasized that the electric 4Ever Trophy adds Matrix LED lights to the original Renault 4’s famous wide horizontal grille with spherical, integrated lighting. The pill-shaped taillights have also been completely reworked while retaining a clear homage to the original 4L.
Gun Metal Silver exterior paint was designed with the wild outdoors in mind: ‘This display car emanates an undeniable sense of adventure. The silver paint and magenta accents on the roof straps, suspension springs, and wheel emblems give it a unique appearance, according to Renault.
It said, ‘The dune-buggy aesthetic lends 4Ever Trophy a competitive appearance. The bonnet’s massive air exhaust greatly boosts the effectiveness of the radiator positioned in the shield’s center. The front overhang has been significantly reduced to increase clearance.
Additionally, there is a spare tire on the carbon fiber top and a shovel and waffle boards on the back door’s upper half.
With a 20cm clearance around the wheel arches, the vast lower body protection panels are constructed.
The elevated body accentuates the 753mm wide wheels with 19-inch rims.
The chassis’s battery, which is placed in the center of the chassis, has been afforded enhanced protection by reinforcing the bottom.
Each wheel is equipped with a visible compressor that can be easily adjusted from the interior of the vehicle to match the tire pressure to the terrain.
Renault drew a connection between the past and the present by stating, “The Renault 4 is much more than a car; it is a true icon.” With over eight million units sold in over one hundred countries over the past six decades, it has bridged generational and societal divides.
It went on to say, ‘It is as comfortable in the city as it is in the countryside, and it is multifunctional – you can drive it to work and on long trips, use it to transport cargo, and much more.’
The 4L was withdrawn 30 years ago, but according to the business, it has never been out of the spotlight. Numerous remain on the road today, making it one of the first “young-timer” historic automobiles.
Renault stated, “Over the past quarter-century, the 4L Trophy has repeatedly demonstrated its value as a versatile, durable vehicle. This explains why it remains popular, especially among younger people.
The 4Ever Trophy is the second classic Renault model to be reimagined as an electric vehicle for the 21st century, following the Renault 5 prototype. When newly recruited CEO Luca de Meo arrived to assess the company, the 5 was “found” languishing at the rear of Renault’s design lab.
The designers informed him that the previous administration had no interest in a retro-inspired electric vehicle, thus the project had been shelved.
De Meo held the opposite opinion and immediately ordered its creation.
This 5 was so successful that de Meo introduced the new electric Renault 4.
The business started, “Renault is utilizing its distinguished past to better electrify its future.”
It said, “The Renault 4Ever Trophy show car evokes new memories while recalling old ones.” Underneath its robust shell, the stylistic similarities to its 4L predecessor are readily apparent. The original automobile’s key features have been reintroduced.
These characteristics include a silhouette with a prominent bonnet, bumper, and slanted rear section; trapezoidal side windows with rounded corners immediately above the rear wheels; bare front flanks devoid of lights and style marks; and wings perched atop the wheel arches.
The retro electric car has ample curves, an ornate grille, and a sharpened rim around the roof, all of which are complemented by an ultra-technical layer of precision and modernity.
The production car based on the concept of the 4Ever Trophy will be manufactured in France, at Renault’s ElectriCity hub in northern France, just like its predecessor.
The chief executive officer of Renault, Luca de Meo, stated, “The 4L is a legend.” And legends never die! Through a contemporary and electric reinvention of the Renault 4, we hope to discover this universal feature of the 4L, a car that everyone can enjoy.’
Renault’s head of design, Gilles Vidal, stated, “To bring 4Ever Trophy into the current era, we imbued its sleek form with technical sophistication.”
All of these elements were meticulously selected to ensure that the design resonates with individuals who are familiar with the 4L and its distinguished past, as well as with younger generations.
