2009 Renault Vel Satis

VEL SATIS: THE BRAND AMBASSADOR

Vel Satis belongs in the E1 segment alongside the Mercedes E Class, the BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6 and the Peugeot 607. It is a world governed by the symbolic codes of established social norms and conformity. Even so, a less conformist type of customer is starting to emerge, one who is gradually moving away from the conventional saloon and choosing a coupé, estate, cabriolet or monospace. It is in response to those changing expectations that Renault has taken its own route to the top of the range, thereby demonstrating its innovative approach to design.
With Vel Satis, Renault is aiming for 3% of the E segment in Europe from 2002. Taking maximum advantage of the investments made at the Technocentre and the Sandouville plant as part of the D/E programme, Vel Satis has had the benefit of restricted programme costs of EÚR 548.7 million.

Another top-range feature is attention to detail, and Vel Satis offers an extra touch of Frenchness that subtly combines tradition with modernity. Items in the cabin are designed in the same way as decorative objects in a living space, such as the marquetry and drawers that could come from a piece of furniture. You become aware of these details only gradually. The range of colours is deliberately limited and the lighting is intimate. Vel Satis radiates charm and refinement.

Vel Satis was designed around the occupants, reflecting a deliberate approach to comfort. The idea was to remove as many restrictions as possible to give them a unique feeling of well-being. Vel Satis displays its innovative side by adding useful features to improve comfort rather than cramming in more gadgets. The manual hand brake is no more, but the driver can still see exactly how it is being controlled automatically. To make long journeys even more enjoyable, the seats are of firstclass airline quality. The double-hinged backs enable passengers to adjust their position with great precision. Another feature is seat-mounted safety belts to ensure an ultra-comfortable fit.
The vehicle also sports a full range of driving aids, including adaptive cruise control and a GPS Carminat navigation system that picks up traffic information, while many routine operations such as turning on the headlamps or windscreen wipers are automatic.



The top of the range is also synonymous with high performance and top-quality equipment. To succeed in the segment, it is vital to respect all the fundamentals. The slightest jarring note is inadmissible. Vel Satis aims to achieve excellence while maintaining its distinctive personality. All the necessary technology is in place, but it does not announce its presence because its sole aim is to satisfy the driver.

The engines available on Vel Satis are those that offer maximum flexibility and driving pleasure. The top versions will be equipped with either the 3.5 V6 24V petrol unit delivering 245bhp with torque of 330Nm at 3600rpm or the 3.0 dV6 diesel engine developing a generous 180bhp at 4400rpm and torque of 350Nm at 1800rpm. Two four-cylinder engines providing ample power complete the range: the 2.0 16V turbo unit (165bhp at 5000rpm, torque of a constant 250Nm from 2000 to 4250rpm) and the 2.2 16V dCi diesel unit (150bhp at 4000rpm, torque of 320Nm at 1750rpm). Two types of transmission are available: a six-speed manual gearbox and the five-speed automatic Proactive transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Vel Satis manages to combine driving pleasure with reassuring road behaviour and low noise levels. The top-range platform has been adapted to the car's high performance. A new compact type of trigonal rear suspension provides ease and precision of steering, and driver assistance features are among the car's advantages. Renault is uncompromising on passive safety, which reaches an unprecedented level on Vel Satis.

Renault also set out to achieve excellence in giving the driver peace of mind. Checks and processes have been made more stringent to guarantee reliability that is beyond reproach. The durability of certain parts has been doubled, which helps to space out service intervals, and multiplexing and the Renault Card system make the car more burglar-proof.

Source - Renault

Vel Satis is equipped with two new 2.0 dCi diesel engines and six-speed Proactive automatic transmission

Vel Satis now benefits from the very latest developments in engines and gearboxes, following their introduction on Laguna and New Espace.
Equipped with a particulate filter, the benchmark 2.0 diesel is available in 150hp (110kW) and 175hp (127kW) versions. Boasting the highest efficiency in its class, it provides Vel Satis with remarkable performance for this size of engine (fuel consumption is 7.3 litres per 100km in a combined cycle, equivalent to 194g/km of CO2).



Benchmark 2.0 dCi engine
Equipped with a particulate filter, the new 2.0 dCi diesel is available in ratings of 150hp (110kW) and 175hp (127kW). Torques of 340 and 360Nm respectively give Vel Satis remarkable performance for this size of engine. Developed jointly by Renault and Nissan, the 2.0 dCi engine has the highest efficiency in its class, regardless of power. The unit combines the driving pleasure of a petrol engine with the fuel economy of a diesel, enabling Vel Satis to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 9.5 seconds and deliver a record low fuel consumption of just 7.3 litres per 100km in a combined cycle. With a CO2 emission level of less than 194g/km, Vel Satis offers outstanding environmental performance. Driving a new six-speed manual gearbox (PK4), this synthesis of diesel technologies complies with Euro 4 emission limits and offers highly advanced internal aerodynamics, enabling the piezoelectric injectors to operate under optimum conditions, while various soundproofing measures ensure unsurpassed driving pleasure. Equipped with a timing chain and balance weights, the engine maximizes acoustic comfort while prioritizing reliability and durability. The 2.0 dCi engine offers acoustic and dynamic performance of a standard that meets the expectations of Vel Satis owners in an ideal manner, combining performance, comfort and fuel economy.

Top-class 3.0 dCi V6 engine
The addition of a sixth gear to the six-speed Proactive automatic transmission with sequential shift enhances the driving pleasure offered by the 180hp (133kW) 3.0 dCi V6 engine. Driving this new transmission, the engine delivers an additional 3kW of power and an extra 50Nm of torque (400Nm), affording flexibility of performance and fuel economy (8.7 litres per 100km in a combined cycle). This improvement is further enhanced by downchanging when the brakes are applied and maintaining the gear selection during sudden deceleration. The sequential shift enables the driver himself to change gear. Equipped with the 3.0 dCi V6, Vel Satis delivers acceleration of 0 to 100kph in 10.4 seconds.



In France, Vel Satis starts at €32,400 for the 2.0 16V petrol Turbo with a six-speed manual gearbox, and €34,700 for the 150hp 2.0 dCi diesel, with a particulate filter and six-speed manual gearbox, which is the same price as the earlier 140hp 2.2 dCi, with a particulate filter and six-speed manual gearbox. The model carries a three-year

Source - Renault