car news

Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300, quite a mouthful

The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 is based on the E-Tech full hybrid 200 powertrain. To that, Renault added an electric motor on the rear axle as well as a larger 22 kWh battery. Thus, this version of the Rafale offers an electric range of up to 100 kilometers according to the WLTP test standard.

Performance

The combination of the combustion engine, three electric motors and the 22 kWh battery to be recharged at a charge point – driven by Renault’s E-Tech technology – produces an output of 221 kW (300 hp). The combined fuel consumption (WLTP) of the Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 is 0.7 l/100 km. Even with empty battery, the Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 consumes only 5.8 l/100 km thanks to its efficient internal combustion engine (figures subject to WLTP approval).

Plug-in hybrid powertrain

The 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine features a new turbocharger that increases engine power to 110 kW (150 hp). In the Rafale E-tech full hybrid 200, this engine delivers 96 kW (130 hp). Torque has increased from 205 to 230 Nm. The multimode gearbox is adapted to this extra power. The gasoline engine receives support from three electric motors, achieving a system output of 221 kW (300 hp):

• the electric motor on the front axle has an output of 50 kW (70 hp) and 205 Nm of torque
• the electric motor on the rear axle delivers 100 kW (136 hp) and 195 Nm
• the third, secondary electric motor – the High-voltage Starter Generator (HSG) – delivers 25 kW (34 hp) and 50 Nm

During dynamic driving, the combination of engines comes into its own optimally and the following performances are possible:

• 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds (8.9 for the E-Tech hybrid 200)
• 80-120 km/h in 4.0 seconds (5.6 for the E-Tech hybrid 200)
• 1,000 meters from standstill in 26.9 seconds

A 22 kWh/400 V lithium-ion battery powers the two primary electric motors that drive the car. The secondary HSG electric motor starts the internal combustion engine, drives the automatic transmission and helps charge the battery. With the maximum charging capacity of 7.4 kW (32A), charging the battery at a public charge point or a 32A home charge point takes only 2 hours and 10 minutes from 0 to 80% and 2 hours 55 minutes from 0 to 100%.

EV MODE

The following selections are possible via the EV MODE button:

• Hybrid – enabled by default
• Electric – to drive exclusively all-electric
• E-save – turns on the internal combustion engine before departure to charge the battery to 25% of its capacity, for example in preparation for driving in an urban area

1,000 km range

Thanks to optimal energy management and the cooperation of all engines in the Rafale, average fuel consumption in the WLTP cycle is 0.7 l/100 km and_{CO2 emissions} are 15 g/km. Then, however, as much as possible should be driven with charged battery. The same cycle only on the internal combustion engine gives consumption of 5.8 l/100 km and emissions of 132 g/km (figures subject to homologation). The efficiency of E-Tech technology ensures a long range. The car can travel up to 100 kilometers fully electric on a full charge of electricity. Combined, the model achieves 1,000 kilometers on paper with a full 55-liter tank and full battery.

New studio Alpine version

The Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 appears in a new studio Alpine version. That name indicates the advanced expertise Alpine shares with Renault. Specifically, the chassis of the version atelier Alpine has been further optimized by a team of Alpine engineers:

• the development of specific components such as the shock absorbers, suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars and 21-inch wheels
• the technical development of the active suspension and damping, with predictive camera, the development of specific Agility Control modes (see paragraph “Active suspension”), Continental sport tires and calibration of the computers that control braking, brake regeneration and stability control and power steering

Specific style features

The Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 atelier Alpine stands out with its body color bleu sommet satin, a spoiler in noir etoilé and special 21-inch wheels model “chicane” with Continental tires. The esprit Alpine version features 20-inch wheels. As a sporty nod to the Alpine brand, the interior of both versions of the Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 is carpeted in Alpine’s iconic blue color.

New active suspension and damping

The Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 atelier Alpine is distinguished from the esprit Alpine by the new intelligent suspension combined with camera for anticipatory operation. The suspension continuously adjusts damping based on approaching obstacles and driver actions, such as when approaching a speed bump.

Through the multimedia screen, the driver can adjust 4Control Advanced settings, damping and the degree of rear axle co-steering via the “Chassis Control” menu:

• Comfort: ideal for daily rides, especially around town
• Dynamic: a compromise between sporty handling and comfort
• Sport: with a focus on maximum stability and driving pleasure

These Chassis Control settings are accessible in Eco, Comfort, Sport and Perso driving modes, but not in Snow mode. Perso allows you to choose for yourself from the numerous setting options of the technology available in the atelier Alpine version (four engines, all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, regenerative braking and active suspension).