Geneva Preview: Renault Laguna GT 2.0 Turbo with 4-Wheel-Steering

Renault’s Geneva Motor Show stand will form the stage for the public debut of the latest addition in the New Laguna’s line-up, the GT version. Available with a 205 HP 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine or a 180 HP 2.0-litre diesel unit, the Laguna GT will be offered in both Hatchback and Sport Tourer body styles.

The GT’s most prominent feature is the Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering. This system allows the rear wheels to move both in parallel and in opposition to the direction of the front wheels, thus offering –according to Renault - enhanced manoeuvrability, sharpened dynamic response and supreme steering precision. –Details and pics after the jump

Press Release:

RENAULT ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF NEW LAGUNA GT AHEAD OF
GENEVA MOTOR SHOW WORLD PREMIERE

• New high-performance GT versions of New Laguna Hatch and Sport Tourer to debut at Geneva Motor Show
• Featuring Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering
• Exclusively available with 205hp two-litre turbo petrol engine or 180hp two-litre diesel – both making their debut in New Laguna
• New versions feature numerous sport styling touches, including: lateral air-intakes and larger front grille, new 18-inch alloy wheels, smoked rear light clusters and black background to the headlamps
• Inside, the new models boast GT-embossed leather/alcantara sports seats, drilled aluminium pedals, aluminium gearknob and GT steering wheel
• Pricing, specification and technical information to be made available nearer to UK launch in April 2008

Laguna GT introduces the new Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering and two exclusive high-performance engines in the form of the diesel 2.0 dCi 180hp and the petrol 2.0 turbo 205hp. Available in Hatchback and Sport Tourer, Laguna GT combines quality with performance, safety and driving pleasure.

Not only does the Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering break new ground on the sporting saloon market but it also brings a long list of benefits that combine to reach new heights in driveability and active safety. These include enhanced manoeuvrability, sharpened dynamic response and unmatched steering precision giving the driver truly intuitive control in cornering. In town and on winding roads, the car is easy to drive: agile and precise. The Active Drive chassis with four-wheel-steering also excels in active safety, both under difficult braking conditions and during avoidance manoeuvres at speed.

Sleek and distinctive, Laguna GT delivers a unique and unprecedented blend of driving pleasure and peace of mind with a three-year 100,000 mile warranty.

Distinctive GT styling
Laguna GT's stylish looks express an elegance that goes much further than ability alone. The car's sporting character is underpinned by lateral air-intakes in the front bumper, a larger front grille and black background to the headlamps. Laguna GT sits on specific 225/45 Bridgestone Potenza tyres, the DNA of which can be traced back to Formula 1, with new 18-inch ‘Celsium’ alloy wheels. Braking power is provided by larger 320mm diameter discs at the front and 300mm discs at the rear.

The promise of the Active Drive chassis is also identified by the aerodynamically designed sills which extend from the front of the car to twin tailpipes at the rear. GT attributes run through to every last detail, such as the gloss black door mirrors and smoked rear lights.

Sports interior
As well as appearing outside on the B- pillar, the exclusive GT logo is also embossed into the light grey alcantara on the backrests of the front seats. As on all Laguna versions, the interior design exudes an impressive sense of comfort and quality for all occupants. Sports design details abound highlighting the GT version: drilled aluminium pedals, aluminium gearshift knob, leather and alcantara upholstery, increased lateral support on the front seats and a specific GT steering wheel. Close attention has been paid to materials and finish, true to the car’s unwavering commitment to pure driving pleasure.

GT power
In addition to delivering best-in-class performance, driveability and acoustics, the very latest evolution of the 2.0 dCi engine yields an increased peak power of 180hp at 3,750rpm, while peak torque of 400Nm is available from 2,000rpm. Laguna GT is also available with a turbo-charged version of the two-litre 16-valve petrol unit boasting 205hp at 5,000rpm and a peak torque of 300Nm from 3,000rpm.

With its Active Drive chassis and specific engines, this is a car for demanding motorists. Laguna GT takes up a unique position on the sports saloon market, offering a sensational driving experience with total peace of mind.

Laguna GT will be unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Pricing, specification and technical information to be made available nearer to UK launch in April 2008.