Renault has published the specifications of the range-topping Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 that it co-designed with Alpine. The sales are set to begin this fall.
As you may remember, the current Renault Rafale generation maxes out at 200 PS (197 hp / 145 kW) in its best E-Tech hybrid version. The new version keeps the 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder engine under the hood, but bumps its output from 130 PS (128 hp / 96 kW) to 150 PS (148 hp / 110 kW). The torque goes up from 205 to 230 Nm (from 151 to 170 lb-ft).
That’s far from all, though. The engine received assistance from as many as three electric motors. The one at the front axle makes 70 PS (69 hp / 51 kW) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft), the one at the back supplies another 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW) and 195 Nm (144 lb-ft), and there is also a starter-generator in the system.
The combined output amounts to 300 PS (296 hp / 221 kW). Equipped like this, the coupe-SUV sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.4 seconds. The current version can’t manage better than 8.9 seconds.
As a plug-in hybrid, the car features a 22-kWh battery pack rated for 100 km (62 miles) of electric range. With the tank maxed out, the total range goes up to 1,000 km (621 miles). Charging the pack from zero to 80% takes 2 hours and 10 minutes using a common 7.4kW home charger.
When it goes on sale, the new Rafale will be obtainable in two trim levels called Esprit Alpine and Atelier Alpine. The former wears a sporty body kit and rides on 20-inch wheels. The latter rolls on larger 21-inch wheels, flaunts extra aerodynamic parts and comes finished in a vivid shade of blue. It also takes advantage of a three-mode adaptive suspension with a front-facing camera for automatic surface detection.
