Renault DeZir concept car revealed

This is the Renault DeZir, a radical new concept car that shows the design direction the company will take for its future production models.

It is an electrically powered two-seater sportscar with gullwing doors that we will get to see in the metal at the Paris motor show in October.

The DeZir comes fitted with a 110kW electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. It has a range of 100 miles and the batteries can be recharged either by a conventional household power supply or a 400V fast-charge system that charges 80% of the batteries' capacity in 20 minutes. The entire battery pack can also be swapped over in minutes using Renault's quick drop system.

It is capable of 0-62mph in five seconds and has a top speed of 112mph. The DeZir has an energy recuperation system similar to the KERS seen in Formula One. When the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored in the battery. This energy can then be used as a temporary power boost, via a button on the steering wheel.

The car's front end previews the new front-end identity of all future Renault cars, however the absence of a rear window (replaced by two cameras) is strictly reserved for concept cars.

The interior features a one-piece two-seat front bench the inspiration for this, says Renault, comes from falling in love. The red lights pulse, say Renault, like a heartbeat.

The embroidered pattern on the leather interior is based on the Renault logo and indicates a trend for the interior of future Renaults.