Renault Unveils 235-mpg Concept Car

Renault SA says it intends to gradually adopt the advanced fuel efficiency technologies showcased in the company's Eolab concept hybrid to be unveiled at the Paris auto show next week.

The heavily sculpted and ultra-aerodynamic B-segment hatch is capable of fuel consumption as low as one liter per 100 km, or about 235 mpg, on the New European Driving Cycle test. Renault says the front-drive car, which is about the same size as a Renault Clio, emits only 22 g/km of carbon dioxide.

The so-called "1-liter" car rivals the performance of Volkswagen AG's two-seat XL1 plug-in hybrid but in a more practical package. Renault says its car incorporates nearly 100 "realistic technological developments."

The Eolab is constructed of magnesium, aluminum, high-strength steels and reinforced thermoplastics. The car has two doors on the passenger's side and one on the driver's side.

The car is powered by a 1-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 75 hp through 3-speed automatic transmission. It can travel as far as 37 miles in electric mode, propelled by a 40-kW electric motor in front and 6.7-kWh lithium-ion battery under the rear seat.

Unusual aerodynamic elements include wheel covers that open only as needed to cool the brakes, a front spoiler that drops at speeds above 43 mph and lower body panels that deploy behind the rear wheel wells to shape airflow around the vehicle.

Most driver information is displayed on a tablet-like screen in the center of the dash that can be repositioned and oriented vertically or horizontally to suit the driver's taste. Renault says operating information is displayed in a way that enables drivers to see how their choices affect fuel consumption.