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Return of the Espace? Renault’s R-Space Lab concept shows off new tech
Published: Today 10:40
► New R-Space Lab concept revealed
► Big space inside, flowy design outside
► Showcase for future Renault tech
Could this be an early look at the next Renault Espace? This is the R-Space Lab concept, revealed as part of the Renault Group’s FutuREady battle plans to see it grow and develop into the 2030s.
The R-Space Lab is a technology showcase designed to maximise interior space and give us an early preview of future Renault features.
Renault does point out that the R-Space Lab isn’t a ‘forerunner to a production model’, but there’s no denying the name’s significance to the Espace – or the ‘one-box’ silhouette it has. It’s curvy and features Renault’s latest lighting design details and includes a windscreen that stretches past the front occupant’s heads.
R-Space is 4.5 metres long (around 0.2m shorter than the current Espace, which is effectively just a seven-seat Austral sold in Continental European markets) and shares design similarities with the Embleme concept that launched at the 2024 Paris motor show.
The work has come from Futurama (no, not that one). Renault says Futurama is an ‘innovation lab’ set up by the Group, which is working on technological advancements it hopes to get into vehicles launching in the 2030s.
Futurama seems to still predict significant touchscreen use in the 2030s, with a large central panel in the dashboard sitting below a full-width instrument panel whereby ‘the main functions are controlled as naturally as a smartphone.’ While at the wheel. Of a vehicle. Funny, then, that Renault has the gall to include the brand’s ‘safety coach’ tech that keeps an eye on your driving and gives you pointers on how to improve. Not looking at a screen might be one, we suspect.
Also featuring inside is a yoke-like steering wheel because the R-Space Lab features steer-by-wire technology.
Naturally, this is all about interior space. There are five individual seats which can all be reclined, to the point the front passenger’s can go full La-Z-Boy while on the move. Naturally, the rear seats can be moved forward to maximise boot space, too.
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