Renault, together with designer Mathieu Lehanneur created the Concept Suite No. 4, yet another way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Renault 4, using a 4L for the purpose and reinterpreting it.
This reinterpretation was fueled by the parallel worlds of automobile and architecture. If, on the one hand, Suite N.º4 is a tribute to the utilitarian, versatile and simple 4L, on the other, its rear volume has been transformed to be, as far as possible, an open-air hotel room.
The Renault 4L maintains its compact exterior dimensions and iconic lines and silhouette, but its rear volume is now formed by a series of polycarbonate windows, including transparent roof solar panels to let in as much light as possible. .
Mathieu Lehanneur“Suite #4 is a new experience in mobility and travel. I wanted to merge the worlds of cars and architecture to create an open-air hotel room. Even better than the finest palatial suite, the car can be right where we want him to be, whether by the sea, in the middle of a field or leading him around the city of our dreams."
The front retains the circular light groups, but the grille was replaced by a wavy polished aluminum panel, giving it an effect of fluidity, dynamism and movement.
The influence of architecture can also be seen in the choice of the soft gray tone of the bodywork of this 4L Suite No.4, formed by three layers of paint with the aim of giving it the appearance of… cement.
It is inside Suite No. 4 that the influence of the world of architecture is felt most, especially in the environment and materials chosen to cover it. The benches and dashboard appear covered in yellow velvet. Behind, on the other hand, ribbed chenille, a thicker material, was used for a more robust appearance. There is not even a lack of pillows to make the space more inviting. It also includes a wooden bench that slides like a drawer and can even be removed.
All materials used in this Suite No. 4 are made in France and supplied by artisans based in Paris.
Arnaud Belloni, Renault's global marketing director"The collaboration with Mathieu Lehanneur was a natural combination. We proposed him to come up with a concept that showed his vision for the 4L. The final product is extraordinary. A car that truly encompasses everything the brand set out to achieve through the Renaulution strategic plan: to create modern and innovative cars that provoke emotions."
As it could not be different in the present times, this reinterpreted 4L was also converted to be an electric one, with the batteries being able to be fed by the aforementioned solar panels. No specifications have been advanced, however.
Suite No. 4 was unveiled at the Christie’s auction house in Paris, where it will be on display this weekend. It will then be transferred to the Atelier Renault and in January 2022 it will be exhibited at the Maison&Objet design fair.
The new 4L
The Renault 4 or 4L will return to the range of the French brand, and this is expected to happen in 2025. Like the Renault 5, which will return as an electric, the new 4L, called 4Ever for now, will also be an electric crossover .
Both models will share the base (CMF-B EV) and driveline, which promise autonomy of up to 400 km.