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Projet 900

Renault Projet 900
1959
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UNIQUE

In the early 1960s, Renault developed several prototypes with one mission in mind: to optimise interior space and passenger comfort. Their design was atypical to say the least, with its forward cabin and rear-mounted engine. This albeit asymmetrical line emphasised the spacious and bright interior. Several projects would emerge: Renault Projet 600 (based on Renault Dauphine), followed by Renault Projet 900, which added new details to the same basic structure.

1959
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spirit

DESIGNER MADNESS

When designing Renault Projet 900, the backwards concept car, Sergio Coggiola (designer for 15 years at the Ghia workshops in Turin) and Michel Béligond (talented Renault designer) openly created a baffling shape to provide a more spacious interior. The engine is mounted behind the cabin (an MPV well ahead of its time) which is shifted forward; however, the engine remains in a central position in front of the rear wheels!

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interior

DUAL ENGINE

Renault Projet 900 was fitted with a 1.7-litre V8 80-horsepower mid-engine located behind the cabin. The unit was developed by coupling two Renault Dauphine engines, using a crankshaft designed specially for this operation. Renault Projet 900 was also made of aluminium (weight was already a key concern at the time!), and its air suspension enhanced comfort.

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original soundtrack

LISTEN

TO THIS

PLAYLIST

Unique vehicle, unique sound: discover the sounds of Renault Projet 900.

technical features

8-CYLINDER INLINE

  • Performance and engine

    Max. speed: over 140 km/h

    8-cylinder inline

    1,690 cc, approx. 80 hp

  • dimensions
    Length 4.33 m
    Width 1.78 m
    Height 1.55 m
  • architecture

    - Forward placement of the MPV cabin

    - The mid-engine is mounted behind the cabin but in front of the rear wheels.

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heritage

UNIQUE

DESIGN

Renault Projet 900 would remain a prototype; however, the project proved that the interior space was a primary concern for the Renault designers as early as the 1960s. Renault Projet 900 can thus be considered a forebear (at least in spirit) to Renault Espace, which was unveiled in 1984, thus sparking the MPV trend to emphasise interior space and modularity.

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