Renault Racoon (1993)
Racoon made its first public appearance in 1992 in a film intended to demonstrate Renault’s technological expertise in the field of computer-generated imagery. The concept car itself is an all-terrain, go-anywhere vehicle, which bristles with ideas and technologies.
This concept car is also amphibious with a top speed of 5 knots in water. Its philosophy is one of taking its occupants right to the very heart of their environment. The extra-high and extendable ground clearance, over-sized green wheels, long arms and bulging head give the vehicle a decidedly unusual appearance.
With forms that are round and flowing, Racoon has three distinct sides to its character. First, a hybrid, helicopter-like look with a high glass cockpit underlines its observation and discovery functions. Second, Racoon seats its occupants almost horizontally like a sports car. And third, it flexes its mechanical muscles unashamedly like a powerful construction vehicle.
Features
- Cabin accessed by remote-controlled pivoting glass canopies
- Three seats laid out in triangular configuration with seat-mounted safety harnesses
- Rear and lateral camera for rear-view vision (with infrared assistance for night use)
- Keyboardless PC, hands-free telephone and satellite communication system
- Chemically treated glass, featuring ultrasound system which disintegrates water molecules on contact
- Racoon splits into two, easily separating into its high-tensile steel chassis on the one hand and its all-steel bodywork on the other
- 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 engine coupled with 6-speed gearbox and three torque-transfer differentials offer peerless traction on muddy terrain and an off-road top speed of over 155kph
- Two hydrojets driven by the engine provide propulsion in water
Computer-generated image film won first prize at Imagina festival in 1992
Source: conceptcar.co.uk
