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January 27, 2015
Two Limited Edition Renault Lutecias Inspired by Paris | Renault
Renault Lutecia Initiale Paris
Renault Lutecia Expression MT
Two Limited Edition Renault Lutecia Models Inspired by Paris
On the 20th, Renault Japon announced the launch of two limited edition models for the Lutecia: the "Lutecia Initiale Paris," featuring refined interior and exterior appointments, and the "Lutecia Expression MT," a more basic model.
Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)
What is Lutecia?
The "Lutecia" is sold under the name "Clio" in its home country. The Japanese name "Lutecia" is said to be derived from a name for Paris used about 2,000 years ago.
The Lutecia, which achieved the number one sales spot in France in 2011, is currently available in Japan only as a 5-door "Night & Day" model equipped with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Now, two special limited models have been introduced for the Lutecia. Both are finished in a style befitting a French car, inspired by the streets of Paris.
An Affluent Parisian Neighborhood
The "Initiale Paris" is a special edition model positioned as the most luxurious in the Lutecia range. It is envisioned for the 16th arrondissement, an affluent residential district of Paris, and is meant to evoke scenes of "effortlessly navigating the narrow Parisian streets in style for daily errands, like dropping off children or grocery shopping, as a vehicle for upper-class families."
The exterior is finished in a dedicated color called Beige Sable D'Or Metallic, complemented by 16-inch alloy wheels and a logo badge on the side molding. The interior is elegantly appointed in beige, with the leather seats featuring embroidery and stitching that rivals those of a higher-class luxury car.
The price for this Renault Lutecia Initiale Paris is 2,348,000 yen. It is limited to a production run of 30 units.
Renault Lutecia Initiale Paris
Renault Lutecia Initiale Paris
Experience the Essence of a French Car
The "Lutecia Expression MT," launched simultaneously, is a basic model equipped, as its name suggests, with a 5-speed manual transmission. With over 90% of cars in France still being manual, this combination of the best-selling model and a manual transmission represents the most authentic specification for a French car.
The image is of Paris's 18th arrondissement, specifically areas like Montmartre, with its intricate, winding streets, cobblestones, and hilly terrain. This Lutecia is designed to be driven through such vibrant cityscapes, skillfully utilizing its manual transmission.
Looking back to Christmas Eve, 1898, Louis Renault, the founder of Renault, astonished people on the hill of Montmartre. While horse-drawn carriages could ascend the slopes, the underpowered "automobiles" of the time could not. Louis Renault, however, successfully navigated the incline with a modified car featuring an innovative driveshaft.
His performance captured the attention of the wealthy, leading to immediate orders. This event marked the beginning of what is now Renault, making the hill of Montmartre a historically significant location for the company.
Renault Lutecia Expression MT
This "Lutecia Expression MT," which evokes such anecdotes, is priced at 2,048,000 yen and is limited to 40 units.
Furthermore, both models are eligible for Renault Japon's purchase bonus campaign, offering a 200,000 yen support, making them even more accessible.
In its home country,New Lutecia (Clio) Announcedthe new Lutecia (Clio) has just been unveiled. In Japan, however, these two special edition models, along with the "Night & Day," will continue to be sold for the time being.
In addition,Koleos Limited Edition "BOSE Edition" Recently Releasedwas also on display, with the actual vehicles being showcased.
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