Lutecia R.S. Now Available in Japan | Renault

Renault Lutecia Renault Sport | Renault Lutecia Renault Sport

Lutecia R.S. Now on Sale in Japan

Renault Japon has announced the "Renault Sport," the sport version of the fourth-generation "Lutecia." Sales will begin on November 14th.

Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

Motorsport Technology Reimagined

Renault Japon is introducing the fourth-generation "Lutecia Renault SportLutecia Renault Sport" to Japan. The announcement was made at Motorsport Japan, held in Odaiba, Tokyo.

Graced by fine weather and free admission, a large crowd gathered for the appearance of Romain Grosjean, who had secured third place in the F1 Japan Grand Prix the previous day. Alongside Mr. Daikyoku, President of Renault Japon, he unveiled the new Lutecia Renault Sport.

The Lutecia R.S. is a model developed by Renault Sport, the division within Renault responsible for motorsport activities including Formula 1, based on the Lutecia.new Luteciaengineered model.we previously reported on a test drive in France, and the Lutecia Renault Sport is finally being introduced to Japan.

The 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine produces a maximum output of 200 ps and a peak torque of 240 Nm. It incorporates technologies honed in F1, such as diamond-like carbon coating on the camshaft tappets to reduce friction. Compared to the previous generation Lutecia R.S. with its 2-liter naturally aspirated engine, the maximum torque has been increased by 25 Nm, while the maximum output remains the same.

The transmission is a 6-speed dual-clutch system called EDC. Shifting can be done via the floor shifter or the titanium paddles fixed to the steering column. It also features a multi-shift down function, allowing multiple downshifts by holding the downshift paddle during braking.

Renault Lutecia Renault Sport | Renault Lutecia Renault Sport

On the center console, in place of the usual "ECO MODE" switch found in the standard Lutecia, is the "R.S. DRIVE" button. This allows selection from three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Race.

In Normal mode, suitable for everyday driving, the EDC shifts in 0.2 seconds and idling is set at 750 rpm. In Sport mode, shift speed quickens to 0.17 seconds, idling increases to 1,000 rpm, and throttle and brake response are enhanced. The ESC and power steering are also set to a sportier configuration.

The Race mode is selectable only in manual mode. Shift speed reaches its fastest at 0.15 seconds, ESC is completely deactivated, and all vehicle control is entrusted to the driver.

The launch control, a first for this class of car, allows for maximum acceleration with simple steps. 0-100 km/h is achieved in 6.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the previous model, and 0-1,000m in 27.1 seconds.

Renault Lutecia Renault Sport | Renault Lutecia Renault Sport

Lutecia R.S. Now on Sale in Japan (2)

Two Chassis Types Introduced Simultaneously

The MacPherson strut front suspension features HCC (Hydraulic Compression Control), which encloses a secondary damper within the main damper. This enhances ride comfort and improves tire contact for better handling. The rear suspension is equipped with an anti-roll bar that is 60 percent stiffer than the standard model and 10 percent stiffer than the previous Lutecia R.S.

Furthermore, two chassis options are available simultaneously: "Chassis Sport," which emphasizes everyday usability and ride comfort, and "Chassis Cup," tuned for more aggressive circuit driving. The Chassis Cup lowers the ride height by 3mm, increases spring rates by 27 percent at the front and 20 percent at the rear, and features a quicker steering ratio.

Additionally, to enhance cornering performance, it employs the R.S. Diff, a patented Renault Sport technology. This system constantly monitors the rotational difference between the driven front wheels and applies micro-brakes to restore traction if the difference becomes too large. It operates faster than ESC without reducing engine torque, making its intervention virtually imperceptible.

The exterior features sporty elements such as F1-inspired blades, a large rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, and twin exhausts, all signifying its Renault Sport identity. These are not merely aesthetic additions; the diffuser generates 80 percent of the rear downforce, with the spoiler contributing the remaining 20 percent.

The Chassis Sport is equipped with 17-inch silver alloy wheels and 205/45 tires. The Chassis Cup features 18-inch black alloy wheels with 205/40 tires and red brake calipers, for a sportier stance.

Following the announcement event at the booth, Romain Grosjean performed on the main stage at Motorsport Japan. He demonstrated the agility of the new Lutecia R.S. with dynamic driving, concluding with a spectacular display of standing on the car's roof in front of the cheering crowd, greatly energizing the event.

Sales at dealerships will commence on November 14th, with prices set at 2.99 million yen for the Chassis Sport and 3.09 million yen for the Chassis Cup.