nepta

The mechanicals are throughly intriguing. The 3.5-litre V6, used by both Renault and Nissan, is here breathed on by twin turbochargers and has direct injection to save fuel. Peak outputs climb from 241bhp and 243lb ft to a hefty 420bhp and 413lb ft. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a...

Typically for a Renault concept, the Nepta has a cabin packed with eye-catching details. The dashboard looks as if it's floating. Old-school leather and contemporary aluminium wrap around analogue and digital instruments, to reinforce the mix of classic and modern. The controls conform to...

The Nepta has a couple of party tricks up its sleeve. Access to the cabin is via two doors that resemble giant clamshells, swinging on hinges positioned on the bonnet and boot.

Renault's renewed assault on the premium car sector begins today, with this luxurious Nepta showcar. It's a vast, opulent convertible, designed to waft you across continents as if the golden age of motoring hadn't been superseded by the budget airline revolution. The Nepta is Renault's...

Renault says the Nepta's design is inspired by classic grand tourers, although the details and technology are thoroughly modern. The proportions and stance are very stately, with a long, tapered rear end containing a sizeable overhang. The Nepta features wave-shaped panels to create a sense of...

The three-section lights – for the indicators, daytime running lights and headlamps – are also extremely sophisticated. Each unit is compact and clever, thanks to the use of light-emitting diode technology. The strength of the beam is determined according to the ambient light, while the light is...