2004 Renault Fluence Concept

Its strongest familial influence would have to be the Nissan 350Z, most noticeably from the B-pillar rearward when looking from the side. The look alone could

The Fluence's interior is unique for a grand tourer, its design futuristically stylish. (Photo: Renault)

cause a person to wonder if the Fluence derives its general architecture from the rear-drive Nissan/Infiniti side of the family - which wouldn't be a bad thing considering the performance attributed to the 350Z and G35 models respectively. Unfortunately though, the Renault concept uses a front-drive layout with a transversely mounted engine. While it may share architecture with one of its Japanese cousin's models, it isn't the notable rear-drive chassis that underpins the Z, G and FX models.

The interior of the Fluence is certainly nothing like any current Nissan, Infiniti or Renault for that matter, and truly isn't how I would expect the interior of a regular grand tourer to be. By the use of color, shapes and technology, the Fluence is futuristically stylish. All seats are upholstered in light color leather, while those in the front appear floating due to being attached to a center rail. When the doors open, they tilt outwards to allow a more comfortable

Rather than a conventionally hinged hatch, Renault's engineers chose to lift the entire rear section up and over the roof. (Photo: Renault)

entry into the cabin. The dashboard that the driver and passenger face is a wraparound one-piece unit featuring minimalist design in order to cut down on clutter. By using a console-mounted joystick, the driver can change the information on the display behind the steering wheel. Other controls for this display are mounted in the armrest, similar to the BMW iDrive system.

Behind the rear moulded bench is space for 396 liters (14.0 cubic feet) of specially-deigned Louis Vuitton luggage - hence the connection to the designer's classic car event. Accessing the cargo area is possible via one of the most intriguing trunk lids I have yet to see. Rather than a conventionally hinged hatch, Renault's engineers chose to lift the entire rear section up and over the roof. Other than raising eyebrows from passersby, I can't see the benefit of such a system from a utilitarian perspective, but it is pretty slick nonetheless.