Renault And Designer Mathieu Lehanneur Reinvent The 4L

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Renault 4, the brand has teamed up with designer Mathieu Lehanneur to create the concept car Suite N4. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Renault 4L, a car that has become a real success story. Manufactured in 28 countries, more than 8 million units have been sold in over 100 countries over 30 years.

Renault has turned the car's anniversary into a year-long celebration with different initiatives. For instance, the brand launched a global social media campaign, posting a variety of content each month and international media were given the opportunity to take a ride in different historic Renault 4L models, some of which have been retrofitted with a 100% electric engine.

Renault's Colour and Trim Design team and Mathieu Lehanneur worked together to come up with Suite N4, a concept car that represents the designer's dream motoring experience. Mathieu Lehanneur's vision was influenced by the parallel worlds of automobile and architecture. Renault Suite N4 is a tribute to the 4L, channelling the same pure, understated and simple spirit while prioritising efficiency and spontaneity.

Suite N4 retains the same exterior dimensions and lines as the iconic model but comes with a twist. The rear section and the hatch have been replaced with polycarbonate windows that provide lighting on a par with that of an artist's studio. The transparent solar panels that sit on the roof let light through while helping to charge the battery of the car, which has been retrofitted and now fully electric.

The rear section and the hatch have been replaced with polycarbonate windows that provide lighting on a par with that of an artist's studio 

The front of the car sports the same iconic lights, lines and silhouette as the original. The grille has been treated with polished aluminium to give the car a fluid, dynamic appearance. The body of the car is coated with three layers of paint to make it look like cement, a material synonymous with modern architecture.

According to Francois Farion, Design Director of Colour and Trim, "the creative dialogue process between our teams responsible for colours and materials and concept cars and Mathieu Lehanneur proved very fruitful. We place ourselves at the designer's service to create his interpretation of the vehicle in the best way possible. We made suggestions and put no limit to the design."

Inside the car Mathieu Lehanneur decided to use upholstery fabric to give a warm, energetic feel. The seats and the dashboard are covered with yellow velvet, whereas the backs of the seats are finished with a thick, ribbed chenille fabric for a robust look. The boot has undergone a complete transformation, featuring a natural fibre floor covering and a wooden drawer that can be removed to provide sheltered seating when the hatch is open. Like for the 4L back in the day, all of the materials are "made in France" and supplied by high-end Parisian furniture producers.