MAIDEN VOYAGE ON LAND
Suite N°4 Mathieu Lehanneur takes inspiration from a nomadic hotel suite to reinvent the Renault 4L.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the 4L, Renault has
influence can be seen in the car’s bodywork, which is
teamed up with designer Mathieu Lehanneur to create
coated with three layers of paint that convey the mineral
a new concept that fuses automotive technology with
aspect of cement. Inside, the seats and dashboard are
architectural flair. The iconic car – famed for being
upholstered in an energetic yellow velvet while the
the world’s first mass-produced hatchback – set a new
boot, which transforms into a lounge space, is finished
standard when it came to market in 1961, going on to
in ribbed chenille. There’s also a timber bench, which
sell over 8 million units in its 30-year run. Though
cleverly slides out when the hatch is open.
production ground to a halt in 1992 to make way for
Other new interventions include transparent solar
newer models, the car’s legacy lives on, and now it has
panels on the roof – providing light and helping to
been reinvented for today’s traveller.
charge the electric battery – and a polished aluminium
“Suite N°4 is a new mobility and travel experience. I
front grille. Renault has however maintained some
wanted to merge the worlds of cars and architecture to
traditions; much like the original 4L, all materials are
create an open-air hotel room,”says Lehanneur. “Even
made in France and supplied by Paris-based artisans.
better than the finest palatial suite, the car is exactly
Clearly delighted with the concept, Arnaud Belloni,
where you want it to be, whether that’s by the sea, in
Renault’s Brand Global Marketing Director, comments:
the middle of a field or driving around the city you’ve
“The finished product is extraordinary. It really
always dreamed of.”
encapsulates everything the brand has set out to achieve
The vehicle maintains the same exterior dimensions and silhouette as the original, however the rear section
through the Renaulution strategic plan: create modern and innovative cars that provoke emotions.”
and hatch have been replaced with polycarbonate
Suite N°4 was unveiled at an event hosted by Christie’s
windows that provide transparency and lighting on
in October, and will go on show at the forthcoming
a par with that of architectural glazing. The same
January edition of Maison & Objet in Paris.
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