Rafale, the official surname of the future SUV coupé derived from the Austral does indeed evoke an airplane but not that of Dassault. Rafale is also the name of an elegant coupé from the 1930s. Flashback.
In its logic of naming the models derived from the Austral with a particular surname, Renault continues and surprises us. So, the one we expected under the name of Grand Austral, the stretched variant with 7 seats is conveniently called Renault Espace of which he becomes somewhat capillotracted – read your opinions on the matter – the sixth generation heir. Here is now the turn of the one that was still called Austral Coupé a short time ago, a model that will top the catalog of the diamond brand in 2024.
It will be the Renault Rafale, it’s official! No link with the famous tricolor fighter plane designed by Dassault and which is a benchmark in its field, even if the image of the combat fighter with reactors can only be beneficial for the flagship of the Renault range. All you have to do is find the equivalent of Tom Cruise to be its ambassador.
When Renault takes off
To stay in the air, note that on The Originals Renault Store site, in other words, the chic boutique referring to the brand’s heritage, a resin replica of the Renault-Caudron C.450 Rafale aircraft that enabled aviator Hélène Boucher (and not Bouchet as indicated on the site) to break numerous speed records in the 1930s is available to order . The distinguished driver was also the ambassador of the Renault Viva Grand Sport, a prestigious car of the time powered by a 4.1-litre 6-cylinder engine.
-Renault’s Mercedes CLS?
Because that’s where the reference on four wheels comes from, the 1934 Renault Rafale, a style study designed by Maurice Riffard. This elegant coupe with tapered shapes (see our photo gallery) foreshadowed the Vivastella Grand Sport. An elegant sedan meanwhile with a low roof line – like a Mercedes CLS before its time – and whose two-part windshield was inspired by aviation.
It clearly affirmed the standing of the pre-war diamond brand which offered luxury models. After bringing the R5 and 4L up to date, Renault is reviving its glorious past. And, once again, high-end ambitions are emerging.
