Boulogne-Billancourt, France
“The collaboration with Mathieu Lehanneur was a natural fit. We asked him to come up with a concept car showcasing his vision for the 4L.” said Arnaud Belloni, Renault Brand Global Marketing Director.
“The finished product is extraordinary. A car which really encapsulates everything the brand has set out to achieve through the Renaulution strategic plan: create modern and innovative cars that provoke emotions.”
Mathieu Lehanneur and Renault worked together to come up with the concept car to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the revolutionary hatchback Renault 4, designed by Pierre Dreyfus, former head of Renault from 1955 to 1975.
The result is SUITE N°4, an original concept car inspired by a nomad hotel suite that will be unveiled today.
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.
Furthermore, a collection of 30 different editions of the Renault 4 has been on display since 8 October 2021 at the Atelier Renault on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.
This new collaboration between Renault and French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, the second last initiative of the programme. Design and innovation in mobility have alwzqys been key values for Renault and the designer Mathieu Lehanneur.
Lehanneur’s SUITE N°4. is a new automotive experience and a Renault à vivre both inside and out.
His vision is fuelled by the parallel worlds of automobile and architecture. SUITE N°4 is a tribute to Renault 4L, channelling the same pure, understated and simple spirit while prioritising efficiency and spontaneity.
On top, this concept car projects the model into the designer’s contemporary aspirations.
“SUITE N°4 is a new mobility and travel experience. I wanted to merge the worlds of cars and architecture to create an open-air hotel room,” states Mathieu Lehanneur.
“Even better than the finest palatial suite, the car is exactly where you want it to be, whether that’s by the sea, in the middle of a field or driving around the city you’ve always dreamed of.”
SUITE N°4 maintains the same exterior dimensions and lines as the iconic model but comes with a radical twist.
The rear section and the hatch have been replaced with polycarbonate windows that provide transparency and lighting on a par with that of architectural glass.
The transparent solar panels on the roof let light through while helping to charge the battery of the car, which has been retrofitted and is now 100% electric.
The front of the car sports the same iconic lights, lines, and silhouette as the original.
The front grill in polished aluminum is both the designer’s signature and an ode to evasion.
It creates waves and gives the car a permanent effect of fluidity, dynamism, and movement.
The architectural inspiration can also be found on the body of the car, which is coated with three layers of paint that give it the mineral aspect of cement.
According to François Farion, Design Director of Colour and Trim, “the creative dialogue process between our teams responsible for Colour and Trim 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, except feasibility.”
Inside the car, Mathieu Lehanneur decided to let in the ambiance and materials proper of housing, and combine the automobile technical requirements and the sophistication of the French art de vivre.
The seats and the dashboard are upholstered with an energetic yellow velvet.
In contrast, the space on the back is finished with a thick, ribbed chenille fabric and accessorized with two laps, for a robust look.
Bolsters and pillows complete the boot, transformed into a moving room.
The experience is finalized by a wooden bench that slides like a drawer and can be extracted to provide sheltered seating when the hatch is open.
Like for 4L back in the day, all of the materials are “Made in France” and supplied by Paris-based artisans.
Project: Renault SUITE N°4
Designers: Mathieu Lehanneur SARL
Manufacturer: Renault S.A.
