Newsletter # 12 16 June 2010

RENAULT Sport & A lpine EXPO

Brisbane 9 July to 18 July 2010
Whats it all about? If you missed the earlier RSAE Newsletters and are wondering what
the RSAE is all about, please go to page 16.
Something Old Renault 4CV/750

Something New Renault Koleos

 In the article on the Renault Nepta in Newsletter # 7, we asked the
question: How do you get in?

I bet that you didnt guess!! It is a stunning looking car, but I doubt
the practicality of those doors. Still, with a show car that is not
intended for production, practicality comes a very poor second to
stunning appearance which the Nepta undoubtedly achieves!

Now, one more question: Who was Louise Berthe Magien?

For the answer, see Newsletter # 13!

June 2 (Reuters) - French carmaker Renault (RENA.PA) and its Japanese Partner
Nissan (7201.T) should together become the world's third-biggest car manufacturer this
year, Renault Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn told the Financial Times.
CYCLICAL CONSUMER GOODS

Ghosn was quoted as saying that he expected the global industry to make and sell 70 million light
vehicles in 2010, a slight tweak to the 69-70 million forecast he gave at the Detroit Economic Club last
week.

"Very likely this year, we should be in the top three," Ghosn said in the
FT's Wednesday edition, predicting sales of nearly 7 million cars from
Renault, Nissan and their Russian partner Avtovaz (AVAZ.MM). Renault
would rank behind Germany's Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and its
Japanese partner Suzuki (7269.T), and Japanese carmaker Toyota
(7203.T).

The auto industry is expected to benefit from strong demand from

emerging markets this year. Ghosn said he expected consolidation
between car makers to accelerate. "You don't know who's going to be
jumping into the laps of who and when and for what reason, but that's
going to happen," he was quoted as saying. (Reporting by Caroline
Jacobs; Editing by Erica Billingha
The 'bling' era of massive wheels and tyres may soon be over

How many of you, like me, run a car with low profile tyres? Yes? Well how many of you have bent a
rim? , or two?, or three? or more? Well I must answer yes to those questions. I try to be careful but I
have bent my RS Clio 172s rims six times!
The problem is this: If you drive fast/hard on good roads these days, you are likely to be booked and
ultimately lose your licence. So you seek out back roads which are both more challenging and have
less surveillance. This is a great idea until you hit a pothole that seems to lurk where you least expect
it. Result? - a bent rim, perhaps a ruined tyre and a repair cost of at least several hundred dollars.
It wasnt always like this.
Way back in Jurassic period when I first started to drive, most cars had steel wheels, a few cars had
wire wheels and only Bugattis and a few racing cars had alloy wheels. Nobody had low profile tyres.
Michelin X (Stop Pattern) and Pirelli Cinturato had the lowest profile at about 80 83%. Most tyres had
a profile of 95% to 100% and bent rims were rare, even though roads were much rougher than they are
today. I often carried a hammer and some tyre levers as a kind of on board rim repair kit. Oh how
much simpler things were in those far off days!
Now we have cars with sidewall heights well below 100mm, driving round with two cans of gloop in the
boot, instead of a full sized spare wheel. These days, a hammer and a couple of tyre levers wouldnt fix
a bent rim anyhow. These days, if you bend a rim and dont have a spare, your car is likely to go home
on the back of a truck!
Well, relief may be in sight as Car Points Joshua Dowling reports below:

Car Points Joshua Dowling says - The ballooning size of car tyres could soon come to an end and chances
are car enthusiasts aren't going to like the new alternative, unless they're into the Los Angeles low-rider scene.

With the number of motor vehicles on the world's roads set to double over the next 40 years, Michelin, one of the
world's biggest tyre producers, is worried that there may not be enough rubber to go around. Thus it has come up
with a whacky plan to develop undersized go-kart-style tyres that have the unfortunate effect of making a humble
hatchback look like something out of a cartoon.

The 10-inch diameter tyre weighs 25 per cent less than a regular tyre and uses one-third less material to make.
The example Michelin gave was this: if all the common hatchback tyres (175/65R14) on cars in Brazil were
replaced by its 175/70R10 wheel, it would save 728,000 tonnes of rubber and steel.

The Brazil example was no coincidence. Michelin show examples of the 'new' tyres at this week's Michelin
Bibendum energy conference in the South American nation. The tyres were demonstrated a pair of otherwise
identical Citroen hatchbacks.

The Carsales Network was let loose on the Nelson Piquet Autodrome racetrack to sample the difference. And we
can report that while the regular tyres felt more responsive and had more direct steering, to be frank, had it not
been for the back-to-back test, chances are most drivers wouldn't pick the difference.

Michelin claims that braking performance and cornering grip is the same as a regular tyre -- only the steering
feels different because of the taller sidewall.

"Whenever we introduce a new tyre technology that goes in a new direction, it must be the same or better
performance than what we currently have," says Michelin Vice President of Technical Communications, Pascal
Couasnon.

"We will not go backwards." So far, the tyres are only experimental and are some years away from going into
production. Indeed, Michelin only had one spare set for its test drive program.

Couasnon says the tyres have mainly been developed for use on city cars.

"I don't expect you will see these tyres on every type of car, but it is a possibility if there is not enough rubber to
go around then we need to find new ways to make sure everyone can still be driving on four wheels.

"Some people think the design looks unusual, but maybe they need to change the way they think about the
appearance of tyres. At the end of the day it is for -- and dictated by -- the environment."
Targa Tasmania in an Alpine A110
By Ernst and Sonja Luthi

This years Targa Tasmania took place

between 27 April and 2 May. TT is a classic
tarmac rally in the style of the Targa Florio
(www.targatasmania.com.au). After missing
out on last years Targa, this time we were
ready and keen to tackle the challenge. The
A110 was joined by Andrew and Belinda
Colliers R5 Turbo 2 who participated in the
Tour (no roll cage required and speeds
limited to an average of 130km/h on certain
road sections). The Tour is a great
opportunity to experience Targa Tasmania
without the costs in the competition class.

TT consists of 39 special stages on over

500km of closed roads and 1500km of touring stages in between. The longest stage is 55.2 km. This
year, 270 cars participated, from a Delage in the vintage section, to an Austin A30, Fiat Abarth, the
usual 911s in Classic and the BMWs, Alfas, EVOs, Subarus, and the mighty Lamborghini Galliardo in
Modern.

The event starts with the Prologue, where the starting sequence for the event is determined. The A110
performed nicely, but the crew only managed 2nd last, showing our inexperience. At least we would be
back early each day, as the field runs in reverse order. Day one dawned very grey and overcast and the
heavens opened up just as we pulled up on the starting line. The wipers could hardly cope with the rain
and the driver had his own problems, so off we went into the ditch on stage one. Not the start we
expected. Fortunately there was no damage and after the field had passed two hours later, we got towed
out and continued on our journey. Except that we were now following the field instead of leading it.
After a long day and a car check up by a friendly service crew, we finally pulled into the parc ferme at
20.00.
The next day was brilliant and dry with no issues, the car and crew getting
to know each other, and the pace note calls falling into place. Day 3
contained the first of a series of mountain stages. The weather was
intermittent and the roads slippery, so the crew took it slowly. We finished
without further problems, something that could not be said about the wipers
(dead) or the alternator (dead too). So another favour was called in and the
regulator was replaced in 30 minutes - not bad considering it was late
afternoon. Day 4 was the longest day, with nearly 500km of driving, of
which 170km were on closed roads. This also included the longest mountain
stage (37.8 km), which we had to complete in the rain without wipers. Strange feeling at 130kph+, but
fortunately we had pace notes that told use what to expect. The crew was happy to arrive at the
overnight stop in one piece. The last day was supposed to be a leisurely cruise to the finish over only
340 km, including the longest stage (55.2 km). The day started dry but rain set in again on the 55.2 km
stage. However the crew survived and by lunch time the sun was out again. Only three more stages and
30km to go and it would all be over. SO we thought. But 3.44 km of 4 km into stage 37 of 39, the
accelerator cable decided to separate from the pedal and we came to a halt in a drive way. So instead of
a triumphant finish, we arrived on a tow truck an hour after the winners ceremony had started. Instead
of a trophy, a Did Not Finish. But at least we had no damage and had managed to complete nearly all
stages despite major mechanical and driving issues on the way. And we got much further than we did in
2009. Cant wait till 2011!

A big thank you to Andrew & Belinda Collier, and Colin Fuller (A110 owner in Tasmania) for their
support.
HS: Colin Fullers beautiful A110 was featured in RSAE Newsletter#8!

The A110 on display in the Silverdome in Launceston.

Renault Latitude
Renault has recently provided the first glimpse of its latest international status-enhancing family
saloon, Renault Latitude, which is based on the Renault Samsung SM5. The photo below
illustrates its nicely balanced proportions, generous exterior dimensions and large boot.
Tailored to meet the demand of
its different markets, Renault
Latitude's specification will
deliver the car's different
customers a truly high-end
package that will position it as
the spearhead of international
Renault's saloon car range. It will
be shown at the forthcoming
Moscow Motor Show, Russia,
and is due to go on sale this
autumn in Asia, Africa, Russia,
Turkey, Gulf, Australia and Mexico.
Rudi Koenig is reported as saying that Latitude is under consideration to come to Australia next year.
European version of Renault Latitude will be one of the principal new attractions of the 2010 Paris
Motor Show where visitors will get a chance to examine its interior design, while full details of the
model's equipment lists and engines ranges will also be released.
Renault's engineering expertise
In addition to its generous exterior dimensions (length: 4.89m / width: 1.83m / height: 1.49m), Renault
Latitude boasts elegant, racy looks. The contours of the grille are flanked by distinctive bi-Xenon
adaptive directional headlights, while chrome embellishments contribute to the unmistakable impression
of dynamism and status exuded by the car's overall lines. Its rear-end forms point to ample boot space,
and the new car can effectively claim one of the biggest boots in its class. The rear lighting signature
employs LED technology and harmonizes perfectly with the chrome rear strip which carries the new
model's name: Renault Latitude

Based on the same architecture as New SM5, which was recently launched in the Korean market,
Renault Latitude profits extensively from Renault's engineering expertise. Occupants benefit from a
comfortable, silent ride, as well as a particularly precise chassis and a choice of powerplants that are
sure to give it a decisive edge over its rivals.

Full details coming soon!

The complete equipment list, which will be revealed at a later date, places the emphasis on innovation
and travelling comfort, including a dual-mode air ionizer with double fragrance diffuser, triple-zone
climate control, a massaging driver's seat, Bose Premium audio, the Renault hands-free card, etc.

Renault, Nissan eye Ssangyong takeover

(AFP) 07 June 2010
PARIS Japan's Nissan and France's Renault Samsung Motors jointly submitted a letter of intent to
acquire Ssangyong Motor, the ailing South Korean automaker, a spokeswoman for the French group
said Monday.
"Nissan and RSM (Renault Samsung Motors) jointly submitted a letter of intent" to take over
Ssangyong, she told AFP. Renault Samsung Motors is a subsidiary of the Renault group, which holds
80 percent of the company.
Ssangyong announced on May 28 that seven companies had joined the race to acquire Ssangyong
Motor, without identifying them. The firm -- the country's smallest automaker -- has been under
bankruptcy protection since February 2009 after its former Chinese parent, Shanghai Automotive
Industry Corp, declined to pump in more funds.
Ssangyong said the bidders had submitted letters of intent to Macquarie Securities Korea, which is
advising on the deal. Renault-Nissan aims at aggressive sales targets.

Ketan Thakkar, June 8, 2010 (Mumbai)

The Renault Nissan Alliance knows it has to play catch up in the Indian car market and is now turning
on the heat. With large export orders as well as domestic demand to meet, sources in Nissan say the
existing capacity at the Chennai plant wont be enough.

A few years down the line once Renault products also start rolling off its assembly line, would mean
that the Renault-Nissan alliance is aiming to hit its 400,000 unit target well ahead of the 2015 deadline.
To make that happen, the construction of a second assembly line at Chennai will begin in 2011.

Renault-Nissan alliance is working on bringing out a SUV on Nissans global V-platform and the Micra
is the first product from it. The V-platform will also spawn other variants like an MPV and Renault's
next generation Clio hatch. These will hit the market by 2013. Nissan is also examining the potential of
increasing its play in the SUV-crossover space with models like Murano, Qashqai, Juke and Note.

Nissan will also begin local assembly of its current imported models X Trail and Teana. And while
experts agree both Renault and Nissan are likely to hurt the market biggies Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai,
it is an inadequate network that will be the major chink in its armour. Nissan plans to take its reach to
over 100 locations by 2013 and it is the same target for alliance partner Renault. But as that network
falls into place can the limited number of dealers in the interim help achieve the aggressive sales
targets?

3 Seater Formula 1 car anybody>?

Below and on the following pages are some extracts from Keith Winsers Australian ROAD
TEST ANNUAL 1961.
 The Driving Centre at Norwell will be host to the RSAE Track Day on Monday 12 July

RSAE Track Day on Monday 12 July - The preliminary program for the day is:

8.00am - Arrive at Norwell, sign on and enjoy a cup of complimentary tea or coffee.

8.30am - Welcome by Renault Marketing Director, Sylvain Martin-Villa and others, plus briefing by Chief
Driving Instructor, Peter Bisley

9.00am - Form into groups to rotate at 45 min intervals around the following activities:

Circuit training, with each group in a new Renault. Initially a Norwell Expert Instructor will
demonstrate safe and effective techniques applicable to both circuit and road driving. Each
member of the group will have the opportunity to drive around the circuit in a new Renault.

ABS Brake and Steer, with each group again in new Renaults. Here you will learn the feel of ABS
in action and how to best use it to avoid accidents, both on the road and track. Each person will
have the opportunity to take the wheel of a new Renault for this segment!

Skid Pan Competition: A circuit will be set out on the skidpan. Each participant will have the
chance to compete over three timed laps, driving a new RenaultSport Clio (probably). There will be
penalties levied for hitting the witchs hats, but otherwise, the fastest time wins!!

Small Track Exercise: Each participant will drive a new RenaultSport Clio (probably) for a timed
run around this tight track. That sounds easy? Well there are a couple of challenges firstly, the
track is tighter than many go-kart tracks, and secondly, the Clio will have a wok mounted on the
bonnet, with a tennis ball inside. If the tennis ball comes out of the wok, you have to stop and put it
back in, all while the clock is still running! Smooth driving will win here!

V8 Supercar Workshop Tour: The Norwell complex is used as a base by Paul Morris. The tour
will allow you to see what goes on in the building and race preparation of a V8 Supercar.

12.45pm - Lunch and presentation by Sylvain Martin-Villa and others. (We are still finalizing arrangements
for lunch, but we expect to be able to provide you with a good lunch at a moderate price)

1.45pm Sprint and Regularity Session. Here you will have the opportunity to drive your car around the
circuit for either timed Sprint or Regularity Runs. There will be no racing as such, except against the clock
if you wish. If you dont want to go fast, you can still participate in the Regularity Runs at your own pace.

4.30 5.00pm Wrap up and Departure.

Bonus!! - We cant promise it yet, but if you come to Norwell, you might just
see a new unreleased RenaultSPORT model!

What is RSAE 2010 all about!

In June 2004, six members of the Renault Car Club of Queensland (RCCQ) attended the
Alpine Recorde du Monde at Zolder racing circuit in Belgium. That event involved 667
RenaultSport, Gordinis, Alpines etc, from 52 car clubs and 16 different countries!
With the Alpine Recorde du Monde as inspiration, the RCCQ held the very successful
Renault Sport & Alpine Expo 2005! We now plan an even larger event, the RSAE 2010!
The Planned Itinerary for RSAE 2010 is:

Friday 9 July Welcome Function 7.00 9.00 pm.

Your Registration Pack will include:
In this registration package you will find:-

Lanyard and name badge for each registrant.

Please wear your lanyard and name badge (including all entry and welcome drinks tickets) at all times
during the Expo.

Function tickets.
Included in the lanyard are:-
Two tickets for each registrant for a welcome glass of wine, soft drink or a beer at the
Friday night Welcome.
If prepaid one ticket per registrant for attendance at the day run luncheon.
One ticket for each registrant for a welcome glass of wine, soft drink or a beer at the Saturday Night
Gala Dinner.
One ticket for attendance and welcome glass of wine, soft drink or a beer for each EXTRA person
registered to attend the Gala Dinner on Saturday night.
A RSAE 2010 sticker which entitles the registrants car entry to the Grand Display of French Cars
One ticket for each registrant to attend the Pizza/Wine farewell on Sunday afternoon/evening.
.
Other inclusions are:-
Registration receipt
If ordered, one Polo shirt
Programme detailing events, time, date and location
Route instructions for day Saturday
Auction catalogue
Layout for photo shoot on Saturday morning
Voting paper for entrants choice for most popular car at Expo
Renault Pen
Renault desk memo holder
Other goodies

It is important you check the contents to be satisfied that they are correct.

If there are any issues or problems please raise them with the Registration Desk and we will try to solve
them as quickly as possible.

The Committee wishes you all the best as you attend the RSAE 2010. We are sure you will have an
enjoyable and rewarding weekend as you experience the fellowship, interesting speaker and wonderful
hospitality of the RCCQ, Brisbane.

For registrants who are travelling to Sydney on Tuesday there will be a briefing and distribution of road
maps at the Sunday farewell.
 Saturday 10 July Scenic Drive on
some picturesque and challenging SE
Qld roads with an official assembly
photo shoot and lunch at beautiful
Binna Burra Mountain Lodge in the
Mount Lamington National Park. The
photo to the right shows Purlingbrook
Falls, where we will have a morning tea
stop.

Saturday 10 July Evening Gala

Dinner 7 pm Robertson Gardens -
includes an interesting guest speaker
and a Renault memorabilia auction.

Sunday 11 July A Grand Display of French Cars starting at 9:30 am at Brookfield

Pony Club Showgrounds, followed by a casual dinner for RSAE participants.

Optional additional events are:

Monday 12 July Track Day at The Driving Centre at Norwell.

The following activities will be available before lunch:

* Safety Training on Skid-pan
* Circuit training lead by experienced racing drivers
* ABS braking training
* Short circuit novelty event
* Tour of V8 Supercar workshop
In the afternoon, this will be followed by the opportunity to drive your car on this
interesting 2 km circuit for timed or regularity laps What a day!!

Thanks to generous sponsorship from RENAULT AUSTRALIA, the cost for

the whole day is only $50* per person. Thanks also to Jamie Cartwright of
Cartwright Motor Group for the provision of cars and other sponsorship.
*Does not include lunch * Cost for first 50 registrants only. Late registrations may attract a late fee!

To put the cost of the day into perspective, the cost of our mornings
activities at Norwell would normally be $199 per person. You pay one
quarter that price and get the Sprint and Regularity Session as a bonus!!

Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 July Transit to Sydney along some interesting back roads.

Friday 16 July Dinner with our colleagues from Renault Car Club of Australia
(RCCA).

Saturday 17 July Day run in the Sydney environs followed by dinner, again kindly
organized by our colleagues from the RCCA.

Sunday 18 July Participation in the Sydney All French Car Day.

You dont have to have the latest RenaultSPORT to participate in RSAE 2010 - ANY
Renault will do, or just an interest in Renault. Everybody is welcome!!
However, we do NOT expect any of the F1 modified Renault Espaces to make it along to
RSAE 2010, although they would be very welcome!

We do, however, expect a few Megane 2 Cabriolets like the one pictured above!
Interested?
RSAE is only three weeks away, so

PLEASE REGISTER STRAIGHT AWAY.

Please complete a Registration Form and send it to us as soon as possible. If you are
interested in RSAE 2010 and want more information, please get in touch.
Also, determine your work/holiday plans & make your accommodation bookings early.
It may help to keep an eye on the various forums, including:

http://renaultinaus.17.forumer.com/

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=1864981&da=y

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1936651/rsae-2010-flyer-3-pdf-may-28-2010-8-04-pm-182k?da=y

To provide everyone with regular updates and Newsletters

on RSAE 2010, we need your name and email address!!

Questions?
Contact us at enquiry@renaultclubqld.com.au or telephone Ian Both (07) 3279 0509 or
Phil Harrison (0419 885513).

RSAE 2010 - the best RENAULT event in

Australia ever.
, PLE

it to Australia soon!