The Renault Rafale Presidential is an exclusive model, designed specifically for the French Presidency. Based on the Renault Rafale Hyper Hybrid E-Tech 4×4 300 hp model, it is a powerful hybrid with cutting-edge technologies.
Reflecting the Renault voitures à vivre concept, the Rafale Presidential is designed as a mobile office, adapted to office needs – comfort, connectivity and private style.
Designed at the Renault Design Centre in Guyancourt, the Rafale represents the brand’s bold and elegant vision of style. Seen from the outside, the presidential version is a vehicle with harmonious classic lines, enhanced by several distinctive but discreet features, such as: the grille in the colors of the French flag, the removable supports and the blue, white and red inserts on the front doors. The bodywork, in the exclusive shade Bleu Présidence, incorporates a technology that limits heat absorption to 10°C, increasing the climatic comfort inside the vehicle. The paint also features bright shades of blue, white, and red, visible in the sun.
The rear doors have a damper for smooth and quiet operation, in accordance with protocol requirements. The flag holders are discreetly placed behind the levers for an attractive yet sober display on official trips.
The vehicle is armored, enlarged and adapted to include specific technical characteristics. For safety and comfort purposes, designers have selected composite materials that are both lightweight and durable. The certified armor discreetly matches the overall design of the vehicle, without changing its visual identity. The chassis has been specially tuned for a smooth and stable ride, even in urban environments, while the suspension has been adapted to compensate for the weight of the armor. What’s more, the vehicle features 20-inch Chicane wheels, Michelin all-season tyres and 4-wheel steering for an optimised balance of agility, handling and stability. The goal: to offer uncompromising protection, comfort, discretion and efficiency.
Exceptional living car
The Renault Presidential Rafale is designed not only to represent the Head of State. It is also a mobile office.
In line with Renault’s DNA, the Renault Rafale Presidential is a voiture à vivre that offers the comfort, high-tech innovations and robust durability demanded by the French Presidency. This exceptional vehicle supports the Head of State on official trips, while providing a functional, connected and safe workspace.
At the rear, the cabin is designed as a mobile desk, with multiple customizations for functional and ergonomic use. Particular emphasis has been placed on thermal and acoustic comfort for passengers: improved sound insulation creates an environment conducive to work and confidential discussions, while climate control has been optimised to maintain a well-balanced interior temperature.
FRENCH COLLABORATION BETWEEN THREE PARTNERS
This project is the result of a tripartite collaboration between the Elysée Palace, Renault and French artisans renowned for the quality of their work. From the design phase, teams consisting of drivers, security guards and mechanics of the presidential garage worked with engineers to integrate the specific requirements in terms of safety, comfort and functionality for this type of vehicle. This exceptional Rafale is the result of their joint efforts. Designed and developed by Renault Group – design, engineering and development – it is designed for the needs of the French Presidency.
The Renault Rafale Presidential is also a reference for foreign heads of state and dignitaries, illustrating French excellence and lifestyle.
From the premium materials to the precision of assembly, every detail of the Renault Rafale Presidential conveys a modern and creative image of France. The development process involved precision work on each component of the vehicle to achieve the necessary consistency between form and function. From materials to custom accessories, the vehicle reflects the many facets of French expertise that have contributed to creating an interior that reflects the responsibilities of the presidential office.
Grand Antique Noir marble from the Pyrenees: a premium high-tech material made by Mineral Expertise:
Using a material rarely found in the automotive world as a result of a careful selection process, the designers opted for a black marble with white inserts, extracted from the quarries of the Pyrenees. Precisely placed around the rear centre console, on the dashboard and on the centre branch of the Renault Rafale Presidential steering wheel, marble adds an elegant mineral finish to a cabin designed as a mobile office. From the selection of the marble blocks to their integration, the entire process was supervised by Mineral Expertise, a leading Franco-Italian company specialized in rock processing. Relying on his unique expertise, he was able to adapt this premium material to the technical constraints of the automotive industry, achieving a high level of fineness, strength and durability in line with Renault standards.
Fine Marquetry by Ludovic Avenel, an artisan with recognized expertise
A graduate of the École Boulle School of Fine Arts, Ludovic Avenel trained in carpentry, product and interior design. His workshop in Paris, opened in 2008, combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology. He designs and creates custom furniture and accessories, from exquisite individual objects to large-scale projects. For the Renault Rafale Presidential, he designed the rear control panel trim, making them of dark wood with a marquetry finish. The natural warmth of the handmade finish elegantly balances the marble. Illustrating the excellence of French craftsmanship, this custom finish perfectly matches the aesthetic and functional requirements of the presidential cabin.
Rolls-Royce celebrates the art of lace
Exclusive Renault upholstery, made in the manufacturer’s workshops
Renault upholsterers embody the excellence of an art that combines tradition with innovation. For the Renault Rafale Presidential Rafale, every detail has been carried out with the utmost care to meet the requirements of the protocol. Sourced from selected materials, the leather has been remade in specific colors, while the blue stitching has been carefully matched to the official colors of the Republic. The headrests feature a finely crafted laser engraving of the French coat of arms: a shield, a fascia, and oak and olive branches. On the back of the front seats, discreet and functional map pockets contain useful items for passengers. One of the main challenges was the ventilation on the bench. This required advanced fine engineering expertise to maintain comfort without compromising the elegance of the design.
Custom center console designed by Renault and Centigon, manufactured by Design & Solution
Founded in Guyancourt in 2013, Design & Solutions is a specialist in automotive prototyping. The company leverages its expertise along the value chain, from design to production, for the development of unique objects. Renault’s long-standing partner for its prototypes and concepts, Design & Solution has built an exclusive and elegant rear centre console for the Renault Rafale Presidential Aircraft. Designed to meet the specific constraints of the presidential office, this console, upholstered in Alcantara, illustrates Design & Solution’s expertise and its ability to create objects with a focus on ergonomic design, built-in technologies and perceived quality for comfort and efficiency.
Discreet armor system certified by Centigon, the French expert in mobile protection
Centigon France is a European leader in the design and manufacture of custom armored vehicles for the civil, military and security sectors. With over 75 years of experience, the company offers certified, innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client. Implementing an approach focused on protection, quality and performance, Centigon worked closely with Renault to optimise armour integration. The company has deployed all its expertise for the development of the Renault Presidential Rafale, ensuring that the vehicle meets the necessary standards for a mission of this type.
A historic 105-year alliance between Renault and the French Presidency
A loyal partner, Renault designed its first iconic model for the French Presidency in 1920. The first vehicle was the Renault 40 CV, the flagship of French luxury, which was used by President Paul Deschanel and his successors. Since then, twelve Heads of State have chosen Renault models for official use. These iconic models with elegant and refined design are designed to reflect innovation and comfort. From the Reinastella to the Safrane Limousine, each vehicle embodies the prestige of the presidential office. This unique partnership between automotive excellence and the requirements of the Republic has continued over several decades, while maintaining a contemporary approach. Renault has always adapted its vehicles to the needs of the state, with armor, comfort and cutting-edge technologies. Each of the selected models is a reflection of French elegance, technical expertise and prestige. For 105 years, Renault has been a player in the history of the French Republic and not just a manufacturer.
Today, Renault Rafale continues Renault’s long-standing tradition of the French Presidency, demonstrating a unique approach that combines innovation, responsibility and excellence in a single gesture.
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