Concept Car of the Week: Renault Argos (1994)

The 1994 Renault Argos concept is the little sports car based on the humble Twingo that continues to resonate in design terms.

Designed by current PSA Director of Design, Jean-Pierre Ploué, the minimalist three-seater ushered in a new design movement dubbed ‘Esprit Nouveau' (New Spirit) that re-instated The Car as an industrial machine after a period of organic, Bio-design influence.

Pared-back, broken down into its component parts and proudly bare, the Argos mixed the post-industrial functionality of a contemporary fighter aircraft with a twist of Steampunk fantasy. The subtly different satin finish of each component, some held in place by exposed bolts, gave it the sort of brutal rationality that had never been applied to a sports car. Its symmetrical side profile is the final tear that severs the sport car design rulebook.

The retractable door mirrors and tiny aero screen and the near-identical front and rear graphics and hood/rear deck surfaces add to the effect. Only the orientation of the silver lower body detailing gives any sense of direction.

The Argos was a vague preview of the upcoming Clio II but its influence was far deeper. It ushered in a new, experimental and, in many ways more honest, era of car design that included Ford's New Edge design strategy and, without the Argos, there would surely be no Audi TT.

First seen Geneva 1994
Designer Jean-Pierre Ploué
Engine 1,239cc 4-cyl
Length 3,780mm
Width 1,720mm
Height 1,100mm
Wheelbase 2,347mm
Weight 750kg

By Owen Ready