Renault to present 117-mpg concept in Paris

Renault has announced it will introduce a highly-efficient concept car at the Paris Motor Show that will open its doors to the public in a little over a month.

The yet-unnamed concept is a response to a challenge set by the French government that asks the country’s automakers to build a full production car capable of returning at least 117 mpg by the year 2020. Renault will be the first automaker to meet the government’s challenge if it lives up to its promise.

Renault is keeping details under wraps until the show car is unveiled, but design chief Laurens van den Acker boldly promises the company has “come up with a really interesting concept.” The designer explains the concept rides on a purpose-designed chassis because all of Renault’s current platforms are too heavy to underpin such an efficient car.