All-wheels steering 
Five months after the Laguna went on sale. Renault now presents the four-wheel steering GT version…And here you may ask what is it, why is it and how does it work?
According to Renault, it is an unequalled gain in safety…unequalled, not sure, especially when you look at the all the four-wheel drive options out there. But Renault claims it’s an improvement in driving pleasure. And that it is, but you have to wring the car’s neck to see how.
Regardless, the idea is smart and efficient, but why install it on the rather stayed Laguna and not a sport model like the Megane RS?
So, you can understand how we might be just a bit perplexed when it comes to this usage….one thing is certain, it is reason enough to talk about the Laguna and it could be the best of all, considering the poor sales numbers.
So, here is the idea: at slow speed or in town, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the fronts, just until 60km/h which makes steering the car that much easier and there is a 10% reduction in the turning radius. This system also reduces the need to work the steering wheel and increases turning precision.
Above 60km/h, the « Active Drive » chassis promises better security and better stability in the case of having to make an evasive manoeuvre at high speed. So, here is how it works: an electronic sensor placed on the steering column transmits information to a 4RD calculator. The calculator, located on the rear axle, sets the appropriate turning angle for the rear wheels.
As we said earlier, you can feel the difference in certain driving conditions, which adds to the already very effective handling aspects of the standard Laguna. Lucky for us, we got the chance to test the system on the twisty roads of Corsica and the big difference we found was the extra vivacity coming from the rear axle…the steering is also more responsive. You could say it is even fun to drive, but that does come to a screeching halt when the ESP kicks in. Under the bonnet is the tried and true 205 brake horsepower 2-litre turbo engine. The GT can also be had with a tamer 180bhp 2-litre Dci motor.
Aesthetically, there a few details that stand out with the GT. The front bumper is purpose built. The backdrop for the headlamps is black as are the rear-view mirrors. There is a twin-pipe muffler and smoked taillights. The Laguna GT rests upon 18-inch wheels and, again, purpose built, Bridgestone Potenza…all these changes are discreet and effective.
The interior is doted with aluminium inserts from the console, to the gear shift lever and pedals. The half-leather, half-alcantara seats are incrusted with the GT logo, all of which makes for a fine mix of elegance and sport.
Sold for 30 000 euros in France, this Renault Laguna GT has it’s share of qualities…but perhaps not quite enough for a potential customer in search of a family sedan and also not quite enough to kick start sales. On the other hand, it will be quite interesting to see this system introduced to the rest of Renault’s catalogue…the Laguna coupe 4RD will be presented this October.
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