After showing the sleek Alaskan concept pickup last September, Renault has launched the production version. Renault's first global 1-tonne pickup truck loses the icy look and concept-only accessories of the concept version, but maintains the rugged-but-shapely build. The Alaskan will soon find its way to the global market, starting in South America.
It looks like the US will be left standing by as another one of its states is used to label a product that won't be offered there. Americans probably won't be quite as disappointed about the Alaskan as they are about the Volkswagen California, but we're sure a few wouldn't mind working and playing behind the wheel of the world's latest pickup.
The Alaskan borrows a fully boxed frame from Nissan, and its dimensions and body lines are very closely related to the NP300 Navara. The Alaskan wears a distinct Renault look up front, however, with its slightly winged chrome grille, chrome riser bar, unique headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, and swept-back hood design. The Alaskan concept's "LED Pure Vision" taillights were one of its most distinctive features, but (not so surprisingly) they've been swapped for a more traditional taillight design.
Renault will offer the Alaskan in a number of body styles and sizes, including single-cab, double-cab and chassis cab, long and short beds, and wide and narrow bodies. The muscular wheel arches accommodate 16- or 18-in alloy wheels.
In terms of power, the Alaskan will feature a number of options, depending upon market, including 160-hp and 190-hp 2.3-liter twin-turbo diesel four-cylinders, 160- and 190-hp 2.5-liter diesel engines, and a 160-hp 2.5-liter petrol engine. There will also be 2WD and 4WD options and six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmissions.
Other standard and available equipment will include a new five-link rear suspension for the double-cab version, a bed-mounted 12V power supply, a rear-locking differential, an electronic limited slip differential, and driver assistance systems like Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Towing capacity lists in at 7,716 lb (3,500 kg).
A keyless system provides entry, and the interior will include equipment like a 7-in color navigation touchscreen, CD player, smartphone connectivity, and 360-degree camera system, depending upon market.
The Alaskan was developed in France, Japan and Latin America, and it will continue its global focus when launched. Rollout will start in Colombia and expand from there, with manufacturing to be performed at three sites: Cuernavaca, Mexico; Barcelona, Spain; and Cordoba, Argentina. Renault's Pro+ service will help commercial customers in identifying the right Alaskan or Alaskan conversion for their needs.
Source: Renault
