From June to September, it was possible to see the Renault 5 in Paris’ rue saint Dominique. The exhibit presented the original 1972-’85 R5, and a new one from 2024, with a special focus on the lighting.
Renault have kept the rectangular headlamp shape and the split between lighting functions in the upper area, and signalling functions in bumper.
If you were a bit curious it was possible to see more details like headlamp labels and mounting concept on the bumper (With staples). There was interesting information presented, too. The lamps are made in France.
In the headlamps, the front position lamp is done by an integrated transparent inner lens with microoptics in front of low beam and high beam reflectors, as described by Francois Bedu, Renault lighting expert, at DVN’s 2024 Munich event.
DBM Reflex gave us additional pieces of details about this microöptics; they collaborated with Valeo on the new Renault 5. Valeo contacted DBM Reflex on an early stage of a new lens design with microöptics for which they provided the optical prescription and 3D surface design.
To guarantee precision, DBM Reflex provided a custom-machined plastic sample with the prescribed optics with a variety of optic density and surface finish qualities. This allowed to validate the optical performance and visual appearance of their design.
After getting validation for the prototype, stabilizing geometry and the surface finish specifications, DBM Reflex provided the injection moulding inserts for the series production moulds, ensuring seamless transition into large-scale production.
Some additional details about geometry specifications:
- Surface finish between microöptics: Ra 0.011 μm
- Sharp intersection between microöptics and surrounding surface
- Radii on microöptic peaks: 0.04 mm
- Microöptic nominal height: 0.3 mm
A similar approach can be seen at the rear of the car. The previous car’s upper grille space is now taken by the rear lamp to provide stop, tail, and turn indicator functions.
The rear lamps, too, are produced in France.
