The Renault Magnum is a heavy-duty truck produced by Renault Véhicules Industriels and later Renault Trucks from 1990 to 2013. It was launched as the Renault AE, for aerodynamic, and was voted International Truck of the Year in 1991.
Renault Magnum at a glance
| Maker | Renault Véhicules Industriels, later Renault Trucks |
|---|---|
| Production | 1990–2013 |
| Configurations | articulated and rigid, 4×2, 6×2 and 6×4 |
| Cab design | Marcello Gandini |
| Launch engines | AE 380 six-cylinder of 374 hp, AE 500 Mack V8 of 503 hp |
| Award | International Truck of the Year 1991 |
| Name change | Magnum from 1997 |
| Prototypes | VE 10 of 1985, VE 20 of 1995 |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault Magnum.
History of the Renault Magnum
An aerodynamic prototype
In 1985 Renault presented a prototype truck, the VE 10, with special aerodynamics to reduce fuel consumption. The production truck was launched in 1990 as the Renault AE, standing for aerodynamic, and was notable as the first modern truck with a completely flat cab floor and a mechanically separate cab and engine compartment, which improved comfort inside. The cab was designed by Marcello Gandini.
Engines and award
At launch there were two engines: the AE 380 with a six-cylinder turbodiesel of 279 kW (374 hp) and the AE 500 with a 375 kW (503 hp) Mack V8 diesel. The truck was voted Truck of the Year in 1991. From 1997 it was marketed as the Renault Magnum, with a redesigned cab and new engines. In 1995 the VE 20 prototype previewed the second-generation Magnum, and in 2001 a major facelift was presented.
Configurations
The Magnum came in articulated and rigid forms, and either could be ordered with a 6×2 or 4×2 drivetrain, while the 6×4 was intended for heavy haulage. It stayed in production until 2013. It also became familiar to British television audiences when Jeremy Clarkson bought one for less than £5,000 in the Top Gear lorry challenge.
Design and features
- Flat cab floor: a first among modern trucks, with the cab separate from the engine.
- Gandini cab: styling by the designer of the Lamborghini Miura and Countach.
- Aerodynamic shape: descended from the 1985 VE 10 fuel-saving prototype.
- Heavy-haulage option: the 6×4 drivetrain for the heaviest work.
Renault Magnum versions
- Renault AE 380 (1990): six-cylinder 374 hp.
- Renault AE 500: Mack V8 of 503 hp.
- Renault Magnum (1997): renamed and redesigned.
- Facelifted Magnum (2001): the later cab and engines.
The Magnum was the flagship above the Renault Premium and Renault Kerax, and its cab designer also shaped the Renault 25 interior. More vehicles are in the Renault collection.
Sources
- Renault Magnum, English Wikipedia: prototypes, launch, engines, award, name change
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