The Renault R312 is a bus manufactured by Renault Trucks from 1987 to 1996, with a prototype completed in 1984. It succeeded the SC 10, which was originally a Saviem design from the 1960s.
Renault R312 at a glance
| Maker | Renault Trucks, France |
|---|---|
| Production | 1987–1996, prototype 1984 |
| Length | 12 m |
| Layout | rear engine |
| Engine | 9.8-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel |
| Power | 152 kW (207 PS) or 187 kW (254 PS) |
| Floor | flat over the full length |
| Built | over 4,000, including more than 1,500 for the RATP |
| Predecessor | Renault SC 10 |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault R312.
History of the Renault R312
A bus with a flat floor
The R312 succeeded the SC 10, originally a Saviem design of the 1960s, with a prototype completed in 1984 and production from 1987 to 1996. The 12-metre bus put its 9.8-litre six-cylinder Renault turbo-diesel behind the rear axle, which allowed the interior floor to be flat over the whole length of the vehicle. The engine was available with 152 kW (207 PS) or 187 kW (254 PS). It was primarily built as an integral bus, although some were completed as rolling chassis for other bodybuilders.
In service
The bus was popular in France, with over 4,000 produced and the RATP operating more than 1,500 during the 1990s. In Australia the Renault PR100.3 has the same visual appearance as the R312, and export sales went to Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
Design and features
- Rear engine: a 9.8-litre turbo-diesel behind the rear axle.
- Flat floor: no engine hump inside the bus.
- Big fleet presence: more than 1,500 with the RATP in the 1990s.
- Exports: sold to Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
Renault R312 versions
- R312 (1987–1996): the integral production bus.
- Rolling chassis: supplied for completion by other bodybuilders.
The R312 replaced the Renault SC 10 and was followed by the low-floor Renault Agora; the older Renault PR100 was its stablemate. More Renaults are in the Renault collection.
Video: Renault R310
Video by terax50 on YouTube.
Sources
- Renault R312, English Wikipedia: layout, engine, production, operators
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