Integral revamp for the Magnum
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by Charles Young • Renault has introduced a new version of the Magnum, called the Integral. Changes to Renault's flagship include a new drivcline and suspension system, electronic brakes and a revised electronic engine incorportating a fleet management system.
Renault's 12 and 16.4litre diesels have an upgraded version of VMAC which includes an immobiliser and is linked to InfoMax, a new data analysing system that can be run on PCs with Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. Management data is downloaded via an SAE serial port on the truck.
The Infomax option costs around £350, but a single system can analyse an entire fleet of Magnums. If InfoMax is introduced to the Premium range the same system will be able to analyse both models.
The nine or 18-speed aluminium-cased gearboxes now have double synchronisers to reduce shift loads and a new propshaft. The single-reduction rear axle has a 430mm-diameter crown wheel.
A new Electronic Brake System (EBS) has brakeby-wire control backed up by an emergency air circuit.
The front-axle disc brakes have new calipers and discs: Renault claims better control and longer service life.
The cab suspension is claimed to offer enhanced roll stiffness and improved ride quality; the rear axle air suspension has been made lighter and is said to be similar to the system already used on the Premium.
Options include a roof-mounted air deflector option, 385/65 R22.5 wide-singles on the front axle and an anti-under-run protection system.
These revisions follow changes to the cab introduced earlier this year.
INTEGRAL UPDATES
• VMAC engine management; • Optional InfoMax analysing software (£350); • Double gear synchros and propshaft; • Brake-by-wire braking system; • Roof-mounted air deflector;
• New engine immobiliser;
• Wide-single tyres on front axle; • Optional under-run protection; • Improved cab suspension and lighter rear axle suspension.