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How it works
Page 50
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The transmission in the Renault Magnum is based on Volvo's 1-Shift gearbox, though Renault has developed the software to suit its application, which it calls Optidriver 2.
The first-generation Optidriver used ZF's ASTronic hardware and Renault's software application wasn't the best example of engine-to-gearbox communication. But second time around, the engineers have redeemed themselves with an intelligent yet elegantly simple solution.
Renault was an early proponent of semi-auto transmissionsitsTBV was one of the very first. And,like most easy-shift solutions in the early nineties, it was rubbish. But things have moved on and the only reminder now is the gear lever.
In its simplest form the driver puts the stick in auto position, releases the handbrake and points the truck in the right direction.
For manual, tap the lever to the left to engage then push the lever forward or back for up or downshifts.A push on its own gives a single gear step while a push with the function button pressed gives a half split. In this mode the system will only change up or down when told. 'Manual' appears on the dash readout to remind the driver it's engaged.
Manual Adjust mode enables you to tine-tune the gear in auto by tapping the lever forward or back The readout on the dash will flash: in the absence of further input, the system reverts to auto after a few seconds_ One reason for the hefty (0,909) price tag of the Optidriver 2 is that the system comes with the Optibrake engine brake as standard.
On the road
Put the stick in auto, release the handbrake and hit the gas... after that we'd be inclined to measure the efficacy of an automated transmission by the amount of manual input that's required.
In the ease of the Renault Magnum we never needed to go for manual at any stage, such is the system's intelligence. We may be overstating its IQ, but we sensed it was quick to pick up our tester's driving style and make the changes required.
The gearshifts aren't over-sensitive to the throttle position, but the driver can still nudge a shift by altering the pedal position:Ibis was particularly effective when the system seemed reluctant to go into top when trundling along at 40mph — a slight reduction in pressure on the accelerator and 12th engaged.
On the hills we tried kick-down a couple of times—not that the 480hp lump needed it to make progress.The final bit of travel on the accelerator shifts the system to power mode, moving the shift pattern up by 2(X)rpm or so. It drops out of this when it senses the gradient has eased and the driver is no longer asking for maximum effort.
Around the yard we were impressed with Renault's low-speed manoeuvring function. By desensitising the accelerator pedal and allowing more clutch slip than normal, it gives the driver excellent control.
The clutch temperature, whether in lowspeed manoeuvring mode or stop-start traffic, is monitored closely; if it's in danger of overheating a warning light will appear on the dash.