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Stretching the point

22nd January 2009
Page 49
Page 49, 22nd January 2009 — Stretching the point
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Last September, Renault unveiled its super-slippery Optifuel aero artic to Brussels bureaucrats. It's now proving what it can do out on the road.

Words: Brian Weathertey

Its funny how some stories seem to slip out unnoticed. It took a trip to the Truck & Bus World Forum in Gothenburg in December for CM to find out that, three months earlier, Renault had unveiled its Premium Optifuel aero artic to members of the European Parliament in Brussels. And ironically, we learnt about Optifuel thanks to a presentation in Gothenberg from Volvo's head of product design.

However, an e-mail to Lyons and we were soon up to speed on the Optifuel Solutions Generation 2010 artic with which Renault aims to cut fuel consumption and CO, emissions by 10% compared with an equivalent conventional combo.

The clue to this goal is the Optifuel Premium's radically reworked front end, which has a smoother, longer nose, and a wraparound bumper — extended by some 300mm. The Optifuel Solutions Generation 2010 is more than just a study, though. It's a real-life road-going test bed that's supporting a research programme. And there's more to Renault's Optifuel artic — or 'OptiLab' as it's now called — than just its streamlining.

Style and substance

Renault is also looking to optimise its driveline, engine and gearbox, especially with regard to ancillary energy use.

In conjunction with French fuel giant Total. Optifuel will also test a new high-performance diesel, while Michelin has joined the party with its latest generation of low rolling resistance tyres, thereby further boosting fuel economy.

However, the French truck-maker insists: "The greatest savings in diesel consumption and CO, emissions come from the exhaustive work done on the aerodynamics of the combination." Moreover, it says the extended front end:".. .is not just a matter of style. We are applying the water droplet principle to the truck, a well-known automobile design trait that improves the vehicle's drag," In a bid to further reduce wind resistance, the Premium's normal rear-view mirrors have been replaced by a video-based system with five cameras plus one reversing camera. Its cab roof has also been raised to 4.16m, so that it functions as a deflector, ensuring a smoother air-flow over the wind-cheating trailer from Lamberet — another partner in the OptiFuel project.

The tri-axle semi features extensive side fairings, plus what's described as an "under-chassis pan", a streamlined roof extension and 700mm deflectors extending from the rear of the dry-freight box.

Renault says: "If this concept is to become a reality, changes have to be made to the current rules on the dimensions of truck combinations."

Recession-buster

And before you dismiss it as another 'all-show, no-go" concept truck, the Optifuel Solutions Generation 2010 artic is capable of hauling 25-tonnes of freight, consuming, on average, some five litres less diesel per 100km than a 'normal' equivalent. Not a bad thing in a recession...

Tags

Organisations: European Parliament
People: Michelin
Locations: Brussels

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