Renault relies on G and R
Page 12
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• Renault is depending on its new French-built G and iirange rigids and tractors to boost the flagging heavy truck fortunes of its British operation, RTI.
The revised G and R models which debuted at the Amsterdam Show (CM 15-21 February) are now available in righthand drive and sport an interesting mixture of old and new, with the greatest changes being to their dfiveline.
UK operators, however, will have to wait at least until the start of next year to get their hands on the new AE tractor (CM 31 May-6 June).
G-range: rigids
RTI has introduced the G160 model with a 117kW (159hp) 5.49-litre engine to suit operators looking for a moderately powered middleweight chassis, and as expected the old G170 has been superseded by the more powerful G200. Renault's model designations loosley equate to horsepower; the G200's charge-cooled, six-cylinder 6.18-litre engine pushes out 144kW (196hp) with 635Nm (470lbft) of torque.
.Renault expects the G200 to be the mainstay of its two-axle rigid range, but for those operators looking for even more power there are two other options: the 166kW (226hp) G230ti.18D, and the 9.8-litre engined G330.18D at 240kW (326hp). Both of these are plated for drawbar applications up to 32 tonnes and come with either Renault's six or nine
speed gearbox as standard.
The uprated G200 17-tonner gets the ZF S6-36 six-speed transmission which replaces the previous, heavier Renault gearbox.
The G-range rigids also gain a 7.5-tonne front axle and a choice of eight wheelbases from 3.8-6.8m to suit bodywork from 4.6-8.5m.
G-range: tippers/tractors
As predicted by Commercial Motor, RTI has now put more power into its G-range 6x4 and 8x4 tipper chassis.
The old G260. 24D is now the 222kW (302hp) G300. 24D; the G290.30D eight-legger has been replaced by the G330.30D, driven by a 240kW (326hp) version of the 9.8-litre engine.
The two-axle G-range tractor line-up now comprises the G280, G300 and G330. The most powerful version of the 9.8-litre engine is also used in the new G330. 221) twin-steer 6x4 models.
The G cab has been given a mild facelift. The grille now incorporates vertically hinged panels to improve access to the headlights and indicators; a hinged centre section facilitates routine checks.
A re-routed gear linkage is said to improve selection while taking less space beneath the cab floor, and the front-axle brake shoe widths are up 25mm — 175mm. This is designed to extend service intervals and reduce downtime.
The inside of the latest G
cab is a mixture of ancient and modern. Bright blue and red profiled seats give excellent support, while the floor and engine cover have a practical grey synthetic finish. The uncluttered dash includes an average size glove box and an instrument panel which looks as old as the basic 'Club of Four' cab shell itself.
R-range: tractors
French operators can have a G340 tractor driven by the most powerful 249kW (338hp) version of the 9.8-litre lump. In Britain this engine is used in the bottom-of-the-range righthand drive R340 tractor.
Also in the R-range are the R350 and R380 tractors with the six-cylinder 12-litre Renault engine rated at 259 and 275kW (352 and 374hp) respectively. Flagship of the R-range fleet is still the R420, powered by the 310kW (422hp) 14-litre veeeight, with four valves per cylinder. All R tractors have the Renault B18/B9 synchro box which can be supplied with a splitter to offer up to 18 ratios. Double hub reduction back axles, are also standard.
Renault has extended the use of front disc brakes on its new generation axle: They now come on the R380 as well as the R420. ABS is optional across the range, and airdryers will soon be standard. R-range buyers have a choice of three cab styles: standard sleeper, Turboliner and the Highliner which has a full width — roof spoiler adjustable for height in 50mm increments.
Like the G-range the old Rrange cab has gained a new face. The old Berliet shell has stood the test of time well, but now features full length aerodynamic corner mouldings. With carpets and softer seating material, the R-range offers more comfort than the G cab. There is little to separate the top G model with the bottom R tractor in terms of driveline, but the interiors are as different as chalk and cheese.
This is reflected in the price; at £45,000 the R340ti.19D is almost £3,000 more than the GT sleeper-cabbed G330.17D.