Renault gets first crack at V-MAC
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• News from the US suggests that the next generation of the 16.4-litre Mack vee-eight engine used in the Renault AE will get electronic fuel injection and a hefty power boost.
Mack is finalising the development of the EE9 vee-eight incorporating the company's V-MAC (vehicle management and control) electronic control system, and it is believed that the European version of this engine will pack a mighty 410kW (550hp) punch.
This would give an AE 550 over 10% more power than the existing AE 500, which is currently rated at 370kW (503hp), and would also give Renault clear leadership in the European "super tractor" power stakes.
The V-MAC system, which is used on Mack's smaller 12-litre E7 engine in the US, is similar to the Cummins CELECT and Detroit Diesel DDEC electronic engine controls.
The system is also designed to be compatible with other electronic systems on the vehicle, such as ABS, ASR, transmission shift controls and diagnostic packages.
It is believed that Renault will get first crack at the V-MAC engine, with Mack making its American customers wait an estimated further six months for the unit.