Why is the Renault Fuego is still not a classic?
Posted on 05-04-2016 at 17:57 by Dizono – 91 Comments”
In 1980 Renault with a for that time futuristic looking coupé, which is now as good as extinct. Unlike its German competitors, seems to be the Fuego, however, not to be able to count on too much interest from fans.
The Ford Capri III, Volkswagen Scirocco II and even the Opel Manta seem nowadays to be able to count on the necessary attention of lovers, while the Renault Fuego a bit behind it seems to remain. And while the Renault is by far the most original of the three. The Scirocco was and still is a bit of a wasted Wave, the Capri comes in the basics from the ’60s, while the Manta… naja, which is a Manta.
Renault introduces the coupé in 1980 as a replacement for the 15 and 17. In terms of technique leans to the Fuego strongly on the Renault 18, the Talisman of those days. Not only was virtually the entire driveline and chassis acquired, also the dash came directly from Renault’s large saloon. In terms of motorization, there was a choice of petrol engines between the 64 and 132 hp, while even a 2.1 turbo diesel with 88 horsepower. At the time the fastest production car with a diesel engine (180 km/h), you can check. Other firsts were the central locking system with remote control (from 1982) and radio control from the steering wheel (1983). Things that you might expect on a Mercedes S-Class from those days, but what debuted at a reasonably affordable Renault.
And then the appearance, that is, of course, the attraction of the Fuego. The ultra-streamlined coachwork was designed by Michel Jardin, one of the disciples of grandmaster Opron. The Cw-value was between 0.32 and 0.35, not bad for a car from that time. The design of Fuego came to stand with the help of a wind tunnel, something which in those days still cannot be taken for granted.
There are also reasons not to Fuego? Yes. First of all, had the car by Renault 18 technique not exactly an inspiring car to drive. A typical French car at that time, more comfort-oriented, on a tight road handling. In addition, the car quality also, not the best, one of the reasons why you are the Fuego never actually see more, as well as the 18 by the way. A rarity, that I still have a place in the history books earned. A classic for the foreseeable future. And to celebrate this, an additional well-stocked gallery, including pictures of the unique Heuliez-built convertible.
Gallery: Renault Fuego
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