New Renault Energy dCi 160 Twin Turbo engine

The feel of a 2-litre engine, plus a 25% fuel-consumption saving

RENAULT, engine manufacturer par excellence, rises to the challenge of energy efficiency in 2014. As a successful engine maker in the world of F1, Renault makes full use of its experience by continuously refining the energy efficiency of its road car engines to deliver even greater driving enjoyment. The latest fruit of the firm’s downsizing strategy is the Energy dCi 160 Twin Turbo, the first 1.6-litre diesel powerplant to benefit from twin-turbocharging.

 This 1,598cc block delivers 160hp and a generous 380Nm of torque, which catapults it into the domain of 2-litre engines in terms of performance. This important breakthrough combines with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions savings of 25%.

The use of ‘Twin Turbo’ technology for this diesel engine ensures a blend of low-end torque and high power at higher revs, the obvious knock-on effect of which is enhanced driving enjoyment. The system comprises two sequential turbo-compressors:

- The first is a very low inertia turbo which provides high low-end torque for crisp pull-away and mid-range acceleration. To guarantee sprightly pick-up response at low revs and incisive acceleration, 90% of peak torque is available from 1,500rpm.

- The second turbo assumes the reins at the higher-end and produces high power (100hp per litre) at faster engine speeds to ensure smooth, linear, dependable acceleration right the way up to maximum revs.