| Renault R-series | |
| Manufacturer: | Renault Trucks |
| Aka: | Ford Transcontinental |
| Production: | 1980-1996 |
| Predecessor: | Berliet GR/TR |
| Successor: | Renault Premium |
| Class: | Heavy truck |
| Body Style: | COE |
| Engine: | Straight-six engine
|
| Related: | Ford Transcontinental |
The Renault R-series was a range of heavy-duty trucks built by Renault Véhicles Industrielles (RVI) from 1980 until 1996. The cabin was Berliet's KB 2400 model, originally introduced in 1970 for their GR/TR range. The fusion of Saviem and Berliet into RVI brought with it a consolidation of the lineups, although the Saviem and Berliet badges continued to be used for some time. The KB 2400 cabin was also used by Ford Transcontinental.[1] The R-series ranged from the smallest R280 to the V8-powered R420.
Originally built by Berliet, the truck became the top-of-the-line offering in Renault's new heavy commercial vehicle line. Sold as the R-series, it offered a range of engines in models from the original R310 up to the V8-engined R420. Most models were inline-sixes. The R-series overlapped the more compact, more utilitarian G-series, and was meant for longer distance journeys where driver comfort is of more importance.[2]
The 3380NaN0 R340 appeared at the 1986 Paris Salon, being a modified version of the twelve-litre inline-six also used in the R310.[2] A high-roofed model with a bonded and riveted fibreglass extension called the Turboliner was also sold, beginning in 1986.[2] In 1990 the R-series received a facelift, with a body-colored grille and a more aerodynamic appearance.[3] In 1992 the line was renamed Renault Major. In 1996, the R-series was replaced by the new Renault Premium.
The R was mostly equipped with Renault's 12-litre, G-series turbodiesel inline-six, although some higher powered models (R360, 370, 390, 420) received a 14.88 L V8 unit. The smaller 9.8 liter G-series engine was also available in the R330 and the R340 ti. The most powerful six was the 3850NaN0 R385 ti of the 1990s. Eight-cylinder models' bodyshell was actually coded KB 2480.[3]