List of Renault engines

Renault SA
Industry	Automotive
Founded	February 25, 1899; 127 years ago in France
Headquarters	France
Products	Automobiles, automobile engines

Engines produced by the French automaker Renault SA have traditionally been categorized using two distinct identification methods:

A numeric classification system employed from the company's inception up until the mid-1980s
An alphanumeric coding scheme adopted thereafter

Numeric

Prior to the mid-1980s, Renault designated its engines with numeric identifiers that corresponded to the chronological order of engine development projects. It is important to note that different numbers could be assigned to variants built on the same engine block without necessarily being related.

Alphanumeric

From the mid-1980s onward, Renault engines have been labeled following the pattern XnY-zzz, where:

X represents a letter indicating the engine family
n is a single-digit number describing the engine's architecture:
1. Gasoline engines with a single-barrel carburetor and parallel valve arrangement
2. Gasoline engines featuring a double-barrel carburetor and parallel valves
3. Gasoline units equipped with single- or multi-point fuel injection and parallel valves
4. Gasoline engines having four valves per cylinder
5. Gasoline engines with direct injection, prior to the F engine, characterized by a single-barrel carburetor and crossflow valve configuration (now obsolete)
6. Gasoline engines with a double-barrel carburetor and crossflow valves
7. Gasoline units utilizing multi-point fuel injection, hemispherical combustion chambers, and two valves per cylinder (including early 16-valve F-type models)
8. Diesel engines with indirect injection
9. Diesel engines employing direct injection
Y denotes engine displacement:
A: below 750 cc

B-U: from 750 to 2,250 cc in increments of 50 cc initially, then 100 cc increments

V-Z: above 2,250 cc with larger step sizes
zzz is a three-character code specifying variant attributes such as turbocharging, transmission type, or presence of catalytic converters. Odd numbers indicate automatic transmissions; even numbers signify manual gearboxes.

A

The A series consisted of an all-aluminum inline-four overhead valve engine developed in the mid-1960s for use in the Renault 16. This family was produced in three main versions:

A1K: 1,470 cc capacity
AxL: ranging from 1,565 to 1,605 cc (also installed in R15 and R17 models)
AxM: 1,647 cc displacement

B

Known as the B family or alternatively as the Renault Billancourt engine, this cast-iron overhead valve inline-four with a three-bearing crankshaft was created in the mid-1940s for the 4CV. It subsequently powered models like the Renault 4 and Renault Dauphine. Its displacements included:

748 cc (phased out before alphanumeric coding)
782 cc (phased out before alphanumeric coding)
B1B: 845 cc

B/BR (2016-)

Since 2016, the B family has expanded to include a modern three-cylinder petrol engine. The BR06 variant was developed by NMKV for Nissan and Mitsubishi Kei car vehicles:

B4A/BR08: 799 cc – utilized in Renault Kwid and Datsun redi-Go
B4D: 999 cc (71x84) – applied in various models including Renault Kwid, Renault Twingo, Renault Clio, Renault Triber, Dacia Sandero, and Dacia Logan

C

The C family derives its name from the Cléon-Fonte manufacturing plant. It features an inline-four overhead valve design with a cast-iron block and a five-bearing crankshaft. Conceived in the early 1960s for the Renault 8, this engine series became well-regarded for its robustness and economical production costs. It powered numerous Renault supermini and compact cars until the launch of the 1993 Renault Twingo. Notable variants include:

C1C (689): 956 cc (65x72); output of 32 kW
C1E (688): 1,108 cc (70x72); power range between 28–34 kW
C1G: 1,237 cc (71.5x77); rated at 40 kW
C3G: 1,239 cc (74x72); delivering 40 kW; equipped with monopoint injection
810: 1,289 cc (73x77); power varying from 32–47 kW
C3J: 1,390 cc (75.8x77); generates 43 kW; fitted with monopoint injection
C1J/C2J (847): 1,397 cc (76x77); naturally aspirated versions outputting between 43–52 kW and turbocharged models producing between 77–88 kW
C6J (840): 1,397 cc (76x77 hemispherical head); naturally aspirated at 68 kW and turbocharged variants ranging from 79–116 kW
C7K: displacement of 1,430 cc (76x79)

CH

The CH series consisted of a 90° V6 engine engineered by Gordini for Renault’s racing division, supplying power to the Equipe Renault Elf Formula One squad between 1973 and 1978. Created under the direction of François Castaing, this series was the predecessor to the EF engine lineup. Key specifications include:

CH1: 1,997 cc displacement, bore of 86.0 mm, stroke of 57.3 mm; power output ranged from 285 bhp at 9,800 rpm (1973) to 300 bhp at 10,500 rpm (1977)
CHS Turbo: maintained the same displacement; capable of delivering up to 500 bhp at 9,500 rpm (1975–78)
CHS2 Turbo: enlarged to 2,138 cc with an 89.0 mm bore; generated up to 540 bhp at 9,500 rpm (1978)

D

Replacing the smaller Type C engines in the mid-1990s, the D family featured a cast-iron inline-4 with an overhead camshaft, powering vehicles such as the Renault Twingo. Significant models include:

D4F: 1149 cc, 16 valves, producing 75 bhp – introduced in 2001 and employed in the Dacia Sandero II, Dacia Logan II, Renault Clio, and Proton Savvy
D4Ft: turbocharged variant of the D4F with reinforced internals delivering 100 bhp since 2007
D7F: 1149 cc, 8 valves, initially rated at 54 bhp in 1996 and improved to 57 bhp by 2001

A proposed D7D version with a 1000 cc capacity was canceled during early development stages.

E

The E family succeeded the larger Type C engines with cast-iron inline-4 units featuring an overhead camshaft, first appearing on the Renault 19 in 1988. These engines saw extensive use in models like the Renault Clio and Renault Mégane. Noteworthy variants include:

E5F/E7F: displacement of 1171 cc
E5J/E6J/E7J: displacement of 1390 cc (the E7J powers the Dacia SuperNova and Solenza)
E7M/E4M: displacement of 1598 cc

EF

Developed collaboratively by Renault and Gordini, the EF series was a turbocharged 90° V6 engine utilized by Equipe Renault Elf in Formula One from 1977 through 1985. Originating from the CH series designed by François Castaing, this F1 powerplant was engineered by Bernard Dudot.

EF1 Turbo: displacement of 1,492 cc, bore measuring 86.0 mm, stroke of 42.8 mm, compression ratio of 7.0:1

Power outputs included: 525 bhp (1977), 530 bhp (1979), 585 bhp (1982), and up to 650 bhp (1983)

EF1 Bi-Turbo: identical specs; power ratings of 530 bhp (1979), 585 bhp (1982), and reaching 650 bhp (1983)
EF4(B) Bi-Turbo: same specifications delivering up to 760 bhp between 1984 and 1986
EF15(B, C) Bi-Turbo: displacement of 1,494 cc, bore at 80.1 mm, stroke of 49.4 mm, compression ratio of 7.5:1

Power ranged from 815 bhp (1985–1986) to as high as 900 bhp in (1986)

F

The F series represented Renault’s cast-iron inline-4 engines ("Fonte" meaning cast iron), succeeding the A family. Introduced in 1981 on models like the Renault 9 and Renault 11, this engine family dominated Renault’s portfolio throughout the early decades of the new millennium. It offered progressively enhanced petrol and diesel variants featuring overhead camshafts and four-valve technology. The lineup is gradually being phased out in favor of M and R engines for diesel applications only. Key versions include:

F1N/F2N/F3N: displacement of 1721 cc
F7P: displacement of 1764 cc with fuel injection; used in R19 with a power output of 138 hp
F3P: displacement of 1794 cc
F4P: displacement of 1783 cc featuring a sixteen-valve layout with variable valve timing
F3R/F4R/F7R: displacement of approximately two liters (1998 cc)
F5R: also at about two liters (1998 cc) with direct fuel injection; produced in limited numbers for Megane Coupé and Laguna II models
F8Q/F9Q: diesel engines with a capacity near to two liters (1870 cc), employing various injection technologies

G

Conceived in the late ’80s as a modular range comprising overhead camshaft inline-4 and inline-5 petrol and diesel engines, the G series included notable variants such as G7R petrol and G8T diesel units. Following Renault’s merger discussions with Volvo—which was developing a comparable modular engine family—the petrol versions were discontinued while diesel production continued from 1993 until 2011. Despite the merger not materializing, Renault incorporated Volvo petrol engines (Type N) into its mid-size and full-size vehicles during the early years of the new millennium. Major variants comprised:

G8T/G9T: displacement of approximately 2188 cc
G9U: displacement increased to around 2464 cc

H

H engines consist of two gasoline engine families: a smaller range with a maximum bore of 72.2 mm, jointly developed by Renault, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan; and a larger range generally featuring a 78 mm bore, created through collaboration between Renault and Nissan exclusively. The smaller series spans displacements from 0.9 to 1.33 liters, predominantly launched by Renault or Mercedes, with four-cylinder variants typically equipped with turbochargers. The larger series covers displacements from 1.0 to 1.6 liters, primarily naturally aspirated but including some turbocharged or supercharged models mainly introduced by Nissan.

Confusion arises due to overlapping names between Renault’s H series and Nissan’s HR series, as both include similar displacements such as three-cylinder 1.0L and four-cylinder 1.2L engines. Both families share features like DOHC architecture and aluminum alloy construction. Nissan’s naming convention incorporates 't' to denote turbocharged engines and 'k' to signify kaizen (continuous improvement).

Notable engines in this family include:

H4Jt (introduced late 2008): 1397 cc turbo petrol powering the Renault Mégane
H4M (since April 2009): 1598 cc petrol used in the Renault Samsung SM3
H4K (debuted March 2010): 1498 cc petrol found in the Renault Duster and Captur
H4Mk (updated H4M since September 2012): for Renault Samsung SM3
H5Ft (since February 2012): approximately 1.2L turbocharged petrol employed across various Renault and Dacia models; marketed as "1.2 TCe," this engine has experienced issues with excessive oil consumption
H4Bt (introduced May 2012): 898 cc turbo petrol used in Dacia Sandero II, Logan II, Nissan Micra, Renault Clio IV, Captur, Twingo III, and Smart Fortwo
H4D (since November 2014): 999 cc naturally aspirated petrol powering the Renault Twingo
H5Ht (from May 2018): 1332 cc unit installed in the Mercedes A-Class W177 and multiple Renault/Nissan/Dacia vehicles
H4Dt/H5D (since April 2020): roughly 999 cc turbocharged petrol utilized in the Renault Clio, Nissan Almera, and Dacia/Renault Duster

J

The J family, also referred to as the Douvrin engine, is an all-aluminum inline-four overhead camshaft design developed collaboratively with PSA. Launched in 1977, it was gradually phased out by 1996 and succeeded by the F series.

J5R/J6R/J7R: displacement of 1995 cc
J6T/J7T: displacement of 2165 cc
J8S: diesel variant with 2068 cc

K

The K type represents a major advancement over the E type.

K4J/K7J: 1,390 cc available in both 16-valve and 8-valve configurations
K4M/K7M: 1,598 cc offered in both 16-valve and 8-valve versions
K9K: diesel engine with a displacement of 1,461 cc (dCi)

L

The L type is an overhead camshaft V6 petrol engine co-developed with PSA, known within PSA as the ES engine.

Renault initially deployed this engine in the Laguna starting in 1997, shortly after its introduction in the Safrane and Espace rated . Later versions released after 2001 incorporated updated fuel injection systems and variable valve timing technology, rated , and were utilized in the Avantime and Laguna II V6. This engine also powered the Clio V6, delivering initially , which increased to following a facelift.

L7X: displacement of 2,946 cc

M

The M engine is an overhead camshaft design developed alongside Nissan, where it is known as the MR engine. Since the mid-2000s, Renault has employed diesel versions alongside Nissan’s petrol variants.

M9R: a diesel engine displacing 1,995 cc (bore of 84mm and stroke of 90mm) found in vehicles such as the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Mégane, Renault Scénic, Renault Laguna, Renault Vel Satis, Renault Koleos, and Renault Espace; launched in early 2005
M9T: diesel unit with a displacement of 2,298 cc (bore of 85mm and stroke of 101.3mm) designed for Renault Master vans introduced in 2010 and for the Nissan Navara D23 from 2014 onward
M4R: petrol engine of 1,997 cc used in Renault Clio III, Laguna III, Mégane III, Latitude, and Fluence; introduced November 2006
M5M: petrol variant at 1,618 cc powering models like Renault Clio RS, Talisman, Megane IV, Kadjar
M5R: petrol unit of 1,997 cc for the Renault Koleos II
M5Pt: petrol engine displacing 1,797 cc featured in Alpine A110 (2017), Renault Espace V, and Mégane IV RS280

N

Renault's N series encompasses all-aluminum DOHC inline-4 and inline-5 engines sourced from the Volvo Modular engine family, utilized in the Renault Laguna and Renault Safrane models.

N7Q: 2.0 liters (1,948 cm³), Bore 83.0 mm, Stroke 90.0 mm, Compression Ratio 10.5:1, delivering 100/102 kW (136/139 bhp), manufactured between 06/95 and 03/01
N7U: 2.5 liters (2,435 cm³), Bore 83.0 mm, Stroke 90.0 mm, Compression Ratio 10.5:1, outputting 121 kW (165 bhp), produced from 07/96 to 12/00 exclusively for the Safrane

P

The P series consists of a Diesel V6 engine with an overhead camshaft design, acquired from Isuzu and implemented in the Vel Satis sedan as well as the Espace minivan:

P9X: 2958 cc

R

Introduced in 2011, the R-Type lineup features turbocharged inline-4 diesel engines derived from the F9M platform, succeeding the K engine series:

R9M: 1598 cc, power range between 130 PS and 160 PS
R9N: 1749 cc, producing between 120 PS and 150 PS

RS

The RS designation identifies Renault’s Formula 1 power units, which include naturally aspirated V10 and V8 engines with power outputs spanning from 650 to over 900 bhp:

RS01 through RS25(B,C,D,E): V10 configurations (65°–72°), displacement ranging from 2997 to 3500 cc, delivering between 650 and 900 bhp
RS26(B,C,D,E) and RS27: V8 engines (90°), approximately 2400 cc displacement, exceeding 740 bhp

S

The S engine series comprises cast-iron inline-4 Diesel units with overhead camshafts manufactured by Italian firm SOFIM. These have been employed since 1981 in vehicles such as the Trafic, Master, and Safrane:

S8U/S9U: 2445 cc
S9W: 2799 cc

V

The V engine category refers to Renault’s use of the Nissan VQ engine, an overhead camshaft V6 powering the Vel Satis, Latitude, and Espace. It also includes the jointly developed diesel V6 designated V9X, found in the Renault Laguna coupé and Latitude models:

V4U: 2495 cc
V4Y: 3498 cc
V9X: 2993 cc

X

Known within PSA Peugeot Citroën as XZ and XY, the X engine was an all-aluminum overhead camshaft inline-4 developed collaboratively with PSA. It debuted in 1974 on the Renault 14 and was subsequently replaced by C series variants by 1982:

X1G: 1219 cc
X2J: 1360 cc

Z

The Z engine, also referred to as the PRV engine, is an aluminum overhead camshaft V6 created through a joint venture between PSA, Volvo, and Renault during the early 1970s. First introduced on the Renault 30 in 1975, it powered several models including the 25, Safrane, Laguna, Espace, and Alpine, as well as the renowned DeLorean sports car.

Z7U: 2,458 cc
Z7V: 2,664 cc
Z6W/Z7W: 2,849 cc
Z7X: initially 2,975 then revised to 2,963 cc