Renault 11

Renault

Industry	Automotive
Founded	February 25, 1899 (1899-02-25) in France
Headquarters	Boulogne-Billancourt , France
Products	Automobiles, including Renault 9 and Renault 11

The Renault 9 and Renault 11 are compact family vehicles manufactured by the French company Renault between 1981 and 1989. The Renault 9 was offered as a four-door saloon, while the Renault 11 came in hatchback form. Both models were crafted under the direction of designer Robert Opron.

Produced under license by American Motors Corporation for the North American market, these cars were sold as the Renault Alliance and Renault Encore. Manufacturing continued in Turkey until the year 2000.

These vehicles featured a front-engine, front-wheel-drive setup with a transverse layout and independent suspension on all wheels. They earned significant recognition, including the European Car of the Year award in 1982, along with North American honors such as Motor Trend Car of the Year and placement on Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1983.

Phases

Throughout its production life, the Renault 9 experienced three distinct facelifts, whereas the Renault 11 underwent two. Initially, the Renault 11 was distinguished by its dual headlight design, differing from the Renault 9’s single headlamp arrangement. In 1985, certain Renault 9 variants (GTS, GTD, TSE, TDE, TXE, GTX) adopted the Renault 11’s twin-headlight styling; lower-tier versions retained their original front-end appearance. Additionally, the Renault 9 Broadway series featured the four-headlight front end from the first-phase Renault 11. The aerodynamic Phase 2 update released in 1987 standardized front-end styling across both models; only rear sections maintained distinct differences.

The ultimate Phase 3 update, predominantly sold in Turkey from 1997 onward, introduced rounded headlights and taillights along with oval-shaped bumper and boot lid trims to modernize its look. This design drew inspiration from the Taiwan-assembled "Renault Luxmore" produced in 1993. These Turkish-market cars displayed both "Broadway" and Renault 9 badges; previously, "Broadway" had been reserved for special editions of earlier versions.

Overview

The Renault 9 was launched in October 1981 as a four-door saloon (with UK right-hand drive models arriving in March 1982), followed by the Renault 11 hatchback in early 1983 (UK availability began in June), offered in three- or five-door configurations.

Developed under the internal code L42 and styled by Robert Opron, both vehicles were intended to bridge the gap between the smaller Renault 5 and larger Renault 14. To attract more traditional buyers and avoid criticism faced by the Renault 14’s unconventional design, Opron chose a classic three-box silhouette. A higher roofline improved interior spaciousness. Upon its UK debut, multiple engine options were available ranging from 1.1 to 1.4 liters with varying power outputs.

Renault dedicated substantial resources to development: over 500 employees contributed more than 14.5 million hours of research and testing; they built 44 prototypes, evaluated 130 different engines, and accumulated over 2.2 million kilometers during test drives.

Mechanically, Renault abandoned the PSA-Renault "Douvrin" transmission used in the Renault 14 in favor of its own Cléon engine paired with an end-mounted transmission. This configuration along with its suspension setup became standard for Renault’s compact cars for approximately fifteen years.

The Renault 9 received the prestigious European Car of the Year title in 1982. Its American counterpart—the Alliance—was honored on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1983 and was also named Motor Trend Car of the Year that same year. The Renault 11 TSE Electronic was notable for introducing a pioneering synthetic voice trip computer in 1983, ahead of competing manufacturers.

Although they carried different names and body styles, both models shared identical mechanical foundations and collectively succeeded the Renault 14. The Renault 11 showcased square twin headlights initially seen on the North American Alliance; this frontal design was later adopted by select Renault 9 models starting with late-1985 production for the following year.

The styling cues of the Renault 11 echoed those of its upscale sibling, the Renault 25, featuring wraparound rear windows and a hooded dashboard. The 'Electronique' trim offered digital instrumentation alongside a voice-synthesized trip computer—features absent from the simpler dashboard found on the more conservative Renault 9. Both models underwent a Phase 2 facelift across Europe for the 1987 model year that refreshed their front-end styling and interiors. At the Brussels Motor Show in January 1985, Renault unveiled the 11 Société, a light commercial variant based on the three-door hatchback that replaced rear seating with a cargo platform.

In North America, AMC produced and marketed a version of the Renault 9 branded as the Renault Alliance under AMC badging. Between model years 1982 and 1987, AMC manufactured approximately 623,573 units available as four-door sedans, two-door sedans featuring raised rear wheel arches, and convertibles introduced in 1984.

While production of these models ceased in France by 1989—one year after launching their successor, the Renault 19—manufacturing continued abroad until nearly twenty years later, concluding in Turkey at the turn of the millennium.

Competition

Renault Sport extensively campaigned the Renault 11 Turbo during the 1987 World Rally Championship Group A series. French competitor Alain Oreille achieved a Group N class victory at the 1985 Rallye Monte Carlo, followed by a Group A class win in 1986, finishing eighth overall. In 1987, Jean Ragnotti secured second and third place finishes at the Portuguese and San Remo Rallies, respectively, driving the 11 Turbo. The model also secured national rally championships in Poland (1985, 1988) and both Switzerland and Portugal in 1987. The last notable achievement for the car was Oreille’s fourth-place finish at the 1988 Rallye Monte Carlo.

Engines

At its initial release, both Renault 9 and Renault 11 were powered by Renault's traditional Cléon-Fonte overhead valve engines available in 1.1-litre and 1.4-litre variants, coupled with basic suspension setups that limited driving dynamics. The exceptions were the performance-oriented 9 Turbo and 11 Turbo hot hatch models, which featured turbocharged powertrains derived from the Renault 5.

The C1E 1.1-litre engine was fitted exclusively to the Renault 9 and the three-door R11; starting in 1985, the five-door R11 TC and GTC models utilized the C1G 1.2-litre engine. After phase 2, production of the C1E engine ceased, making the C1G the entry-level powerplant for both model ranges.

Initially launched as a three-door variant, the 11 Turbo emphasized comfort over outright sportiness compared to competitors such as the Renault 5 Turbo and Peugeot 205 GTi. Although heavier than the Renault 5, subsequent versions of the 11 Turbo delivered enhanced performance with increased horsepower; rally-spec models could generate up to .

From late 1983 onwards, a new F-type power unit, co-developed with Volvo, was introduced as a twin-carburettor 1,721 cc engine (F2N), powering higher-end GTX, GTE, TXE, and TXE Electronique trims. These larger displacement engines were primarily intended for North American markets but also met evolving European requirements.

Later iterations incorporated fuel injection systems. While less powerful than some competitors, the Alliance and Encore models provided improved ride quality and handling relative to other compact American vehicles of that era and supported their own SCCA sanctioned racing series known as the Alliance Cup.

Line-up

• C, TC – 1.1 L – 1,108 cc;
• GTC – 1.2 L – 1,237 cc;
• TL, GTL, TLE – 1.4 L – 1,397 cc;
• GTL – 1.4 L – 1,397 cc;
• GTS, TSE – 1.4 L – 1,397 cc;
• TX - 1.7 L – 1,721 cc;
• TXE – 1.7 L – 1,721 cc;
• GTX – 1.7 L – 1,721 cc;
• GTE – 1.7 L – 1,721 cc;
• Turbo – 1.4 L – 1,397 cc;
• TD, GTD, TDE – 1.6 L – 1,595 cc;

Argentina

Produced between October 1984 and December 1994 at Renault Argentina’s Santa Isabel facility, the Renault 11 was available in GTL, RL, RN, TR, TS, TSE, and TXE trims equipped with the locally produced M1400 1.4-litre engine supplied by Renault Argentina and later CIADEA. Manufacturing of the Renault 9 began in 1987 and continued until 1997 with comparable trim levels and powertrain options including a 1.6-litre variant. According to ADEFA statistics, total production reached approximately 144,262 units for the R9 and about 79,037 units for the R11. The Renault 9 maintains strong popularity across both small towns and major urban centers throughout Argentina.

A common issue affecting all Argentine-built R9 and R11 vehicles—as well as those assembled in Colombia and Turkey—was dashboard deterioration caused by ultraviolet light exposure leading to cracking over time.

Colombia

In 1983, SOFASA commenced production of the Renault 9, initially offering the GTL variant equipped with a 1400 cc engine delivering . The base model transitioned to a smaller 1300 cc engine when the GTS version (1400 cc) was introduced in 1985.

Following updates from Europe, the Colombian Renault 9 range expanded to Gama 2: the TL (1300 cc) debuted in 1987, succeeded by the TSE and GTX trims in 1988, both featuring enhancements such as power windows and spoilers. The premium TXE model arrived in 1989, boasting improved lighting, power-adjustable mirrors, and an infrared remote locking system. A limited-edition Prestige variant, outfitted with leather upholstery and alloy wheels, was released in 1990 with only 50 units produced.

Production evolved in 1992 to include three versions: Brío (1.3 L), Súper (1.3 L), and Máximo (1.6 L). By 1995, the Brío line was further diversified into Brío RN and Brío RT trims, with the RT variant upgraded to the Óptimo model.

Mid-1996 saw SOFASA launch the R9 Personnalité program, enabling buyers to personalize engine options and accessories through dealership software—an adaptable marketing approach that increased consumer appeal. A facelift followed in 1997, introducing fuel injection, power steering, and refreshed interior designs.

After a successful sixteen-year production span exceeding 115,000 units—the highest volume for any vehicle in Colombia at that time—the Renault 9 was phased out and succeeded by the Renault 19 and Renault Mégane models.

Taiwan

From 1983 until 1996, Sanfu Motors assembled the Renault 9 in Taiwan. An automatic transmission option was added in January 1985. That same year saw the launch of the five-door Renault 11, initially available in sporty GTX specification featuring alloy wheels and a 1721 cc F2NA engine producing 95 PS. By April 1986, the Renault 9 adopted the twin-headlight front styling of the Renault 11 while the GTX trim of the R11 was replaced by the TXE variant. Starting October 1986, the R11 GTS incorporated a 1397 cc engine from the R9, somewhat diluting its sporty character; alongside it was a 1.7-liter TXE version of the R9. A Phase 3 facelift refreshed the lineup in September 1987.

After French manufacturing ceased in 1989, Sanfu began sourcing components from Argentina and Colombia to reduce expenses; however, this negatively affected build quality and impacted Renault’s reputation within Taiwan. Production of the R11 ended following introduction of the Renault 19 in 1990, with sales concluding by February 1991. In 1993, Sanfu introduced a facelifted Renault 9 dubbed the Renault Luxmore (雷諾銀鑽), a sedan featuring a redesigned front fascia and taillights borrowed from the Renault 19 Chamade along with an updated interior inspired by that model. Powered by a 1.4-liter Energy SOHC engine derived from the Clio producing 72 PS, production ceased in 1996. The Luxmore’s revised front design later influenced Turkey’s Phase 4 version starting production in 1997.

Turkey

Manufactured by Oyak-Renault in Bursa beginning in 1985, Turkey’s Renault 9 retained its initial "Phase 1" styling until 1993 despite minor incremental updates; local production did not include Phase 2 models. The diesel GTD joined the petrol GTL lineup in 1986, marking Turkey’s inaugural diesel passenger car assembly. Later additions included petrol-powered GTC (1987) and Broadway (1988) models; concurrently, a Broadway GTE variant was launched. The GTC was replaced by a new entry-level Renault 9 in 1991 offering power outputs between . In April of that year, a Phase 2 facelift front end was adopted across models; this included replacing earlier versions with a Broadway powered by a 1.4-liter engine delivering 72 PS and introducing a Fairway model equipped with an Argentinian C2L-sourced 1.6-liter engine. The Fairway underwent design modifications in 1994 but was discontinued by mid-1996 due to waning demand.

In 1997, Oyak-Renault unveiled an updated Phase 3 design under the name Renault Broadway, which remained available until 2000. From 1996 onward, the sole offered engine—a fuel-injected 1.4-liter unit—complied with European emission standards delivering , initially marketed as RNi before being renamed to 1.4i.

The five-door Renault 11 entered production locally from 1987 as a GTS trim powered by a 1.4-liter engine; a more powerful TXE "11 Flash" variant with a engine followed in 1988. The three-door version was never produced domestically. Special editions celebrated football achievements: a limited run of 500 units of the Flash Galatasaray edition appeared in 1989 while a Fenerbahçe edition launched in 1990 featured team colors and exclusive equipment packages. The Renault 11 received its Phase 3 facelift in 1993 which replaced the GTS with a Rainbow model powered by a matching engine to that of the Renault 9 Fairway (1.6-liter). The upgraded "11 Flash S" incorporated styling cues from the Turbo version alongside an enhanced engine . Production of all Renault Eleven models concluded in Turkey by 1995.

United States and Canada

The subcompact Renault Alliance was produced and sold in North America by American Motors Corporation (AMC) between 1983 and 1987, offered in both three- and five-door hatchback models. The Renault Encore hatchback made its debut in 1984 and was rebranded as the Alliance Hatchback in 1987. That same year, AMC released the limited-edition GTA Sedan and Convertible for a single model year, equipped with a 2.0 L engine, sport-tuned suspension, an aerodynamic body kit designed by Zender GmbH, and Ronal alloy wheels.

Production ceased after Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987, with total output reaching 623,573 vehicles.

In culture

In the 1985 James Bond movie "A View to a Kill", a Renault 11 TXE taxi plays a key role in a stunt orchestrated by Rémy Julienne, which involves the vehicle sustaining significant damage during a collision with a Renault 20.