Renault L-Type engine
| Industry | Automotive engineering |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Engines |
The PSA ES/L engine is a 60-degree V6 petrol engine developed collaboratively by the PSA Group (comprising Peugeot and Citroën) alongside Renault. Launched in 1997, it succeeded the earlier V6 PRV engine. Manufactured by Française de Mécanique, PSA markets it under the ES designation, while Renault refers to it as the L.
Departing from the PRV’s 90-degree angle, which was adapted from a V8 design, the ES/L employs a conventional 60-degree V configuration and features an all-aluminum build with a DOHC setup and 24 valves. The single production variant, known as ES9 in PSA terms and L7X by Renault, has a displacement of , with bore and stroke dimensions of . Although there were intentions to develop a 3.3 L version, it never reached production due to shrinking demand for V6 petrol engines in Europe and Renault’s strategic move towards Nissan-sourced V6 engines following their partnership.
At its debut, the ES/L generated power outputs ranging from , aligning with insurance classifications for engines under 3 liters in Germany and France. In 2000, Porsche enhanced the PSA version by implementing variable valve timing on the intake camshafts (0–40°), which improved fuel economy and low-end torque in vehicles such as the Peugeot 607 and Citroën C5; this upgraded ES9 J4S variant delivered . PSA later raised power output to in 2005. Meanwhile, Renault phased out this engine in favor of Nissan’s V6 units.
In 2000, Tom Walkinshaw Racing engineered a motorsport adaptation for the Renault Clio V6, achieving up to in race configuration and offering a detuned road-going model rated at . Subsequently, Renault Sport increased the road version’s power to in 2004.
ES9/L7X
The ES/L V6 engine powered several premium and executive vehicles from Citroën, Peugeot, and Renault. Applications included models such as the Citroën XM, Citroën Xantia, Citroën C5, Citroën C8, and Citroën C6; Peugeot’s 406, 407, 605, and 607; as well as Renault’s Renault Laguna Mk.I and II, Espace Mk.III, Renault Avantime, Renault Safrane, and Clio V6. Venturi Automobiles utilized a twin-turbocharged version of this engine for their Atlantique 300 Bi-turbo. Unlike its predecessor, the PRV engine, this unit saw limited competition use outside of the Renault Sport Clio V6 Eurocup series and Courage’s employment of a 3.2 L bi-turbo variant producing up to in their C52 and C60 race cars. These racing engines were manufactured by Sodemo.
PSA
Following Renault’s adoption of the 3.5 L Nissan VQ engine V6, PSA became the exclusive user of the ES engine until 2010. At that time, Euro 5 emissions regulations led to the discontinuation of the Euro 4-compliant ES engine across Europe. It was succeeded by the turbocharged inline-4 Prince engine.
| Model | Power Output |
|---|---|
| ES9 J4 / L7X | 140 kW (190 PS; 188 bhp) |
| ES9 J4S | 152 kW (207 PS; 204 bhp) |
| ES9 A | 155 kW (211 PS; 208 bhp) |
Note: Each variant is equipped with 24 valves and includes catalytic converters.