Renault Magnum
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Renault Véhicules Industriels |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Headquarters | Bourg-en-Bresse , France |
| Products | Trucks, including Renault Magnum |
| Parent | AB Volvo Group |
The Renault Magnum is a robust truck designed for heavy-duty applications, manufactured by the French company Renault Trucks (previously known as Renault Véhicules Industriels) between 1990 and 2013. Offered in both articulated and rigid forms, it featured 6×2 and 4×2 drivetrain layouts, while the 6×4 version was specifically engineered for demanding heavy transport tasks. Introduced in 1990, the Magnum received the prestigious "International Truck of the Year" accolade in 1991.
History
Renault unveiled the VE 10 prototype in 1985, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency to lower fuel usage. This concept evolved into the Renault AE (AErodynamic) launched in 1990, distinguished by its flat floor cab and a design separating the cab from the engine compartment mechanically, which improved driver ergonomics. The cab design was crafted by Marcello Gandini. Initial powertrains included the AE 380 with a six-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivering , alongside the AE500 powered by a Mack Trucks V8 diesel engine. The vehicle earned the Truck of the Year title in 1991.
Starting in 1997, the model was rebranded as Renault Magnum, featuring a redesigned cab and a broader selection of engines. The second generation was previewed by the VE 20 prototype introduced in 1995. A significant redesign took place in 2001, including a new cab designed by Xavier Allard, which preserved its characteristic box-shaped appearance and separate engine-cab configuration.
Manufacturing ceased in June 2013 at the Bourg-en-Bresse facility, as Renault Trucks transitioned to producing the T series.
Engine
The power unit is derived from the 13L straight-six engine developed by the AB Volvo Group, incorporating modernized engine control systems and an injection setup co-engineered with Delphi.
Engine variants offered include:
| Output | Torque | Peak torque range |
|---|---|---|
| 324 kW (440 PS) | 2,200 N⋅m (1,623 lb⋅ft) | 1020–1400 rpm |
| 353 kW (480 PS) | 2,400 N⋅m (1,770 lb⋅ft) | 1030–1400 rpm |
| 382 kW (520 PS) | 2,550 N⋅m (1,881 lb⋅ft) | 1050–1430 rpm |
Transmission
The standard gearbox is a ZF servoshift air-assisted manual transmission with 16 speeds. An optional Optidrive II automated transmission with 12 speeds and four reverse gears is available, which also allows manual gear selection.