Renault R15
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt , France |
| Products | Automobiles, including Renault 15 and Renault 17 coupés |
| Website | www |
The Renault 15 is a coupé manufactured by the French carmaker Renault from July 1971 until August 1979. Its more premium sibling, the Renault 17, was marketed in Italy under the name R177 due to local superstitions.
Both vehicles were coupé versions derived from the Renault 12, primarily differentiated by their headlight designs (the Renault 15 had two rectangular lamps, whereas the Renault 17 featured four round ones) and the shape of their rear side windows. In certain regions, the Renault 17 TL variant was equipped with rectangular headlights.
These models made their public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 1971.
Underpinnings
Constructed on the chassis of the Renault 12, both the Renault 15 and 17 utilized much of its mechanical components. The higher-performance R17 TS and R17 Gordini variants were powered by a 1565 cc Renault A-Type engine, which was adapted from the Renault 16 TS. Although many mechanical parts were shared with other Renault models, their bodywork was newly designed.
Chronology
During the 1974 Paris Motor Show, Renault rebranded the R17TS as the "17 Gordini" to succeed the discontinued Renault 12 Gordini, without altering its mechanical specifications.
A subtle facelift introduced in March 1976 brought changes to the grille: on the Renault 15, chrome surrounds were swapped for body-colored trim, with headlights enlarged and set flush against the grille. The Renault 17 also lost its chrome grille surround, while both cars received front bumpers that curved upward to about halfway up the grille’s height.
Manufacturing of both models ceased in mid-1979, making way for their replacement, the Renault Fuego.
In 2024, Renault revealed a prototype electrified restomod version of the R17 developed in collaboration with designer Ora-Ïto, marking a strategic initiative to merge classic models with electric vehicle advancements.
Performance tested
Shortly after its UK launch, British Autocar magazine conducted a test of a Renault 15 TL in November 1972. It achieved a top speed of 94 mph (151 km/h) and accelerated from 0-60 mph in 13.6 seconds, placing it towards the lower performance range among rivals. However, it excelled in fuel efficiency. Priced at £1,370 by the manufacturer, it was positioned slightly below competitors such as the Vauxhall Firenza Sport and Fiat 128 Coupé 1300, although significantly more expensive than Ford’s Capri 1300L priced at £1,123. The review highlighted that customers seeking greater power could select sportier versions of the Renault 15 and 17, while praising the 15 TL for its appealing design, thorough engineering, superior comfort, and comprehensive safety and equipment levels.
Australia
The introduction of the Renault 15 and 17 range in Australia began gradually from May 1973. Initial models available were the 15TS and 17TL, with plans to launch the 17TS later that year. These early Australian versions featured specific modifications to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR), including adhesive mirrors and sun visors borrowed from the Renault 12, along with an instrument panel "verandah" designed to minimize glare—also found on North American and Scandinavian editions. Sales were sluggish due to relatively high pricing, leading to discontinuation of the 17TL by late 1974.
In August 1974, the arrival of the 17TS (R1317 powered by a 1605 cc engine) coincided with updated European model year versions of the 15TS and 17TL featuring a redesigned dashboard. By early 1975, the sportier 17 Gordini replaced the 17TS. Subsequent models included Gordini front suspension components, inertia reel seat belts, tinted glass, tombstone-style seats, and evaporative emission control systems required by ADR—identified by a carbon canister beneath the bonnet and a hinged fuel filler door located in the LBR quarter panel. A final batch of 1975 model year Renault 17s was stockpiled before ADR 27A emission standards came into force; these higher-cost units experienced slow sales extending through to 1978.
United States
The Renault 17 was available sporadically in the United States market until its production ceased in 1979, although its sales figures remained modest. For an extended period, it served as Renault's main offering in the US aside from the Le Car. Later editions of the 17 Gordini came equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, a sliding sunroof, and a 1647 cc engine delivering at 6250 rpm.
Motorsport
After securing the World Rally Championship title in 1973, Renault redirected its efforts from rallying to crafting a high-performance 17 coupé at the Alpine Competition Factory. This vehicle integrated numerous components from the A110 model and participated selectively in European competitions. The Gordini powertrain featured twin twin-choke Weber carburetors, a performance camshaft, an 11.5 compression ratio, oversized valves, and a specially tuned exhaust system. To reduce weight by over 25%, the lightweight body incorporated fiberglass doors, bonnet and boot panels, plastic windows, and a stripped-down interior.
A key achievement for this model was its triumph at the 1974 "Press-on-Regardless" WRC event held in Michigan, where the Renault 17 Gordini piloted by Jean-Luc Thérier and Christian Deiferrer claimed first place, with another similar vehicle securing third position.
WRC victories
No. Event Season Driver Co-driver Car 1 26th Press-on-Regardless Rally 1974 Jean-Luc Thérier Christian Delferrier Renault 17 Gordini
Timeline
- October 1971: Introduction of the Renault 15 and Renault 17 two-door coupés. The R15 TL was powered by a 1289 cc engine sourced from the Renault 12, rated at . The R15 TS, R17 TL, and R17 TS utilized a 1565 cc engine derived from the Renault 16 TS—producing for R15 TS and R17 TL variants, and for the fuel-injected R17 TS. The R15 TL/TS and R17 TL featured four-speed transmissions; meanwhile, the R17 TS was equipped with a five-speed gearbox.
- 1973: Addition of a fabric sunroof option on R17 TL and TS models.
- 1974: Engine displacement for R17 TS increased to 1605 cc; renamed R17 Gordini for the 1975 model year without mechanical modifications.
- March 1976: Launch of updated lineups—R15 TL, R15 GTL, R17 TS, and R17 Gordini. The R15 variants retained their previous mechanical specifications; however, the R17 TS and Gordini were upgraded with a 1647 cc engine from the Renault 16 TX.
- 1979: Conclusion of production for both R15 and R17 models.
Versions
| Model | Code | Engine | Fuel Type | Displacement | Power Output | Maximum Speed | Power-to-weight Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 TL 15 GTL |
R1300 | Type 810-10 810-05 |
Leaded Fuel | 1.3 L (1289 cc) | 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) @ 5500 rpm | 150 km/h (93 mph) | 16.10 kg/CV |
| 15 TS 17 TL |
R1302 | Type 807-10 | Leaded Fuel | 1.6 L (1565 cc) | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5800 rpm | 170 km/h (106 mph) | 11.17 kg/CV |
| 17 TS 17 Gordini |
R1313 | Type 807-12 | Leaded Fuel | 1.6 L (1647 cc) | 108 PS (79 kW; 107 hp) @ 6000 rpm | 180 km/h (112 mph) | 9.77 kg/CV |