Renault Fuego (original) (raw)

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Car model produced by Renault

Motor vehicle

Renault Fuego
1984 Renault Fuego GTX
Overview
Manufacturer	Renault
Production	1980–1986 (Europe)1982–1992 (South America)
Assembly	Boulogne-Billancourt, France (RSAS: 1980–1985)Maubeuge, France (MCA: 1980–1987)Santa Isabel, Argentina (Renault Argentina: 1982–1993)Buenos Aires, Argentina (Renault Argentina: 1983–1992)Los Andes, Chile (Automotores Franco Chilena)Mariara, Venezuela (1983–1988)
Designer	Michel Jardin, Francois Lampreia, and Robert Opron
Body and chassis
Class	Sport compact
Body style	3-door liftback
Layout	FF layout
Related	Renault 18
Powertrain
Engine	1,397 cc I41,565 cc A5L turbo I41,647 cc type 841/843/A2M I41,995 cc type 829/J6R I42,165 cc J7T I42,068 cc J8S td I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,443 mm (96.2 in)
Length	4,358 mm (171.6 in)
Width	1,692 mm (66.6 in)
Height	1,315 mm (51.8 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Renault 15 and 17
Successor	Renault GTA (USA)

Renault Fuego TS 1.6

Turbodiesel, 1982

The Renault Fuego (Fire in Spanish) is a sport hatchback that was manufactured and marketed by Renault from 1980 to 1986, replacing the Renault 15 and 17 coupés of the 1970s.

Marketed in the United States by American Motors Corporation (AMC), the Fuego was also assembled in several countries in South America, where production continued until 1992. According to Renault, 265,367 Fuegos were produced, 85% of those manufactured in France from February 1980 to October 1985.[1][2] Spanish production for European markets continued into 1986.

The Fuego's exterior was styled by Michel Jardin,[3][4] and the interior by Francois Lampreia, both working under direction of Robert Opron.[5] Automotive journalist L. J. K. Setright said the Fuego "is blessed with a body which is not only roomy and aerodynamically efficient, but is also beautiful".

The Fuego was heavily based on the Renault 18, sharing its floorpan and drivetrain, with its front suspension developed from the larger Renault 20/30. Despite sharing no parts, the design kept the familiar double-wishbone layout common with the Renault 18, incorporating a negative scrub radius geometry.[6] The suspension design would later be added to the facelifted Renault 18, and later, with minor refinements (larger bushings etcetera), the Renault 25. Power steering was available at the higher end of the range.[6] The Fuego dashboard was added to the facelifted R18 in 1984 (though initially only available in the R18 Turbo) and then both updated again in September 1983 (LHD cars only) for the 1984 model year. European production continued until 1985 in France and 1986 in Spain, while Renault Argentina produced the Fuego from 1982 until ending production in 1992 with the 2.2 L "GTA Max" (the final phase III facelift introduced in 1990). In Argentina, it reached 63 percent local parts integration.[7]

Wind tunnel testing was used to allow the Fuego to have sporty coupé lines while maximizing rear seat space.[8] The resulting drag coefficient (Cd) factor ranges from 0.32 to 0.35. In October 1982, the turbocharged diesel Fuego became the fastest diesel car in the world, with a top speed of 180 km/h (110 mph).[9]

The Fuego was one of the first cars to offer a remote keyless system with central locking, available from September 1982,[10] using a system invented by Frenchman Paul Lipschutz — marketed as the "PLIP" remote in Europe. The Fuego was also the first to have remote steering-wheel-mounted controls for the audio system (European LHD GTX and Turbo from September 1983).[11] This feature was subsequently popularised on the 1984 model Renault 25. The Fuego was also available with options including leather upholstery, multi-function trip computer, cruise control, air-conditioning (factory or dealer-installed), and a full-length Webasto electric fabric sunroof.

A convertible version trimmed with a leather interior was unveiled by the French coachbuilder Heuliez in 1982 aimed at the U.S. market, but was not produced[12] due to lower than expected sales in the American market - the R11/Alliance convertible taking its place. Three examples were built and finished to American specification (sealed beam headlights, enlarged bumpers, etc.).

Fuego GTA Max (Argentina)

The Fuego became the best selling coupé in Europe during 1980 through to 1982. Variants included: 1.4 L TL, 1.6 L economy tuned GTL (LHD only); 1.6 L TS and GTS (manual and automatic transmissions); 2.0 L TX and GTX (manual and automatic transmissions). The TX was a downgraded version of the GTX, but differences varied by country. This model deleted alloy wheels, electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, fog lights, headlight wipers, etc. depending upon the market. A manual-only 2.1 L turbo-diesel was also produced for LHD European markets in the 1982-1985 period. This model was differentiated by the "bulge" in the top of the bonnet, extra vents in the front bumper, and "Turbo D" badging on the grille, side and rear hatch glass.

The Fuego Turbo (1.6 L/1565cc with a manual transmission) was added in 1983 to coincide with the facelift. This facelift included a revised front grille, plastic trim on the bumpers, revised dashboard on LHD models, wheel design, interior trim and fabrics - sepia (coffee brown) with dark brown/white striped velour seats; or ash (grey) with black/red striped velour seats for the Turbo, and ash or sepia for the other models sold with European specifications. Interior colour now depended on exterior colour, eliminating the large choice of customised options of the previous models. The facelifted GTX was also offered with the 2.2 L EFI engine from the Renault 25 in certain LHD markets (generally where the Fuego Turbo was not sold).

US sealed beam headlamps

US-specification Renault Fuego 2.2 L

The Renault Fuego was marketed in the United States through American Motors Corporation (AMC) dealers from 1982 until 1985. The car underwent several modifications to meet U.S. regulations, including reinforced front and rear bumpers that increased its length from 4,358 to 4,540 mm (171.6 to 178.7 in), rectangular sealed beam headlights situated deeper in their housings, rear side marker lights, as well as unique body striping and wheel designs.[13] A combination of automatic transmission with cruise control was available for US-specification cars as well as a visibility group that included a rear window wiper and right side exterior mirror. Leather upholstery was optional as well as power windows and door locks.[13]

The U.S.-spec Fuego came with a variety of features and powertrain options. For the 1982 and 1983 model years, it was offered with either a fuel-injected 1.6 L turbocharged (1565cc) or normally aspirated version (1647cc). The engine lineup was revised for 1984, introducing a 2.2 L engine available with manual or automatic transmissions, in addition to the turbo model. By 1985, only the 2.2 L engine was offered. The Fuego was a practical four-passenger hatchback coupe with a notable fuel economy of 39 mpg‑US (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg‑imp) on the highway, and its base price was set at $8,495 upon introduction.

The Fuego received generally good reviews.[14] MotorWeek praised the 1982 model for its stylish design, standard features including an electric sunroof, and a combination of 30 mpg‑US (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg‑imp) with 80 kW (107 hp; 108 PS) performance.[15] However, the same review noted some drawbacks, including subpar braking and noticeable understeer.[15]

Despite the generally favorable reports, the Fuego failed to improve Renault's market position in the United States significantly.[14] Sales steadily declined, and by 1984, AMC dealers were offered rebates of up to $1,000 to move the cars off their lots.[16] Imports of the Fuego ultimately ended in 1985.[13]

Renault sold the Fuego in the UK aiming it at the market segment occupied by the Opel Manta and Ford Capri. It became the top-selling coupé during 1981 and 1982. The available trims beginning in 1980–81 with the TL, GTS, and GTX, before increasing to the TL, TS, GTS, GTS Automatic, TX, and GTX manual in 1981–82; TL, TS, GTS, GTS Automatic, TX, GTX, GTX Automatic in 1982–83; TL, GTS, TX, GTX Automatic, and Turbo in 1983–84, and down to just two (GTS and Turbo) during 1985 and 1986 as sales declined.

1982 Renault Fuego GTX in Australia

In Australia, the 2 L GTX manual was the main model from 1982 to 1987, fully specified with factory air conditioning, TRX alloy wheels, a passenger mirror with remote control, but no trip computer. There was also a limited run of the more basic TX models. The Australian specifications included side intrusions beams in the doors and emission controls to meet Australian Design Rules.

In New Zealand the UK specification GTS and GTX manuals were delivered from late 1981 into 1982; GTS, GTS Automatic, GTX, GTX Automatic in 1983; GTX, GTX Automatic, Turbo in 1984; GTX Automatic and Turbo in 1985; GTX (end of line Australian specification GTX's transferred from Australia), GTX Automatic, and Turbo in 1986.

• February 1980 - Introduction of the Fuego three-door coupé. Available as TL with a 1397 cc engine (rated at 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp), with manual choke), "GTL" with a lower power output (economy tuned) 1647 cc engine, and GTS with the regular 1647 cc engine (rated at 96 PS (71 kW; 95 hp), with automatic choke), with a four-speed manual gearbox on the TL and GTL, five-speed manual or three-speed automatic gearbox on the GTS. The TL has a basic equipment level with 155 SRx13 tyres, heated rear window, rear fog light, split-fold rear seat, and cloth upholstery. The GTL adds 175/70x13 tyres, electric front windows, tachometer, height-adjustable steering wheel, front head restraints, analogue clock, wheel covers, remote-adjustable drivers door mirror, laminated windscreen, opening rear quarter windows, H4 headlights, pre-installed radio kit, and velour upholstery. The GTS adds an engine oil-level gauge, power-assisted steering, and an optional three-speed automatic transmission. 185/65xHR14 light alloy wheels are optional.
• 1981 - Fuel reserve warning light standard on all models, the four- and five-speed manuals were modified and some had their ratios adjusted.[6] Introduction of the TX and GTX with 1995 cc engine (rated at 110 PS or 81 kW or 108 hp) and five-speed manual gearbox. The TX has the same specification as the GTS, except for series mounted 14-inches wheels though equipped with steel rims rather than alloy, with the GTX gaining front fog lights, headlamp wash-wipe, 14-inch alloy wheels (185/65xHR14 tires), leather on the steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter, and handbrake lever gaiter, as well as a digital clock, optional passenger side door mirror, bronze tinted windows, luggage cover, and airhorn.[17] The optional three-speed automatic transmission now available on the 2 L TX and GTX in addition to the 1.6 L, beginning in September 1981.[18]
• 1982 - The GTL is upgraded to a five-speed gearbox, while the automatic switched from the 1.6 L to the torquier 2 L engine.[19] The GTS gains electronic ignition. The GTS, TX (depending on the country), and GTX gain remote central locking. The 2.1 L turbo diesel is introduced to certain LHD European markets. The 1.6 L fuel-injected and turbo versions are introduced in the United States through Renault/American Motors dealers.
• 1983 - The GTL gains an economy tuned 73 PS (54 kW; 72 hp) version of the 1647 cc engine and a five-speed gearbox, while electronic ignition becomes standard across the range.[19] The Fuego also becomes more aerodynamic, with small spoilers and deflectors as well as smooth hubcaps added.[19]
• 1984 - The new 1984 model year facelift (From October 1983) involved consolidating the range but included adding the top of the range Turbo model to the European lineup. The facelift included a new grille, bumpers, wheel design, and interior trim (as well as a redesigned dashboard for LHD vehicles). A limited production run of turbos fitted with EFi produced for the Swiss market to meet their emission controls. A 2.2 L EFi version of the GTX is introduced to certain LHD markets. Models sold in the United States are equipped with either the 1.6 L turbo or 2.2 L engines (manual or automatic) and an updated interior.
• 1985 - Production of the Fuego ends in France, with the introduction of the Renault 21.
• 1986 - Production ends in Spain. Production lines transferred to Argentina and Venezuela.
• 1987 - Production continues in Argentina (where the only available engine is the 2165 cc producing 116 PS or 85 kW or 114 hp) and Venezuela.
• 1990 - The final phase III GTA is introduced with new bumpers, white front indicators, and charcoal tail-lights. The higher performance GTA Max is introduced in Argentina with a 2.2 L engine tuned by Berta Motorsport, producing 123 PS (90 kW; 121 hp).
• 1992 - South American production ends.

The Fuego was not directly replaced by another model in the Renault range. A Fuego II was planned, similarly styled as the new Renault Alpine GTA.[20] However, the development of the new model was cancelled at the last minute due to a combination of Renault's financial problems along with the declining demand for sports coupés in the marketplace at that time.

There are Renault Fuego clubs in several countries that organize events and set up booths at classic car shows.

• France: Club Fuego France[21]
• Germany: Club Fuego Freunde[22]
• Spain: Renault Fuego Club[23]
• Argentina: Club Renault Fuego Argentina

1. ^ "Fuego Turbo — The Originals Museum". Renault.
2. ^ "Renault Fuego". fuego.net.pl. Archived from the original on 5 February 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
3. ^ Ernst, Kurt (11 December 2013). "Lost Cars of the 1980s – Renault Fuego". Hemmings Sports and Exotic Cars. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
4. ^ "La nouvelle Renault Vel Saltis". Action Auto Moto (in French). 2001. p. 24. Retrieved 10 July 2015. C'est l'un des thèmes esthétiques chers au designer Michel Jardin, aujourd'hui responsable de la cellule concept-cars chez Renault et initiateur de la bulle sur feu la Renault Fuego et la Renault 25.
5. ^ Chapman, Giles, ed. (2016). The Classic Car Book: The Definitive Visual History. Dorling Kindersley. p. 293. ISBN 9780241287477. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
6. ^ a b c Renaux, Jean-Jacques (10 March 1983). "Référendum des propriétaires: Renault Fuego" [Owner Survey]. Le Moniteur de l'Automobile (in French). Vol. 34, no. 764. Brussels, Belgium: Editions Auto-Magazine. p. 104.
7. ^ "La Renault Fuego festeja 40 años en la Argentina". autoweb.com.ar. 26 July 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
8. ^ Russell, John A. (5 April 1982). "Renault blends art with wind tunnel". Automotive News. p. 26. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
9. ^ Grinys, Aurimas. "Renault Fuego: Spanish Flames from France". Dyler. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
10. ^ Chapman, Giles (20 February 2007). "Classic Cars: Renault Fuego". The Independent. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
11. ^ Lewis, Corey (8 June 2018). "Rare Rides: The 1984 Renault Fuego, or Feu d'Artifice". The Truth About Cars. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
12. ^ Vann, Peter; Asaria, Gerald (1985). Extraordinary Automobiles (Second ed.). Motorbooks International. pp. 10, 158. ISBN 9780879382018. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
13. ^ a b c "Fire!". losangemagazine.com. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
14. ^ a b LaChance, David (May 2010). "1982-1985 Renault Fuego". Hemmings Motor News. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
15. ^ a b Petrány, Máté (12 May 2017). "The Renault Fuego Turbo Was Affordable for a Reason". Road & Track. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
16. ^ "AMC plans cuts in production of subcompacts". Plant Shutdowns Monitor. Data Center. 1984. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
17. ^ Costa, André; Fraichard, Georges-Michel, eds. (September 1981). "Salon 1981: Toutes les Voitures du Monde". L'Auto Journal (in French). No. 14 & 15. p. 71.
18. ^ Salon 1981, pp. 118-119.
19. ^ a b c Renaux, p. 105
20. ^ Lewis, Corey (26 June 2018). "Rare Rides: A 1990 Renault Alpine GTA, Par Excellence". The Truth About Cars. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
21. ^ "Club Fuego France". clubfuegofrance.
22. ^ "Fuego forever". fuego-freunde.
23. ^ "Renault Fuego Club". renaultfuegoclub.

• Renault Fuego at the Internet Movie Cars Database
• Sassaug, Bob (27 August 2010). "French Disconnection at A.M.C.'s Dealers". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
• Gonzalez, Fernando C. "The Return of the Froggy Plip (first edition page)". Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2015.