Renault EF-Type engine
| Renault-Gordini EF-Type engine | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Renault Sport |
| Production | 1977–1986 |
| Combustion chamber | |
| Configuration | Gasoline V-6 |
The EF-Type was a 90° V6 Turbocharged engine developed by Renault Sport, the engine was used by Equipe Renault Elf in Formula One from 1977 to 1985. This engine derived from the CH series designed by François Castaing, the F1 engine was developed by Bernard Dudot.
Renault's decision to use its 1500 cc V6 turbo engines in F1 was one of the boldest decisions ever taken in the sport. In nine full seasons competing against normally aspirated 3000 cc engines, they gave an excellent account of themselves, with:
Ultimately, as a result of their success, all F1 teams adopted turbo engines in the 1985 season.
Based on the 2-litre "type CHS" engine and developing 510 bhp (380 kW; 517 PS) at 11,000 rpm, this engine underwent several major changes (metallurgy, mixed air-water exchanger) before bringing the Renault RS01 its first points in 1978 and its first pole position in 1979.
With its two small turbochargers, this engine reduced turbo lag considerably. It brought Renault its first F1 race win with a turbo engine (Dijon 1979). It would undergo a number of significant changes over the years (electronic injection and two-flap air intake in 1982, water injection at air intake in 1983) and its horsepower would gradually increase, eventually reaching 700 bhp (522 kW; 710 PS). In all, it claimed 15 race wins, 30 pole positions and 19 pole positions and saw both Renault and Alain Prost finish second in the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships respectively. It was also supplied to the Lotus team in 1983.
This engine marked the return of Garrett turbochargers. Fitted to the Renault RE50, Lotus 95T and Ligier JS23, it could not break the dominance of the Porsche built TAG V6 engine which powered the McLaren MP4/2 to 12 wins out of 16 races. It nevertheless notched up 11 podium finishes and three pole positions and allowed Lotus driver Elio de Angelis to finish the 1984 season in 3rd place. 1984 marked the first year since 1978 that a Renault engine did not win a Formula One race. By 1984, the Renault turbo was producing approximately 750 bhp (559 kW; 760 PS) in race trim and around 900 bhp (671 kW; 912 PS) for qualifying.
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