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Designed by Henri Opron who also created the Citroën SM and the CX, the Renault Fuego replaced the R 15 and 17. This three-door hatchback coupé is capable of accommodating four persons. It is mainly based on the Renault 18 from which it derives. Its rounded design is surprising with its rear bubble flip-up window and its black lateral plastic strip making the general line even more dynamic. The rear seats can be folded down, thus increasing the cargo space.
Renault Fuego, 2.2 liters version, 1987. Characteristic rear
Renault Fuego was the very first model equipped with the remote key less system with central locking, later called PLIP after the name of its inventor Paul Lipschutz. The 4 cylinder engine starts from the 1.4 l to the 2.2 l and a 2.1 l is also available from 1982. This latter version is the world’s fastest coupé of the moment with 180 km/h. The weight of the car is 970 to 1100 kg. It measures 4.35 m long and 1.69 m wide.
The dashboard of the Fuego is very pleasant-looking and so original. The general finishing is of excellent quality. Interior trim was renewed in 1983. Renault built the Fuego from 1980 to 1985 for France and until 1987 for Europe. It was mainly successful at the beginning of the ’80s until 1982 and was quite fashionable. With time sales rapidly dropped and the model was not replaced due to lack of enthusiasts for sports coupés at the time in France. Total production reached 265.257 units. Heuliez built a convertible for the U.S. market in 1982.
In the U.S.A., the Renault Fuego received a better equipment to meet American Standards and Legislation. The Turbo version had 105 hp and the 1.6 l turbocharged or normally aspired versions were also present on this market from 1982 to 1984. The 2.2 l engine was proposed in 1984-85 in this country.
In Argentina where the Fuego has also been produced from 1986 to 1996, it was reserved for a wealthy clientèle. The last version, the GTA, even reached 126 hp.
Renault Fuego GTA produced in Argentina
Yellow Fuego and a top version
The Fuego namely appeared in James Bond’s “GoldenEye”. This beautiful model has become rare in France today. Pale blue and light bronze metallic paint were the most common versions.
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September 28, 2009
A comparably superb design with little semblance to the DeLorean, my favorite car in the back to the future series. Well written my friend.
September 28, 2009
Thank you deepblue. You’re quite right about the DeLorean, another beauty!
Very best wishes,
François
September 28, 2009
I remeber the Fuego well! Quite radical for its time and based on such an ugly car, the Renault 18!!! I think that overtones of its styling eventually appeared on the R25 too, especially that rear window. Enjoyed this Francois….and getting more modern too!
September 28, 2009
I prefer the old-fashioned Francois! 80s are generaly a bit “disturbing” for me!
September 28, 2009
You described it well, friend. You’re really an experts on this olden but desirable cars.
September 28, 2009
Thank you my friends for your comments. @ Lostash: it is very true for the Renault 25. From one model, you can make several different types.
September 28, 2009
This was the one and only Francois. I had the Silver one at the top of your article. I had so much fun in that car……I wish I still owned one. Very cool article and well written as usual my friend. I thought they discontinued making them. No matter what others think about the look, it was a very comfortable ride and the Blaupunk stereo was so great. At night with the top down, cranking some tunes, it didn’t get any better. Thanks for sharing this. It brought back so many cherished memories!
September 28, 2009
I wrote this article with many thoughts for you, Richard. Thank you brother and take care.
September 28, 2009
nice francois.. really a thing for cars!!:)
September 28, 2009
Interesting information about the changes of a car.
Awesome information
September 28, 2009
Very nice photo…
September 28, 2009
LOL.. guess why I am laughing.. Cars.. lolz.. Our little joke.
It’s amazing to read your articles on automobiles and the passion with which you deal with the subject. Keep at it Francois.
September 28, 2009
Its strange how one would hardly give these cars a second glance in the 1980s but now they are so unique. While there were so many in America I didn’t know there was a scarcity in France.