Gandini Renault truck
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This was the innovative truck that Marcello Gandini designed for Renault and that changed everything

The father of the Lamborghini Miura worked with Renault Industrial Vehicles to create a new truck that forever changed the way cabins are designed.

When we talk about Marcello gandini, we make it from one of the greatest designers in history. At his hand we owe automobiles like the one mentioned Lamborghini Miura, Alfa Romeo Carabo, Lancia Stratos Zero or the Renault 5 de second generation, also called Superfive. That's just to name a few of the dozens of projects in which the Turin native was involved.

Less known is that, in the 80s, when he actively collaborated with Renault as an independent designer, he also made his contribution to the Renault Industrial Vehicles department. Newly created at that time, it had just absorbed Berliet and is working on replacing its R Range with two prototypes, the MR1 and MR5. This is what was called the Line 11 project.

Finally, they decided to turn to Gandini, who on the other hand had already been responsible for the lines of the first Renault Master from 1980. As we can see, the Italian genius not only showed his talent when it came to designing cars and, especially, supercars. As it could not be otherwise, Gandini's proposal is not only innovative, but, in the long run, will have a decisive influence on future Renault trucks and not only Renault.

MARCELLO GANDINI'S TRUCK FOR RENAULT

As we see in the sketches, The proposal is absolutely groundbreaking., with a fully glazed cabin displaced to the left. Also, the whole truck is perfectly faired for the sake of maximize aerodynamics. This is a key section, since consumption skyrockets from 50 km/h, given the enormous frontal surface area of ​​this type of vehicle. Suffice it to say that the aerodynamic coefficient of a Accident it ranges between 0,65 and 0,70 Cx (a car is around half).

Still, the most impressive thing about Marcello Gandini's truck sketches for Renault was not outside, but inside. The real revolution was in what was not seen, since the cabin is divided into three levels: the first would be the engine; Above this, the bunk and, at the top, the cabin. It would be accessed through a spiral staircase no less. After all, it was a prototype.

The proposal wowed the industrial design department, as it allowed us to create a completely flat floor plan and play with the interior distribution. The groundbreaking concept was tested in the VIRAGES program, which featured the experimental vehicles VE 10 (1985) and VE 20 (1988). In these, work was done to improve aerodynamics and the elevated cabin that offered better vision for the driver.

Renault VE10
The Renault VE10 experimental truck began testing Gandini's ideas during the VIRAGES program

IDEAS COME TO THE SERIES

Finally, Marcello Gandini's ideas for the Renault truck reached, suitably evolved, the 1990 magnum. In fact, it was initially marketed as AE, which stands for Advanced Engineering -Advanced Engineering-. Was the first truck to feature a completely flat cab, much more comfortable for the driver. In addition, the engine compartment was completely independent. Given the height of its cabin, it was nicknamed "The Combine".

The Magnums became a fantastic success and were on sale until 2013, that is, no less than 23 years. In total, almost 130.000 units were manufactured. Even more important is that forever changed the way truck cabins are designed. It all started with these sketches by Marcello Gandini.

Renault Macello Gandini truck sketch
Marcello Gandini's truck for Renault was revolutionary. Picture of Car Design Archives.

Photographs of Renault.

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Written by Ivan Vicario Martin

I am lucky to have turned my passion into my way of earning a living. Since I left the Faculty of Information Sciences in 2004, I have been professionally dedicated to motor journalism. I started in the magazine Coches Clásicos in its beginnings, going on to direct it in 2012, the year in which I also took charge of Clásicos Populares. Throughout these almost two decades of my professional career, I have worked in all types of media, including magazines, radio, the web and television, always in formats and programs related to the engine. I am crazy about the classics, Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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