Renault Torino
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Torino was a mid-sized automobile made by Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) under an agreement with American Motors (AMC) from 1966. IKA was eventually bought out by Renault in 1975. The Torino was built on the same AMC platform all the way through 1981 in both two-door hardtop and four-door sedan variants.
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[edit] Design
The Torino began life as an Argentinian hybrid of AMC's Rambler American that was introduced in 1964, and the Rambler Classic introduced in 1963. The Torino was first assembled by IKA from complete knock down (CKD) kits that were imported from Kenosha, Wisconsin. IKA used the front and rear sheetmetal of the 1964-5 American combined with the center section of the 1963-4 Classic to create the Argentinian Torino – basically a stretched compact American (the American rode on a 106-inch (2692 mm) wheelbase, while the Classic had a 112-inch (2845 mm) – just like the Torino). The Torino's front unibody support rails (often erroneously referred to as subframe or frame rails) extended from the front bumper all the way back to just in front of the rear rails. This was a unique feature adapting the car to the rougher road conditions of Argentina at the time. In contrast, cars built in the United States ended the front rails just under the front seats. Although the engines were never sourced from American Motors, the vehicle's basic AMC platform continued. Upgrades were incorporated over the years, such as AMC's flush door handles, the Torino became mostly a product of Argentina with few imported parts.
The car's badging was based on the city of Turin's coat of arms. The symbol was a bull standing on its two hind legs, mimicking the prancing stallion symbol of Ferrari. The Argentinian car's front end, rear fascia, and interior were redesigned by Italian auto stylists at Pininfarina to give it a more European look, as well as to make the Torino more appealing to the Argentine public and less like an American car. With the added exterior styling touches, as well as its unique trim and luxurious interior appointments, the Torino was truly a product of Argentina.
From 1977, the top model became the Torino Grand Routier, a touring sedan. The entire range received some sheetmetal and design changes in 1978, (when IKA became Renault Argentina) though major panels such as the doors were carried over. The newer models were longer and the later sedans can be recognized by their full C-pillar. Previously the rear window wrapped into the sides more.
In its final year, the Torino was only available in two models (Grand Routier GR sedan and ZX Coupé), while in its heyday there were over twenty versions.
[edit] Engines
Rather than using AMC engines, the Torino was equipped with 3.0 L and 3.77 L (230 in³) Jeep Tornado engines that were originally developed by Kaiser Motors in 1963 for the new Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wagoneer four wheel drive vehicles. This engine was produced in Argentina and increased the domestic or local sourced content of the car. In the Torino, the robust overhead camshaft (OHC) straight-6 (I-6) engine was available with triple-Weber carburetor versions at the top of the range (the 380W models).
[edit] Racing
The car was very successful in Argentina, and, when released, it placed well in international races against famous sport cars. The most important race was the "84 hours of Nürburgring" in 1969.
[edit] Legacy
By the late 1970s the Torino was the only non-Renault product manufactured by the French company. It could also be considered the last front-engine, rear wheel drive Renault, a rarity in itself.
Many Argentinians think of the Torino as the national car. There are many users, parts vendors, and fan clubs.
[edit] External links
- Torino ZX site in Spanish
- Torino page at the Rambler Rogue site
- The Best foro Torino
- Another Torino site in Spanish
- Fan Club in Argentina
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| Subcompact | Gremlin | Spirit | Encore | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | Rambler | Rambler American | Hornet | Concord | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jet | Pacer | Alliance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Rambler Six | Classic | Rebel | Matador | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rebel V8 | Marlin | Matador Coupe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Nash | Ambassador | Premier | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sports | AMX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Crossover | Eagle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | see timeline of Jeep models | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Renault 18i/Sportwagon | Medallion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Military vehicles | Mighty Mite | AM General trucks, Jeeps, and the HMMWV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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