Having launched new auto boxes in its Magnum, Premium and Lander ranges guess what? That's right, Renault has unveiled a new two-pedal 'Optitronic' auto for the Midlum. Optitronic comes in two six-speed versions---the 6AS800 for the Midlum 220 and the 6AS1000 on Midlum 240 and 280. Now I don't know about you but that sounds as if it's the ZF AS-Tronic 'lite' under another name. And if I recall correctly Volvo uses the same box only they call it 'I-Sync'.
It comes with several 'modes':
• "economy" -- which calculates the best compromise between consumption and vehicle performance and adapts automatically to the conditions of use according to load and road conditions;
• "manoeuvre" - which helps you when you're parking and reversing
• "kick-down" for whe you want to get a move-on and shift down a cog to overtake...
• And "temporary manual" override for the driver who wants to DIY it.
The shift controls on the Optitronic gearbox are on a control stalk off the steering wheel (just like Magnum)and all relevant data (eg: the mode or gear in use) are displayed on the digital control panel thereby simplifying the delivery-driver's work. Now click through here for more....
Naturally enough by taking over the control function of all gear-shifting the clutch and the gearbox's mechanical parts are protected and their service life optimised; what's more the engine is prevented from running too fast. The maintenance budget is also reduced. But above all else in busy traffic your left leg isn't going up and down like a one-armed paper-hanger in a thunderstorm...there was an alternative analogy but I decided not to use it...
Comments (3)
As I keep telling you, Brian, you are better off with a Fuller 18 speed Roadranger (or an 18 speed Mack box) and a competent driver!
He or she will protect the gearbox's mechanical parts and prevent the engine from running too fast and will be able to change gear in any kind of traffic without using the clutch. If I wanted to just sit there and let the truck drive itself then I might as well be driving a desk.
It's only people who were brought up on European synchromesh gearboxes, which need the clutch pedal depressed for every single gearchange, including splits, that need some way of relieving their left leg!
Cheers, Vic.
Posted by Vic Hungerford | September 22, 2008 9:15 AM
Posted on September 22, 2008 09:15
Reckon an 18 speed Roadranger might be overkill for that little truck Vic. The only modern auto I have driven is the Volvo 12 speed and I must say I came away impressed.
Posted by Peter Lynch | September 22, 2008 12:30 PM
Posted on September 22, 2008 12:30
I agree with you, Pete, about a Roadranger being overkill for that truck. I just enjoy stirring Brian up a bit!
We have an Iveco Powerstar at work with a 12-speed auto, and it works pretty well, especially around the city. It's not my cup of tea for long distance driving, though; maybe I am a dinosaur!
Posted by Vic Hungerford | September 24, 2008 10:51 AM
Posted on September 24, 2008 10:51