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ROADTEST
RENAULT 16 TS
The
Renault 16 has since its introduction made a large group of loyal
friends. In the beginning not everyone was enthusiast about its
unconventional design. But more and more people began to appreciate its
design, being a token of functionality and adding a number of practical
advantages.
Only this design made it possible
for the Renault 16 to become what she has become – an in many ways
very useful and practical automobile. What other car offers such a large
number of varieties in carrying your luggage and maintaining at the same
time its uncompromising good road holding capacities? And what car
offers you ( at this price) a comfort so outstanding for the passengers,
no matter at which height its loading capacity is being used?
Nevertheless,
for a few regular 16 customers some items were left to be desired. I.e.
rising the max. speed with 20 km/h, a little more push at higher speeds
particularly in fourth, but also in third gear.
A two-speed front window-wiper, rear window heater and brake assistance.
Those people may be satisfied. By
increasing its bore with one mm and its stroke with three mm the number
of cc increases from 1470 up to 1565 cc. The combustion chamber was
redesigned to achieve a better ‘filling’. The valves became bigger
and stronger, the in-and outlet canals were flowed, the camshaft and
air-filter became hotter and last but not least the car was given a
twin-throttle Weber (32 DAR) register carburettor. The exhaust system
was completely changed. The exhaust used at the regular R 16 demanded 5
hp; the same system being mounted on the TS engine demanded an amazing
15 hp. No wonder the Renault engineers developed a new exhaust system,
one which absorbed no more than 4,5 hp without supplying more noise.
All these changes resulted in an engine that delivers 83 DIN hp (25 hp
more than in the standard engine) at its crankshaft. The net capacity (measured
at the front wheels) appeared to be an outstanding 77 hp! And one
notices these extra 25 horses. Especially while taking over at higher
speed levels the surplus of power is agreeable, and provides safer
driving. Surprising: torque has also increased, the engine provides more
‘bottom power’ and lesser noise.
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