IKA-Renault Torino

Last updated

IKA-Renault Torino
IKA Torino 380 coupe.jpg
IKA Torino 380 coupé (1966-1970)
Overview
Manufacturer IKA (1966–1975)
Renault Argentina (1975–1981)
Production1966–1981
AssemblySanta Isabel, Córdoba Province, Argentina
Designer Dick Teague and Pininfarina
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size
Body style 2-door hardtop coupé
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Related Rambler American (third generation)
Powertrain
Engine
  • 2968 cc I6 Tornado Special
  • 3770 cc Tornado Interceptor I6
  • 3770 cc Torino 233 I6
  • 3950 cc Tornado Interceptor 241 I6
Transmission 4-speed ZF manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 107.2 in (2,723 mm)
Length4,724 mm (186.0 in)
Width1,798 mm (70.8 in)
Height1,410 mm (55.5 in)
Curb weight 1,060–1,471 kg (2,337–3,243 lb)

The IKA Torino, later renamed as Renault Torino, is a mid-sized automobile made by Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) between 1966 and 1981, under an agreement with American Motors Corporation (AMC). The 1966 Torino was IKA's first national product. IKA was eventually bought out by Renault in 1975 to form Renault Argentina S.A.

Contents

The Torino was built on the same hybrid AMC platform through 1981 in both two-door hardtop and four-door sedan variants. It has been described as "Argentina's national car". [1]

Background

1967 IKA Torino 380 W, the top version between 1966 and 1970. The body has the basic shape of the 1965 Rambler American 2-door hardtop IKA Torino 380 W 1967 01.jpg
1967 IKA Torino 380 W, the top version between 1966 and 1970. The body has the basic shape of the 1965 Rambler American 2-door hardtop
Rear view IKA Torino 380 W 1967 02.jpg
Rear view

In 1961, IKA (Industrias Kaiser Argentina) was looking for a car that could break into the Argentinian market, a car that could combine American reliability with European elegance. The automaker provided two 1965 Rambler Americans (a coupe hardtop and a sedan) to Pininfarina seeking styling updates. The new design largely maintained the general shape of the original Rambler with a completely new interior and facelifted "European" grille and rear end. [2]

The car was presented on 30 November 1966, at the Autódromo Juan y Oscar Gálvez and was marketed as the quintessential Argentinian car. The Torino proved popular throughout the 1960s and the 1970s. It continued to be produced after IKA was bought out by Renault. [3]

Renault continued the production until the early 1980s. In 1978 the Argentinian automobile market began to slow down considerably and this also coincided with the relaxation of trade restrictions and the introduction of foreign-made cars. The Torino was unable to compete with the newer, cheaper, more reliable foreign models. Production of the Torino line ended in 1982. [2]

A total of 99,792 two and four-door IKA Torinos were built. [4]

Engines

All engines were manufactured in Argentina.

  • Tornado Special engine (only available on the 300/300S (4 doors)):
  • Bore X Stroke: 84.94 mm x 87.31 mm
  • Displacement: 2968 cc
  • Top RPM: 5000 rpm
  • Number of main bearings: 4
  • Power: 120 hp (89 kW; 122 PS) at 4500 rpm and 26 kg⋅m (188 lb⋅ft; 255 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm
IKA Torino TS sedan Torino TS.jpg
IKA Torino TS sedan
  • Tornado Interceptor engine. Available models: 380, 380W, TS, SE, GS200.
  • Bore X Stroke: 84.94 mm X 111.125 mm
  • Displacement: 3770 cc
  • Top RPM: 5000 rpm
  • Number of main bearings: 4
  • Power:
  • 380/380S: 155 hp (116 kW; 157 PS) at 4300 rpm and 32 kg⋅m (231 lb⋅ft; 314 N⋅m) at 3500 rpm (380S is the 4 door Version)
  • 380W: 176 hp (131 kW; 178 PS) at 4500 rpm and 33 kg⋅m (239 lb⋅ft; 324 N⋅m) at 3500 rpm (The W is for the 3 Weber 45 Dcoe 17 carburetors)
  • TS: 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) at 4500 rpm and 31 kg⋅m (224 lb⋅ft; 304 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm
  • TS/S: 152 hp (113 kW; 154 PS) at 4200 rpm and 30 kg⋅m (217 lb⋅ft; 294 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm (4 door)
  • GS200: 185 hp (138 kW; 188 PS) at 4700 rpm and 34 kg⋅m (246 lb⋅ft; 333 N⋅m) at 3500 rpm *(The GS200 replaced the 380W and was the first Argentine car to be able to exceed 200 km/h, with a top speed of 203 km/h)
1972 Renault Torino Renault Torino (1972), Paris Motor Show 2018, IMG 0469.jpg
1972 Renault Torino
  • The Torino 233 engine features a new block and a new cylinder head. Available models: SE, GR, TS, TSX, GS, ZX.
  • Bore X Stroke: 84.94 mm x 111.125 mm
  • Displacement: 3770 cc
  • Top RPM: 5200 rpm
  • Number of main bearings: 7
  • Power:
  • SE (4-door): 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) at 4500 rpm and 31 kg⋅m (224 lb⋅ft; 304 N⋅m) at 2500 rpm
  • GR (4-door)/TS: 180 hp (134 kW; 182 PS) at 4500 rpm and 31 kg⋅m (224 lb⋅ft; 304 N⋅m)at 2500 rpm
  • TSX: 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) at 4500 rpm and 33 kg⋅m (239 lb⋅ft; 324 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm
  • GS: 215 hp (160 kW; 218 PS) at 4700 rpm and 34 kg⋅m (246 lb⋅ft; 333 N⋅m) at 3200 rpm (estimated)
  • ZX: 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) at 4500 rpm and 33 kg⋅m (239 lb⋅ft; 324 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm
  • The Tornado Interceptor 241 engine prepared for use in competition. Available in the Torino 380W TC.
  • Bore X Stroke: 86.70 mm x 111.125 mm
  • Displacement: 3950 cc
  • Top RPM: 5400 rpm
  • Number of main bearings: 4
  • Power: 248 hp (185 kW; 251 PS) at 5000 rpm and 39 kg⋅m (282 lb⋅ft; 382 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm

Racing

The Torino used in the 1969 Marathon de la Route showcased in Tecnopolis. Torinos en Tecnopolis - BugWarp 03.jpg
The Torino used in the 1969 Marathon de la Route showcased in Tecnópolis.

A marketing effort was established by IKA, known as the "Argentine Mission of 1969" with coordination by engineer Oreste Berta and under the leadership of Juan Manuel Fangio because competing in auto racing was viewed as an investment in brand image. [5]

The IKA Torino's most notable international success was in the Marathon de la Route race of 1969, with a Torino finishing in fourth place. [6]

The factory modified three cars by reducing their weight from 1,407 to 1,365 kg (3,102 to 3,009 lb) and increasing the engine output to 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) at 5200 rpm to give them a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) as well as suspension adjustments using wider tires. [5] The three cars were shipped to Germany and given numbers 1, 2, and 3 due to Fangio's renown in Europe as well as a special classification due to the car's larger engine displacement. [5]

After the three and a half days of racing, the No. 3 Torino that was driven by Eduardo Copello, Alberto Rodriguez Larreta, and Oscar Mauricio Franco, had covered the most laps of all – 334, but lost the top position because they accumulated various penalties during the race. [7] The IKA Torino became "the pride and joy of Argentine car enthusiasts" when their country's team "showed that it could run with the best of Europe on Europe’s toughest circuit." [7] This became "one of the great feats of Argentine motorsport having managed to gather the support of the entire national industry in a feat that showed the world the potential of this model built entirely in the country." [5]

The No. 3 car is displayed in the Juan Manuel Fangio Museum located in Balcarce, Buenos Aires Province, the birthplace of Argentina's Fangio who dominated the first decade of Formula One racing. When not competing on race tracks, Fangio's daily diver was a 1970 IKA Torino 380S four-door sedan. [8] The car was a gift after the 1969 Nürburgring 84-hour race and Fangio drove it until he became president of Mercedes-Benz Argentina in 1974. the car remained in Fangio's name until his death in 1995 and then kept within his family until 2013. [9] The car was auctioned with no reserve at the Silverstone NEC Classic Motor Show Sale in Birmingham, England for £28,175, or about $45,000. [10]

The IKA Torino won the Turismo Carretera, a popular touring car racing series in Argentina in 1967 with Eduardo Copello, 1969 with Gastón Perkins, 1970 and 1971 with Rubén Luis di Palma and 2022 with José Manuel Urcera.

The Torino is still being raced, albeit in silhouette form with Jeep Cherokee engines, in the Argentinian Turismo Carretera and other series.

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. [11]

Many Argentines think of the Torino as the national car. [12] [13] Parts are still available and there are fan clubs.

The appeal of the IKA Torino to collectors outside of Argentina is limited because exporting one is difficult due to numerous registration and ownership regulations. [14]

Related Research Articles

Pagani Automobili S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of sports cars and carbon fiber components. The company was founded in 1992 by Argentine businessman and engineer Horacio Pagani and is based in San Cesario sul Panaro, near Modena, Italy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nissan VQ engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The VQ is a family of V6 automobile petrol engines developed by Nissan and produced in displacements varying from 2.0 L to 4.0 L. Designed to replace the VG series, the all-aluminium 4-valve per cylinder DOHC design debuted with Nissan's EGI/ECCS sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) system. Changes from the VG engine include switching to a timing chain from a timing belt, and relocating the water pump from the outside of the engine to inside the timing cover where the pump is driven by the timing chain. Later versions featured various improvements, such as variable valve timing, and NEO-Di designated VQ engines replace MPFI with direct fuel injection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mitsubishi 6A1 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Mitsubishi 6A1 engine is a series of piston V6 engines from Mitsubishi Motors, found in their small and medium vehicles through the 1990s. They ranged from 1.6 to 2.5 L in size, and came with a variety of induction methods and cylinder head designs and configurations.

The Honda B20A engine series, known as the B20A and B21A, was an inline four-cylinder engine family from Honda introduced in 1985 in the second-generation Honda Prelude. Also available in the contemporary third-generation Honda Accord in the Japanese domestic market, along with the Accord-derived Vigor, the B20A was Honda's second line of multivalve DOHC inline four-cylinder engines behind the "ZC" twin-cam variant of the ordinarily SOHC D-series, focused towards performance and displacing 2.0 to 2.1 litres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda E engine</span> Former Japanese automobile engines

The E-series was a line of inline four-cylinder automobile engines designed and built by Honda for use in their cars in the 1970s and 1980s. These engines were notable for the use of CVCC technology, introduced in the ED1 engine in the 1975 Civic, which met 1970s emissions standards without using a catalytic converter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pagani Zonda</span> Mid-engine sports car manufactured by Italian sports car manufacturer Pagani from 1999–2019

The Pagani Zonda is a mid-engine sports car produced by Italian sports car manufacturer Pagani. It debuted at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show. Produced on commission in limited units, as of 2019 a total of 140 cars had been built, including development mules. Variants include a 2-door coupé and roadster variant, along with a third new variant being the barchetta. Construction is mainly of carbon fibre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda D engine</span> Japanese automobile engines

The Honda D series inline-four cylinder engine is used in a variety of compact models, most commonly the Honda Civic, CRX, Logo, Stream, and first-generation Integra. Engine displacement ranges between 1.2 and 1.7 liters. The D Series engine is either SOHC or DOHC, and might include VTEC variable valve lift. Power ranges from 66 PS (49 kW) in the Logo to 130 PS (96 kW) in the Civic Si. D-series production commenced in 1984 and ended in 2005. D-series engine technology culminated with production of the D15B 3-stage VTEC (D15Z7) which was available in markets outside of the United States. Earlier versions of this engine also used a single port fuel injection system Honda called PGM-CARB, signifying the carburetor was computer controlled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nissan MR engine</span> Kind of engine made by Nissan

The Renault-Nissan MR engine family consists of straight-four 16-valve all-aluminium and water cooled automobile engines with variable valve timing co-developed by Renault and Nissan. Renault calls it the M engine. Other noteworthy features of this engine family include acoustically equal runner lengths and a tumble control valve for the intake manifold, a "silent" timing chain, mirror finished crankshaft and camshaft journals, and offset cylinder placement in an attempt for increased efficiency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeep Tornado engine</span> American automobile engine

The Jeep Tornado engine was the first post-World War II U.S.-designed mass-produced overhead cam (OHC) automobile engine. The 230.5 cu in (3.78 L) hemi-headed straight-six was introduced in mid-year 1962, and replaced the flathead "6-226" Willys Super Hurricane that was in use since 1954.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nissan HR engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The HR is a family of straight-3 12-valve and straight-4 16-valve automobile engines with continuously variable valve timing, involving development by Nissan and/or Renault, and also Mercedes-Benz in the case of the H5Ht/M282. The designation of H engine is used by Renault, and M28x by Mercedes-Benz, to classify the family. There are three basic specifications of engine involving variations in engine architecture, or all-new architecture, with 72.2 mm (2.84 in), 75.5 mm (2.97 in) and 78 mm (3.07 in) bore diameter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alfa Romeo JTS engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The JTS engine is a gasoline direct injection engine produced by Alfa Romeo. It exists in two forms, straight-4 and V6, and was introduced into the Alfa lineup in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda R engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Honda R engine is an inline-four engine launched in 2006 for the Honda Civic (non-Si). It is fuel injected, has an aluminum-alloy cylinder block and cylinder head, is a SOHC 16-valve design and utilizes Honda's i-VTEC system. The R series engine has a compression ratio of 10.5:1, features a "drive by wire" throttle system which is computer controlled to reduce pumping losses and create a smooth torque curve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toyota UR engine</span> Type of engine made by Toyota

The Toyota UR engine family is a 32-valve dual overhead camshaft V8 piston engine series which was first introduced in 2006, as the UZ series it replaced began phasing out. Production started with the 1UR-FSE engine with D-4S direct injection for the 2007 Lexus LS. The series launched with a die-cast aluminum engine block, aluminum cylinder heads and magnesium cylinder head covers. All UR engines feature variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust cams or Dual VVT-i. Timing chains are used to drive the camshafts. The UR engine has been produced in 4.6, 5.0, and 5.7-liter displacement versions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche 911 GT2</span> Motor vehicle

The Porsche 911 GT2 is a high-performance, track-focused sports car built by the German automobile manufacturer Porsche from 1993 to 2009, and then since 2010 as the GT2 RS. It is based on the 911 Turbo, and uses a similar twin-turbocharged engine, but features numerous upgrades, including engine enhancements, larger brakes, and stiffer suspension calibration. The GT2 is significantly lighter than the Turbo due to its use of rear-wheel-drive instead of all-wheel-drive system and the reduction or removal of interior components. As a result, the GT2 is the most expensive and fastest model among the 911 lineup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renault Mégane RS</span> High performance version of the Renault Mégane

The Renault Mégane Renault Sport is a series of high-performance hatchback models based on the Renault Mégane, produced since 2004 by the high-performance subsidiary company Renault Sport for its parent company Alpine, a subsidiary of Renault. The Mégane RS won awards such as "Best hot hatch" from What car? (2010–2014), "Highest placed non-supercar" in Evo's annual Car of the Year test 2011 and "Best hot hatch" from Top Gear.

The ToyotaC engine family was a series of inline-4 diesel engines. There were two earlier generations of an engine Toyota named as the "Type C". The first generation was introduced in 1940 as a modification of the Type A engine. This first "Type C" was installed in the Toyota AE. The second generation was the first diesel engine at 1500cc used in the CS20 series 1959 Toyota Crown in October 1959. Japanese market vehicles with diesel engines were exclusive to Toyota Japan dealerships called Toyota Diesel Shop locations from 1979 until the dealership was cancelled in 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda E0 engine</span> Small Japanese gasoline engines

The E0 series is a three-cylinder gasoline engine developed and manufactured by Honda, with a total displacement of 656 cc. The engine is intended for kei car applications. The E05A and E07A were partially replaced by the Honda P engine but as of 2020 the E07Z engine still saw use in the Acty truck.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Subaru FB engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Subaru FB engine is the third and current generation of gasoline boxer-4 engine used in Subaru automobiles, and was announced on 23 September 2010. It follows the previous generation EJ-series engine which was introduced in 1989 and the first generation EA-series which was introduced in 1966. By increasing piston stroke and decreasing piston bore, Subaru aimed to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, while increasing and broadening torque output compared to the EJ-series.

The E.torQ is a family of inline-4 gasoline automobile engines produced since 2010 by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Campo Largo, Brazil in the former Tritec factory. In November of 2022 Stellantis announced they were closing the Campo Largo factory ending production of the E.torQ 1.8 to focus on production of the newer FCA Global Small Engine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suzuki K engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Suzuki K engine family is a series of automobile engines from Suzuki, introduced in 1994. Displacements range from 0.7 L to 1.5 L. All engines have aluminium cylinder blocks with three or four cylinders in-line. Cylinder heads have two overhead camshafts, driven by chain, and four valves per cylinder. Fuel is gasoline/petrol, metered by multipoint fuel injection or direct injection. Some variants are turbocharged.

References

  1. Durruty, Diego (15 July 2022). "Torino, el auto argentino que se ganó el cariño de la gente en la calle y la pista" [Torino, the Argentine car that won the affection of the people on the street and the track]. Automundo (in Spanish). Retrieved 17 July 2022. ... from its birth until now, it is the only model that has remained in the memory of Argentines.
  2. 1 2 Niedermeyer, Paul (9 January 2022). "1971 IKA Torino TS – The Legendary Rambler European South American". Curbside Classic. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  3. Margeit, Rob (18 August 2020). "Cars you didn't know you want: IKA-Renault Torino". Drive. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  4. Kierse, Matthias (5 February 2020). "Renault Torino". Secret Classics. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Sánchez, Miguel (January 2022). "El Torino and Fangio's Argentine Mission at the Nürburgring". La Escudería. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  6. de Jong, Frank. "39. Marathon de la Route – Nürburgring 84 hours (1969)". touringcarracing.net. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  7. 1 2 Orosz, Peter (8 March 2011). "When Argentina ruled the Nürburgring". Jalopnik. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  8. Mihalascu, Dan (9 October 2013). "Fangio's Rare AMC-Based 1970 IKA Torino 380S Up for Auction". Carscoops. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  9. Adolphus, David Traver (8 October 2013). "Fangio's other car: an Argentine IKA Torino". Road & Track. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  10. Ernst, Kurt (19 November 2013). "Juan Manuel Fangio's 1970 IKA Torino 380S heads to auction". Hemmings. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  11. "Renault Torino GR (1982 MY)". carfolio.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  12. "Floyd Clymer's Soap Box". Autodriver. 67. Counterpoint: 4. 1967. Retrieved 17 July 2022 via Google Books.
  13. Falconer, Tim (2008). Drive: A Road Trip Through Our Complicated Affair with the Automobile. Penguin Canada. ISBN   9780143179375 . Retrieved 17 July 2022 via Google Books. Torino 380, a legendary racing car made by Industrias Kaiser Argentina. Some people consider it the country's national car, noted Coelho, adding proudly, 'It represents us.'
  14. Duisberg, Rich (4 March 2016). "Beautiful, quick, robust and cheap. The classic car you can't have". England: MotorPunk. Retrieved 17 July 2022.