In a series of announcements related to environmental performance, Renault introduced a new downsized, charged gasoline engine in its TCe line (earlier post), the TCe 130. With a low-inertia turbocharger, this 1.4-liter engine delivers the power of a 1.8-liter and the torque of a 2-liter engine for the fuel consumption of a 1.6-liter unit.

Renault also introduced the Scénic ZEV H2 fuel cell hybrid vehicle prototype, a joint project of the Nissan-Renault Alliance. Nissan supplied the fuel cell stack, the high-pressure hydrogen tank, and lithium-ion batteries. Renault repackaged the Grand Scénic to enable the underbody to incorporate the fuel cell stack, tank and batteries.

Other announcements included the development of a new NOx trap and a driver-oriented project: Renault will offer its customers environmental driving lessons with simulators installed in dealerships by the end of 2008. Renault also highlighted its EV work and the partnership with Project Better Place to mass market EVs in Israel and Denmark by 2011.

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The TCe 130. Developed as part of the Nissan-Renault Alliance, the TCe 130 is derived from the normally aspirated HR15 and HR16 engines (the 1.5 and 1.6-liter units in the Nissan line-up).

The new engine delivers maximum power of 96 kW (130 hp) at 5,500 rpm and torque of 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) at 2,250 rpm; it will be applied in Renault C-segment vehicles.

The new TCe 130 has an aluminium sump and a single-flow turbocompressor. The profile of its inlet ports has been redesigned compared with those of the normally-aspirated engine. The new ports create a swirling inflow, which mixes fuel and air more evenly, so improving combustion.

Due to the tumbling flow of air, the combustion flame propagates more efficiently, improving torque at low revs without impairing performance at higher engine speeds. A continuous camshaft angle variator at the intake port improves performance at all engine speeds and helps reduce fuel consumption. The engine has a timing chain that which not only cuts noise but is also reliable and durable.

The TCe 130 will be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Scénic ZEV H2 prototype. In 2006, Renault and Nissan decided to pool their efforts to produce a demonstration vehicle powered by a fuel cell that drew on Alliance technologies. Scénic ZEV H2 was designed in just 15 months, testing included.