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May 18, 2022
Test Drive: Renault Arkana – The Coupe SUV with an F1-Derived Hybrid System | Renault
Renault Arkana
Test Drive: Renault Arkana – The Coupe SUV with an F1-Derived Hybrid System
The new coupe SUV "Arkana" from Renault, set to be released on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
We test-drove the car, equipped with Renault's unique hybrid system, and report on its performance.
We test-drove the car, equipped with Renault's unique hybrid system, and report on its performance.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
Adopts a Gearbox Widely Used in Motorsports
The stylish Renault Arkana, an SUV with an attractive design, will be released in Japan on May 26, 2022. We had an early test drive in late April. This is Renault's masterpiece gasoline hybrid, offering surprisingly strong performance and excellent fuel economy.
The Arkana's key feature is its strong hybrid system, a series-parallel configuration combining a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. Another notable characteristic is its adoption of a gearbox designed to enhance acceleration and fuel efficiency at high speeds.
While Japan's Toyota Prius and Honda Civic e:HEV also use series-parallel hybrid systems, their European counterparts are criticized for being overly optimized for city driving. They offer inferior fuel economy and comfort during high-speed travel. The Arkana was developed to address these shortcomings, we were told.
While the shift towards electric vehicles seems to be progressing in Europe, the lack of charging infrastructure remains a hurdle for those who travel long distances. Meanwhile, diesel engines, once favored for their fuel efficiency, can no longer be used in new cars due to emissions concerns. The hybrid gasoline unit developed for the Arkana appears to be the alternative solution.
To ensure comfort during high-speed driving, Renault has adopted a newly developed transmission. Its distinctive feature is the use of dog clutches. The advantage is that it doesn't require conventional clutches or synchromesh.
This design prevents slippage, thus avoiding energy loss. Furthermore, the engine and drivetrain engage quickly, shortening the time required for gear changes. For these reasons, it has long been widely used in motorsports like rallying and Formula cars.
The challenge lies in the need for driver skill in operation. Since the gears engage abruptly, failure to do so correctly can prevent shifting. Therefore, the Arkana is equipped with an additional motor specifically for the transmission. Electronic control synchronizes the timing, engaging the gears between the power source and the drivetrain.