Timeline
The Renault 18 began production in April 1978. Two years thereafter, all production models were outfitted with a new alternator that included a built-in electronic regulator. In July 1980, the 18 Diesel model was added. This model was mechanically similar to the Renault 20 Diesel, and was equipped with a 2,068 cc engine (rated at 49 kW (66 PS)), negative offset front suspension, and larger four-stud wheels. The diesel-engined 18s came in two trim levels: TD and GTD. The basic TD (which was available as both a saloon and estate) had a four-speed gearbox and the equipment level of the TS, while the GTD (which was exclusively available as a saloon) had a five-speed gearbox and an equivalent equipment level as the GTS. Power-assisted steering was optional on the GTD, while a five-speed gearbox was optional on the TD.
The 18 Turbo model was introduced in 1981, borrowing from other Renault models. The 18 Turbo featured a 1,565 cc engine (rated at 110 PS (81 kW), five-speed gearbox, negative offset front suspension, four-stud alloy wheels, rear spoiler, dashboard and interior fittings from the Renault Fuego. A little later yet, a Turbodiesel version arrived; this had a 88 PS (65 kW) version of the 2.1 litre inline-four fitted to the TD/GTD and at the time it was the fastest car in its class.
1982 saw the introduction of several changes to the entire lineup of 18 models: the negative offset front suspension, previously available only on the Turbo and Diesel models, was made standard. The front indicator lenses were changed from orange to clear, bumpers and door handles were switched from chrome to black polyester, and the seats were restyled. Model-specific changes included the available option of a five-speed gearbox on the TL; the GTL received an "economy-tune" 73 PS (54 kW) version of the 1,647 cc engine, as well as a five-speed gearbox, higher final drive ratio, electronic ignition and an econometer gauge.
In 1983 the "Type 2" arrived. This meant a grille change, all models gained a front air dam, while the saloons also received a standard rear spoiler. The three-stud wheel rims were replaced with the larger four-stud wheel rims (with the Base, TL and TD just having center caps, and the GTL, Automatic, GTS and GTD all having full wheel trims). The biggest difference, however, was that the dashboard was replaced by that of the Fuego. The GTX model was introduced in France in 1984. Subsequent years saw fewer changes to the 18 line, in preparation for the launch of the Renault 21 in 1986. In this year, the 18 model is withdrawn from sale in the UK. Furthering the discontinuation of the Renault 18, European production stopped in 1989. At this, 2,028,964 Renault 18s were built in France alone. Finally, in 1993 the last Renault 18 rolls off the production line in Argentina. 132,956 units were built in Argentina alone.
Read more about this topic: Renault 18