RENAULT has released details of a new V6 engine developed in conjunction with PSA. The new 3.0 litre unit is more powerful and cleaner than its predecessor and is set to feature in a wide range of all three French manufacturers' upmarket models.

Developed at a cost of £173m, the new 2,946cc power unit features 60 degree V configuration, 24 valves and four camshafts. It develops 192 bhp. The engine weighs just 188 kg thanks to an aluminium cylinder block and head, and production capacity will ultimately rise to 360 units a day.

Fuel consumption drops by 10% compared with the old 12 valve V6, which delivered 170 bhp, and the engine meets all current European emissions regulations. Available this autumn, the V6 will feature in the Laguna, Espace and Safrane ranges in 1997 as well as various Peugeot and Citroen cars and MPVs.