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[[Image:800px-Trevi - palazzo colonna e basilica santi apostoli 01.jpg|right|thumb|Palazzo Colonna.|300px]]
{{Infobox Automobile
The '''Palazzo Colonna''' is a palatial block of buildings in central [[Rome]], [[Italy]], at the base of the [[Quirinal Hill]], and adjacent to the church of [[Santi Apostoli]]. It is built in part over ruins of an old Roman [[Serapeum]], and has belonged to the prestigious ''[[Colonna]]'' family for over twenty generations.
|name=Renault 18
|aka=Renault Sportwagon
|image=[[Image:Renault18ad.JPG|250px|Renault 18]]
|manufacturer=[[Renault]]
|production=[[1978]]-[[1986]]
|class=[[Mid-size car|Mid-size]]
|body_style=4-door [[sedan]]<br>4-door [[station wagon]]
|engine=1.4 L [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>1.6 L [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>1.6 L [[turbocharged]] [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.0 L [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.1 L [[diesel]] [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.2 L [[Straight-4|I4]]
|transmission=4-speed manual<br>5-speed manual<br>3-speed automatic
|predecessor=[[Renault 12]]<br>[[Renault 16]],<br>[[AMC Concord]]
|successor=[[Renault 21]]<br>[[Renault Medallion]]
|related=[[Renault Fuego]]
}}
The first part of the palace dates from the XIII century, and tradition holds that the building hosted [[Dante]] in his visit to Rome. The first documentary mention notes that the property hosted Cardinal Giovanni and Giacomo Colonna in the 1200s. It was also home to Cardinal Oddone Colona before he ascended to the papacy as [[Martin V]] (1415-1430).
[[Image:Renault18silver.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Renault 18]]
[[Image:Renault18breakpromo.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Renault 18 break]]
With his passing, the palace was sacked during feuds, and the main property passed into the hands of the [[Della Rovere]] family. It returned to Colonna when Marcantonio I Colonna married Lucrezia Gara Franciotti [[Della Rovere]], the niece of pope [[Julius II]]. The Colonna's alliance to the Hapsburg power, likely protected the palace from looting during the [[Sack of Rome (1527)]].
The '''Renault 18''' was a medium-sized automobile that was designed and built by the French manufacturer [[Renault]] between [[1978]] and [[1994]].
Starting with [[Filippo I Colonna|Filippo Colonna]] (1578-1639) many changes have refurbished and create a unitary complex around a central garden. Architects including [[Girolamo Rainaldi]] and [[Paolo Marucelli]] labored on specific projects. Only in the 17th and 18th centuries were the main facades completed, one facing Piazza SS. Apostoli and the other Via della Pilotta. Much of this design was completed by [[Antonio del Grande]] (including the grand gallery), and [[Girolamo Fontana]] (decoration of gallery). In the 18th century, the long low facade designed by [[Nicola Michetti]] with later additions by [[Paolo Posi]] with taller corner blocks (facing Piazza Apostoli) was constructed recalls earlier structures resembling a fortification.
==Development==
==Colonna Art Gallery==
The Renault 18 was intended as a replacement for both the [[Renault 12]] and [[Renault 16]], which had been in production since 1969 and 1965 respectively, though both these models continued in production alongside the 18 until 1980. Unlike earlier Renaults, the 18 was designed rather quickly; the time between its initial conception and its actual launch was only eighteen months, which is probably how it was called the Renault 18. Although Renault made numerous forays into international markets in countries such as [[Brazil]] with cars like the Renault 12, the Renault 18 was the first Renault intended as a true ‘world car,’ hence the slogan “Meeting International Requirements.” As well as [[France]], the car went on to be manufactured in [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[Colombia]], [[Ivory Coast]], [[Mexico]], [[Morocco]], [[Spain]], [[Uruguay]], and [[Venezuela]], and sold in [[Algeria]], [[Austria]], [[Canada]], [[Croatia]], [[Cyprus]], [[Finland]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]], [[Indonesia]], [[Italy]], [[Jordan]], [[Lebanon]], [[Mauritania]], [[New Zealand]], [[Norway]], [[Poland]], [[Portugal]], [[Senegal]], [[Slovenia]], [[Sweden]], [[Syria]], [[The United Kingdom]], [[The United States]], [[Thailand]], [[Turkey]] and [[Zimbabwe]].
The main gallery (completed 1703) and the masterful Colonna art collection was acquired after 1650 by both the cardinal Girolamo I Colonna and his nephew the Connestabile Lorenzo Onofrio and includes works by [[Lorenzo Monaco]], [[Ghirlandaio]], [[Palma il Vecchio]], [[Francesco de' Rossi (Il Salviati)|Salviati]], [[Bronzino]], [[Tintoretto]], [[Pietro da Cortona|Cortona]], [[Annibale Carracci]] (''[[The Beaneater]]'') [[Guercino]], [[Francesco Albani|Albani]], [[Girolamo Muziano|Muziano]] and [[Guido Reni]]. Ceiling frescoes by [[Filippo Gherardi]], [[Giovanni Coli]], [[Sebastiano Ricci]], and [[Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari]] celebrate the role of [[Marcantonio II Colonna]] in the [[battle of Lepanto (1571)]]. An ''Apotheosis of Martin V'' was painted by [[Bernardo Luti]]. There are frescoed apartments completed after 1664 by [[Crescenzio Onofri]], [[Claude Lorraine]] and [[Pieter Mulier]] (nicknamed Cavalier Tempesta). Other rooms were frescoed in 1700s by [[Pompeo Batoni]] and [[Pietro Bianchi]].
The older wing of the complex known as the Princess Isabelle's apartments, but once housing Martin V's library and palace, contains frescoes by [[Pinturicchio]], Tempesta, Onofri, Lorrraine, [[Giacinto Gimignani]], and [[Carlo Cesi]]. It contains a collection of landscapes and genre scenes by painters like Lorraine, [[Caspar Van Wittel]] (Vanvitelli), and [[Jan Brueghel the Elder]].
==The Initial Range==
Along with the possessions of the [[Doria Pamphilj Gallery|Doria-Pamphilij]] and [[Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi|Pallavacini-Rospigliosi]] families, this is one of the largest private art collections in Rome.
After it went into production at Renault's [[Flins]] factory in [[France]] in [[December]] [[1977]], the '''Renault 18''' was presented at the Geneva Salon in [[March]] [[1978]], with marketing sales beginning the following month.
==Sources==
Initially, the R18 was only available as a four-door saloon, in '''TL''', '''GTL''', '''TS''' and '''GTS''' trim variations.
*[http://www.romeartlover.it/Vasi63.htm|Rome Art Lover site]
*[http://www.galleriacolonna.it/|Galleria Colonna website]
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The TL and GTL were powered by the '''1397cc''' '''Cléon''' engine (which was developed using the 1289cc engine from the [[Renault 12]]), which produced 64bhp. Both models had a 4-speed gearbox.
[[Category:1660s architecture]]
The TS and GTS were powered by the '''1647cc''' '''A Series''' engine (which was the same as used in the [[Renault 17]] TS) but without the fuel injection, which lowered the output to 79bhp. The TS had a 4-speed gearbox, while the GTS had a 5-speed gearbox (with optional 3-speed electronic automatic transmission available for both models [the automatic versions of the TS and GTS models were called the ''TS Automatic'' and ''GTS Automatic'' to distinguish them from their manual transmission counterparts]).
[[Category:Palaces in Rome|Colonna]]
[[Category:History of Italy]]
[[Category:Baroque architecture|Palazzo Colonna]]
[[de:Palazzo Colonna]]
As mentioned earlier, there were initially only four different models available in the R18 range at the time of its launch. Because the '''TL''' was the entry-level model (which was distinguishable from the GTL, TS and GTS by its wheel rims [which were carried over from the Renault 12]), it came equipped with reversing lights, two-speed wipers, intermittent screen wipe, electric windscreen washers; voltmeter; engine coolant temperature gauge; fuel gauge; six-figure mileage recorder; trip recorder; handbrake warning light; defective front brake discs warning light; day/night position for interior rear view mirror; rheostat for adjusting brightness of dashboard lights; illuminated ashtray, heater panel, boot and glove box; heated rear screen; anti-dazzle headlight adjustment; adjustment for direction of headlight beam; cigarette lighter; drivers side sun visor; passengers side sun visor; vanity mirror in passengers side sun visor; full carpeting; cloth upholstery; front armrests with grab handles; rear door armrests incorporating ashtrays; childproof rear door locks; passengers side interior courtesy light; front door pockets; center console incorporating coin tray; reclining front seats; and places for loudspeaker pods in the front doors. The '''GTL''', '''TS''' and '''GTS''' models all additionally featured H4 iodine headlights, styled wheel rims, a foam-filled steering wheel, quartz clock, drivers side interior courtesy light, and a map reading light for the front seat passenger. The''' GTL''' and '''GTS''' further added black rubber protective mouldings along the doors, rear fog lights, headlight wash/wipe, shock absorbent bumpers, remote-adjustable drivers door mirror, adjustable head restraints on the front seats, and factory-installed radio equipment. The '''GTS''' was the top specification model, which added everything from the GTL plus central locking and electric front windows. As for the options list on all models, you could get imitation leather upholstery, tinted glass or metallic paint whichever you preferred. For the GTL and GTS, you could also get a sliding fabric sunroof, and exclusively for the GTS, you could get air conditioning.
[[fr:Palazzo Colonna]]
[[it:Palazzo Colonna]]
Despite not being a particularly ground-breaking car, the 18 was Renault's first car to use the 1.4 Cleon engine in the middle class sector. A point of interest with the 18 was its wheels. For a mid-sized car, it utilized 3-stud wheels (similar to that of the [[Citroen 2CV]]), rather than the 4-stud wheels of most of its competitors.
== The First Estate Models ==
By the late 1970s, European production of the Renault 12 was being gradually wound down, followed by the arrival of the estate versions of the Renault 18 on the [[1st March]] [[1979]]. The R18 Estate was only available in TL and TS model variations. They were mechanically identical to their saloon counterparts except the rear suspension used in the estates was more like that in the bigger [[Renault 20]] and [[Renault 30]]. As for equipment specifications, the estates were identical to the saloons, except the TS estate additionally featured shock-absorbent bumpers, door mouldings, and front seat head restraints from the 18 GTL saloon. The estate proved almost as popular as the saloon.
== More Models ==
In [[1980]], all models of the 18 range gained an alternator with an integrated electronic regulator. The '''18 Automatic''' made its debut, and replacement for the TS Automatic and GTS Automatic, and inherited the mechanical specification from both models (the 1647cc engine and 3-speed electronic automatic transmission). The 18 Automatic was basically the same as the 18 GTL only it didn't have the headlamp wash/wipe system. The Automatic was available with central locking and electric front windows as optional extras.
In [[July]] [[1980]], the '''18 TD''' and '''18 GTD''' made their debut. They had the same '''four-cylinder 2068cc''' engine as used in the [[Renault 20]] [[Diesel]] models. Other components shared with the 20 Diesel included the negative offset front suspension set up and the four-stud wheel rims. The 18 TD, which was available as either a saloon or an estate, had a four-speed gearbox and the equipment specification of the 18 TS, while the 18 GTD, which was only available as a saloon, had a five-speed gearbox and the equipment specification of the 18 GTS. The 18 TD was available with a five-speed gearbox as an option, while the 18 GTD was available with [[power steering]] as an option.
In [[1982]], all the existing 18s (including the three new estate versions) received a number of updates. From the outside, the orange front direction indicator lenses were replaced with transparent ones, the chrome door handles were now painted grey, and the original chrome bumpers were replaced with grey polyester ones. Inside, the seats were restyled. The 18 TL was available with a 5-speed gearbox but only as an option. The 18 GTL obtained an '''economy-tune''' 73bhp version of the '''1647cc''' engine, as well as a 5-speed gearbox, higher final drive ratio, electronic ignition and an [[econometer]] gauge. The 18 GTS and 18 Automatic obtained the more powerful 96bhp version of the 1647cc engine from the [[Renault Fuego]]. Also, in 1982, the '''estate''' versions of the 18 GTL, 18 GTS and 18 GTD were added to the range, while the TS saloon and estate and Automatic estate were discontinued.
In [[1983]], the 18 underwent further updates. The electronic ignition was now fitted as standard to all petrol models. Outside, all models now featured a front air dam, larger four-stud wheel rims (with plastic wheel covers on the GTL, GTS, GTD and Automatic), while the saloons additionally featured a spoiler on the boot lid. The 18 Turbo now had disc brakes all-around and a more powerful 125bhp version of the 1565cc engine. Also in 1983, 18 Turbo estate became available. The 3-speed electronic automatic transmission was now available as an option in the 18 GTD and 18 Turbo.
In [[September 1983]], the '''18 GTX''' (which had been reserved for export since its introduction in 1981) was finally presented in France as the replacement for the 18 GTS. The new GTX had the 1995cc engine from the [[Renault 20]] (albeit with the power reduced to 104bhp) plus all other mechanical components from the 18 GTS.
In [[March 1984]], the 18 underwent a major revamp, and featured thick grey side mouldings, new front grille (like on the Renault 25), new wheel covers (alloy wheels on Turbo). Inside, all models now had the dashboard from the [[Renault Fuego]]. The 18 Automatic now had the 1995cc 104bhp engine from the 18 GTX plus 3-speed electronic automatic transmission.
The R18 station wagon was also sold in the North American market from 1981 to 1986, and the sedan in 1981-1982; it failed to even come close to living up to previous [[American Motors|AMC]] products' reputation for reliability, and was not a success. It was replaced by the R21's North American equivalent, the [[Eagle Medallion|Renault Medallion]].
The R18 was discontinued in Europe in 1986, but continued in production until 1994 in [[South America]], where it remains popular. R18s also remain popular in Northern Africa. In [[Argentina]], there were other versions too, namely the TX and GTX. There was also the GTX-II, featuring a basic onboard computer that displayed fuel consumption, etc. It was available with 1.6 L (TL), 2.0 L and 2.2 L engines. There was a special edition of the R18 with two-tone paint (black top and light gray bottom) called the '''American''' (later updated with central locking and other items, which was named the '''American 2''').
== Production Figures and Sales Figures in France ==
'''1978'''
* Number Built: 154,917
* Number Sold: 93,866
'''1979'''
* Number Built: 366,811
* Number Sold: 152,817
'''1980'''
* Number Built: 352,336
* Number Sold: 157,400
'''1981'''
* Number Built: 342,829
* Number Sold: 165,220
==Trim Levels==
'''TL''' (Touring Luxe)
* Two-speed wipers; intermittent screen wipe; electric screen washers; volt meter; engine coolant temperature gauge; fuel gauge; six-figure mileage recorder; trip recorder; handbrake warning light; defective front brake discs warning light; day/night position for interior rear view mirror; rheostat for adjusting brightness of dashboard lights; illuminated ashtray, heater panel, boot and glove box; heated rear screen; anti-dazzle headlight adjustment; adjustment for direction of headlight beam; cigarette lighter; drivers side sun visor; passengers side sun visor; vanity mirror in passengers side sun visor; full carpeting; cloth upholstery; front armrests with grab handles; rear armrests; ashtrays in the rear doors; childproof rear door locks; passengers side interior courtesy light; front door pockets; center console incorporating coin tray; reclining front seats; loudspeakers in front doors.
'''GTL''' (Grand Touring Luxe)
* As TL, plus foam-filled steering wheel; H4 iodine headlights; quartz clock; velour upholstery; styled wheels; drivers side interior courtesy light; map reading light for front seat passenger; remote-adjustable driver's side door mirror; rear fog lights; headlight wash/wipe system; pre-installation radio equipment; shock absorbent bumpers; adjustable front seat head restraints; black rubber protective side mouldings.
'''TS''' (Touring Special)
* As TL, plus foam-filled steering wheel, H4 iodine headlights, quartz clock, velour upholstery, styled wheels; drivers side interior courtesy light; map reading light for front seat passenger.
'''GTS''' (Grand Touring Special)
* As GTL, plus electric front windows and central locking.
'''TD''' (Touring Diesel)
* Same as TS
'''GTD''' (Grand Touring Diesel)
* Same as GTS
{{commonscat|Renault 18}}
{{Early Renault vehicles}}
{{Modern Renault vehicles}}
== External links ==
* '''About My Sahara Metallic Renault 18''' ([http://www.renault18.com/]) This site features an immaculate Renault 18, which is spoken of very highly by its devoted Dutch owner Richard Pflug. In English.
* '''Les Renault 14 & 18''' ([http://ptikem.free.fr/index.html]) This site is a must visit if you want to know anything about the Renault 14 or Renault 18. In English, French, German and Spanish! The site's editor, Tangi Quéméner, used to own a Renault 18.
[[Category:Renault vehicles|18]]
[[Category:Front wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Mid-size cars]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:1970s automobiles]]
[[Category:1980s automobiles]]
[[de:Renault R18]]
[[fr:Renault 18]]
[[sv:Renault 18]]
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