PSA ES/L engine
The PSA ES engine or Renault L engine is a V6 engine used in automotive applications. It was co-developed by the PSA Group (Peugeot and Citroën) and Renault to replace the outdated PRV engine. It was introduced in 1997 with the Peugeot 406 Coupé.
Unlike the PRV V6, which was a 90° engine because it was developed from a V8 project, the ES/L has a traditional 60° V-angle. It is constructed entirely in aluminum, and available only in DOHC 24-valve format. Its sole iteration, the ES9 (PSA) or L7X (Renault), has a displacement of 2946 cc, slightly less than the 3.0 L variant of the PRV. Bore is 87 mm and stroke 82.6 mm. A 3.3 L version was initially planned as well, but is unlikely to see production due to decreasing demand in V6 petrol engines in Europe and Renault's switch to Nissan-sourced V6 after its alliance with the Japanese carmaker.
Initially, the ES9/L could achieve only 194 PS (143 kW). In 2000, Porsche retuned the Peugeot/Citroën version of the engine for the introduction of the Peugeot 607 and Citroën C5. This iteration, called ES9 J4S, can now achieve 207 PS (152 kW). In 2005, Peugeot/Citroën introduced variable cam phasing, improving fuel consumption and slightly upgrading power to 211 PS (155 kW). This version is not used by Renault who is now focusing on Nissan-developed V6.
In 2000, Tom Walkinshaw Racing created a competition version for use in the Renault Clio V6. It could achieve a maximum of 280 PS (206 kW) in racing trim, with a version detuned to 230 PS (169 kW) for the road car. The road version's power was improved to 254 PS (187 kW) by Renault Sport in 2004.
The ES/L V6 has been used in a variety of cars from Citroën, Peugeot and Renault in the executive and luxury segments, namely the Citroën Xantia, Citroën C5 and C6; the Peugeot 406, 407, 605 and 607; and the Renault Laguna (Mk.I and II), Espace (Mk.III) and Clio V6. Unlike the PRV, it didn't have much of a career in motorsport, the Renault Sport Clio V6 Eurocup being the sole exception.
With Renault now shifting to the Nissan VQ engine 3.5L V6, PSA is now the sole user of the ES. Now rumours have entered minds that Peugeot is developing a new engine for the Citroën C6 and the upcoming and eagerly awaited Peugeot 608. The new engine is likely to be designed to meet the next emissions laws in the European Union and be more powerful to compete in the luxury segment. The new PSA ES rplacement is likely to be in the range of 3.5 to 4.0 litres.
| Model | Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ES9 J4 / L7X | 194 PS (191 hp/142 kW) | 24-valve catalyst |
| ES9 J4 S | 207 PS (205 hp/152 kW) | 24-valve catalyst |
| ES9 /A | 211 PS (208 hp/155 kW) | 24-valve catalyst |
See also
Sources
- Guide des moteurs Peugeot Citroën (in French)