A four-stroke inline four-cylinder design with aluminium-alloy block and cylinder head, it was water cooled, with a five main bearing crankshaft and a side-mounted chain-driven camshaft operating eight overhead valves via pushrods and rockers.

It made its debut appearance on the Renault 16.

It was originally known as the type 841 or 843, depending on output.

Often used as a designator for the Renault R17 Gordini sub-model in the USA market 843/13.

82 hp (61 kW; 83 PS), Compression Ratio 9.25:1 with Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection and standard distributor with points/condenser for timing.