Scania introduce new powertrain & other updates

SCANIA INTRODUCES NEW POWERTRAIN AND MAJOR UPDATES

In its single biggest launch since the introduction of the new truck generation back in 2016, Scania is now introducing not only a new engine platform, but also services and updates that are set to consolidate its position as the leading manufacturer of premium heavy trucks.

“What we introduce today is not only an engine platform but a major initiative for strengthening Scania’s industry-leading position within sustainable transport for the rest of this decade,” says Alexander Vlaskamp, Executive Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Scania. “Our strong focus on transport efficiency guides us in the shift towards a decarbonised world, a shift that will have a major contribution from our new powertrain. “We see a world of transport that is rapidly changing, where customer demands for the best total operating economy and a sustainable future go hand-in-hand. At Scania, we have set our aim higher than maybe any other manufacturer. Not because we think it will be easy but because we see no other option than to actually reach the targets for curbing greenhouse gas emissions set by the Paris agreement in 2016.” With its all-new 13-litre engine platform for Euro 6 vehicles, ranging from 420 to 560 hp, Scania’s powertrain promises fuel savings that typically will reach eight percent for long haulage customers. All engines have inherent HVO fuel capabilities and two of them can be ordered as FAME biodiesel versions. More iterations will follow for markets outside Europe and for biogas solutions. The new powertrain also includes new gearboxes and axles. Initially, the new range will be produced with four different power output levels for Euro 6: 420, 460, 500 and 560 hp, making it relevant for many different applications. In combination with the new Scania Opticruise gearboxes (G25 and G33 that was introduced in 2020 for a number of V8 variants) and a new range of driven Scania rear axles, fuel savings of eight percent can be achieved in applications such as general cargo or temperature-controlled transports. All engines can be run on HVO, and two of them can be ordered for use with 100% renewable biodiesel (FAME B100). “A Scania customer that operates a truck with a 500 hp engine will see a dramatic reduction in their fuel bill, even when compared to the industry-leading engine generation that we are replacing,” says Stefan Dorski, Senior Vice President, Head of Scania Trucks. “The new ones will excel in many ways, but personally I see the immediate CO2 reduction as the most important aspect. Our new engines will instantly contribute to decarbonising the world and fighting the climate challenge.”

Other Features

Scania is not only introducing a new powertrain for a lot of different applications; it’s also bringing in other useful features for its chassis layout at the same time. What all these features have in common is their ability to vastly increase the possibility of specifying and operating trucks that are truly tailor-made for their particular applications and tasks. MACH, Scania’s new Modular Architecture Chassis, is much more flexible when it comes to the needs of individual customers. Its main trait is the introduction of a new set of rules for frame hole patterns, with dedicated holes for mounting parts both inside and outside the frame. The result is a more modular and predictable chassis layout, which increases the theoretical number of chassis layouts exponentially. “Instead of getting stuck due to the dependencies between different components, we can now offer a greater variety for chassis layouts,” says Ola Brantefors, Head of Layout and Chassis Installation at Scania R&D. “It is from now on possible to pack the chassis, starting in front of the rear axle. Putting a fuel tank in an alternative position might mean that the payload improves by better weight distribution, while at the same time leaving room for objects like storage space or supporting legs in forward positions, closer to the cab.”

Fuel optimisation unit

A completely new range of diesel fuel tanks is also being introduced, ranging from 165 up to 700 litres each. There are three sizes (S, M and L), that also come in different lengths. They all have a new, ingenious D-shaped design that vastly improves their robustness. The low-pressure fuel pump, the primary fuel filter and the water separating filter are moved away from the engine itself and gathered in a separate fuel optimisation unit. This unit is mounted on the end of the primary tank. By doing so, Scania has now once and for all solved the classic challenge about how to be able to maximise the fuel used in the tank. Scania has also developed a new, smart solution for securing the fuel distribution between the tanks on trucks with dual tanks. By having a T-connection with a separate and constant (but very limited) feed to the fuel optimisation unit, a venturi effect is created, which ensures that no pockets of air block the feed between them over to the primary tank.

ALL ENGINES HAVE INHERENT HVO FUEL CAPABILITIES AND TWO OF THEM CAN BE ORDERED AS FAME BIODIESEL VERSIONS.

Mirror View Camera

Together with the new powertrain and services, Scania is also introducing several features and options for their premium trucks. The most noticeable change is the new Scania Mirror View Camera system (SMVC), whose unique solutions takes the human-machine interface regarding digital mirrors to a whole new level. An updated line of upholstery and colour schemes for the interior and the four different bed options are among the other new items, offering extra driver comfort and premium touch. “We had a clear ambition to bring something new to our offer when developing our Scania Mirror View Camera System,” says Peter Hellberg, Product Manager at Scania Accessories. “By placing the camera unit at the door, just below the side window, the connection between what the camera sees and what the driver will experience in the display become natural and instinctive compared with having the camera positioned elsewhere on the cab.” A truck with SMVC will offer a vastly improved view round the A-pillars, an obvious advantage when manoeuvring in tight junctions and busy urban areas. Viewing the 12.3-inch, high-resolution displays is easy since they are positioned at the A-pillar, so that it only takes minor eye movements to get the full picture. “It is easy to adapt the camera system to fit different vehicle combinations in a natural way,” says Hellberg. “And without the traditional mirrors, the field of view beside the A-pillars clearly increases.” In dusk and night-time conditions, Mirror View will improve the sightlines without disturbing the driver’s night vision. The system is in fact capable of softening the glare from direct light from traffic behind the vehicle, reducing the possibility of unwanted light being presented in the display. The design of the camera cowlings (which can be painted to fit the truck) has been thoroughly tested from an aerodynamic perspective, to minimise air drag. The cowlings are foldable, have an efficient drip list to prevent the rain from clouding the driver’s view, and the lenses are heated for taking care of elements such as fog, snow and ice. “All in all, this solution brings added customer value, increased safety and premium feel, regardless of whether it is being ordered for a new truck or retrofitted on an existing one,” says Hellberg. Initially this solution will be offered as an accessory, and work is ongoing to secure the approvals and installation routines required to gain acceptance from the UK authorities.