They say the best things in life are worth waiting for and no doubt Volvo middleweight buyers will be pleased to hear from Biglorryblog that after the launch of its I-Sync medium duty two-pedal automated gearbox in the FL it's now available in the 18-tonne FE 4x2 distribution chassis (pictured below), launched, so I'm told, "as part of the company's drive to strengthen its position in the segment."
Now click through here for the full story, more pictures and the specs....
Word reaches Biglorryblog that Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has unveiled two new heavy-duty Class 8 trucks including an updated Freightliner Coronado for on-highway use and the above Freightliner Coronado 'Severe Duty' (SD) for construction companies and municipalities. Naturally, they're both available with the all-new Detroit Diesel 'HDEP' DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines from 350 to 600hp. Rumour has it that the as-yet-to-be-launched new Actros will gain the HDEP diesels, which already meet the future EPA 2010 emissions standard, replacing the long-serving current V6 and V8 engines. And compared with more 'chunky-looking' US dump trucks this looks rather smart don't you think? Now click through here for more...
I've just had this YouTube clip sent to me by Phil Sampson, most laid-back PR man on the planet and Scania's UK press minder. It shows a few press comments from various UK journos on the latest R-Series. Keep an eye out for the bloke at the end... Some old duffer who clearly hasn't a hope of making it in this industry... Never mind getting a good night's sleep either... And Nick--I'll let you know what the new bed is really like as soon as I've slept in it! But it still drives like a Scania.
It's a brave truck manufacturer that launches a new truck in the middle of one of the worst recessions on record. Yet Scania is adamant: "The timing for the new R-Series is perfect." Be that as it may your blogging reporter was in Sweden two days ago to witness the changes the Swedes have made to their heavy truck cab which will be featured on incoming right-hand-drive Euro-5 models arriving between now and next March. Now click through here to read all about the changes including the arrival (finally) of the two-pedal Opticruise!
"Where's the new V8 then Brian? " asks Barney. And it's a good question too. Along with a few other truck journos Biglorryblog was expecting Scania to unveil a new V8 'Big Banger' at this week's new R-Series press bunfight. But in the true tradition of keeping us guessing the good folk at Sodertalje declined to play ball. So is there no 700hp V8 on the stocks? Was it all myth and legend? Not quite. During the Q&A session at the new R-Series launch Biglorryblog ventured to ask why there wasn't a new V8 truck engine - especially as at the recent Intermat 2009 construction equipment show Scania revealed the latest 16.4-litre Scania V8 (designated the DC16 EMS) as just one of the new range of low-emission industrial engines to meet Stage IIB and Tier 4i regs? And that's it below.
Funnily enough, Scania executive vice-president Martin Lundstedt seemed genuinely pleased I'd asked the question and had postulated that since the V8 was already available in industrial guise at 700hp it surely made sense to shove it under the hood of the R-Series cab (or words to that effect)?. "It's not a bad interpretation..." he said with a big smile, also adding that "The range is continuously developing..." be that as it may, for the moment Scania buyers will have to make do with the current 15.6-litre Euro-5 vee-diesel with 'just' 620hp and a 'mere' 3,000nm of torque. And when will Barney see a 700hp big-banger in Scania truck? My spies now tell me 2010 is the likely launch pad in the run up to Euro-6... And you can read how Scania is meeting the challenge of cooling Euro-6 engines by clicking through here... Along with a few more details on the new industrial V8 and what it could offer as a truck engine...
Last one for tonight and it's a couple of shots of the new Scania R Series on the Scania demo centre test track just outside Stockholm, first going past the Biglorryblog video camera is a Topline V8 artic, then there's a Swedish 'B-double'... Enjoy!
Talk about a one-size fits all. The new generation Fuso Canter has just been unveiled and Biglorryblog its new 3.0-litre four-pot diesel replaces the two previous 3.0 and 4.9-litre engines with the result that the new power unit provides the go for all the new Canters from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes. Indeed, Daimler boasts: "As such, the Canter is the first lorry in its weight class to champion compact engine design throughout the model range."
The new Euro-5 engines, which are sourced from Iveco, stretch from 130-175hp and 300 - 430Nm boast what Daimler calls: "A state-of-the-art design featuring a long stroke (bore x stroke 95.8 x 104 mm), overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and common-rail injection."
It seems the engineers at Mitsubishi Fuso have tweaked the clutch, engine brake and cooling on the new models too. Consequently, tests in 'realistic conditions' have shown the new engines to be more fuel efficient to the tune of 5-8% "depending on the given driving conditions." Now click through here to see how they've reached the Euro-5 standard...
Not content with having a stonking great share of the middleweight truck, Daf has only gone and tweaked its popular LF to make it... Err... More popular, with interior revisions and a new engine options. The latest 'Edition 2009' versions of the LF chassis - built at the Leyland Trucks' plant in Lancashire (cue land of Hope and Glory) roll off the line in July and should ensure an even higher levels of driver comfort and fuel efficiency.
Speaking of which, the pressure within the common-rail injection system of the LF's 4.5-litre, four-cylinder PACCAR FR and the 6.7-litre, six-cylinder PACCAR GR engines (you'll also know them as the Cummins ISBE four and six-pots) has been increased from 1600 to 1800 bar. The engine ECU has also been updated while inside the block you'll find redesigned pistons - for better combustion - which in turn, says Daf, "...results in a continued improvement in fuel efficiency." Now click through here for more...
Well they've only gone and done it haven't they! Today Biglorryblog goes to Volvo at Warwick and what do I learn? That they've just raised the power bar with the mighty FH16 from the previous maximum 660hp rating to an eye-watering 700hp which Volvo reckons makes it the world's most powerful production truck. And who am I to argue with that? But 700hp? Ooooo errrrrrr missus! And how does 3,150Nm of throbby torque float your canoe? Talk about a surprise--and I thought they were going to talk about gas-powered vehicles.DOH!
And click on this link for an FH16.700 website complete with a fun computer game.
News of the latest D16G 16-litre in-line six will surely wind up those 'other' Swedes down the road---one wonders how they'll respond with their own V8? Indeed rumours abound that they've been testing a 700hp version of it... Talk about choking on the rollmops! And what about those geezers in Munich who thought they were King of the Hill with their 680hp V8...? Gott in Himmell!
With 40 extra horses (and 50 more newton metres) the latest D16G big banger is all ready for the Euro-5 emissions regs which will hit the streets on October 1 so NOx emissions from the six-pot are now 40% lower. And just in case you think that the D16G's 700hp is a bit too OTT you can always order it with a 'sensible' rating of 'just' 600hp or a 'mere' 540hp...! (for the record the most powerful dD13 lump is at 520hp) Biglorryblog eagerly awaits the news of the first customer of a 700hp FH16 tractor----which will probably be an Irish 40-tonne reefer operator or a UK owner-driver on containers, working out of Felixstowe who needs to cross the East Anglian Alps!
Of course this is what it's REALLY meant for---STGO Cat 3 operations, 60-tonne plus Scandinavian timber haulage or triple trailer roadtrain work down under!
Volvo tells me that despite its higher power the D16G's fuel consumption will be as good as the previous (well still current to be strictly accurate) 16-litre range thanks to a parcel of engineering changes including an optimised combustion system and a new oil thermostat. Throw in the use of pre-injection fueling and engine idle noise levels have also been cut by an impressive 2dB(A)... The two most powerful versions (the 700 and 600hp) gain a larger, more effective, exhaust and SCR exhaust aftertreatment system which can now handle a larger gas flow so counter pressure is reduced and engine power losses minimised. There's also a new exhaust butterfly engine brake as standard with 230kW of retarding power---plus the option of a (Jake-type) Volvo Engine Brake.
Product Facts : Volvo D16G Euro 5
Now click through here for more...
That loveable rapscallion (and fellow blogging co-evil) Ollie Dixon has sent me this picture of a rather 'green' Actros with a bit of bling on it.Ollie, AKA World Truck Blog tells me: "Apologies for the camera phone shot but this is the actros "trust edition. " I don't know what it means either."
And click on here for OD's blog http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/world-trucks-blog/
As for the 'trust edition' Actros Biglorryblog is none the wiser either. Although judging by the number plate its got the 600hp V8 under the MegaSpace cab. Apart from that it looks like I'll have to get 'Narwhale' and 'Woodie' on the case! And for a quick Teutonic pie what's standing next to the Actros?
Now here's a story with a happy ending about a truck dealer that went that extra yard (metre?) for a sale and, as Biglorryblog is fond of saying: 'Fortune favours the brave...not to say the meticulous too'. It seems that distribution company DB Schenker had a problem when it came to making deliveries to specific retail outlets in 
Now step forward Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia which has been working very closely with DB Schenker to provide them with the right answer answer. P
What better way to celebrate your silver anniversary than by investing in a pair of silver trucks sporting the silver three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz. Oban Express Parcel Service, which runs 20 Mercedes Sprinter panel and Luton-bodied vans, as well as 17 trucks, ranging from 7.5-tonners to 44-tonne tractor units did just that with its latest trucks. Although the fleet usually wears Oban's tradtional light and dark blue colours, the two 7.5-tonne Atego 816s from Govan dealer Western Commercial; are finished in metallic silver, the rear doors proudly recalling: "25 years' serving the community. Vehicles in our traditional blue livery are a common sight in these parts," says Walker Owens, "so our new silver trucks have created quite a stir locally." And why not says Biglorryblog, who is all in favour of anniversay waggons. Do BLB readers have their own favourite? If so send me a picture.
Ace painter and old-truck restorer Andrew Cooper has e-mailed me this picture and the following message: "Hi Brian, thought I'd send you a shot of an MAN TGS 440 that we recently completed on behalf of MAN. I can't begin to explain the full spec. as it would go on for an eternity! Sufice to say that it's a brand new six-wheeler with medium height cab and a monumental PM crane. The rear section of the body can telescope outward nearly 4 metres and all closed up the length was just over 13 metres. Thank heaven for rear-steering technology, or put simply the biggest 6 wheeler i have ever driven!" Now click through here for one of Andrew's Golden Oldies....
Having had a glimpse of the above 80th Anniversary XF105 at last week's IAA Show I thought I'd show you some more pictures of it (together with some of the latest XF interior changes for 2009). After all, this is Bliglorryblog and the Daf XF105 is a BIG lorry. Anyroadup this rather smart, specially-liveried artic will no doubt woo Continental buyers although I understand that this particular version WON'T be coming to the UK. At least not for the moment for although that's not to say Daf won't be doing its own anniversary special thing for Blighty at a later date. Either way a right-hand-drive anniversary issue XF is is something that the good folk at Eindhoven SHOULD certainly look at---not least as I can see plenty of takers for it over here in the same way as there has been for Volvo's limited edition anniversary FH. Meanwhile, here's another picture of the left-hooker anniversary special...
Now click through here for a glimpse of the new XF interior...for 2009.
Biglorryblog's recent posting on the new Mercedes Zetros (apologies for the earlier mis-spelling) 4x4 has already attracted some comment, not least from Vic Hungerford \In new Zealand. Meanwhile, I can tell you it does indeed have the 7.2-litre six-pot in it (at 330hp) and I am advisede that it's a civilian development of the ill-fated S2000 joint Merc/Motor Panels military truck project---S2000 being on of the contenders for the British Army replacement truck programme that eventually went to MAN.
Meanwhile, having suggested that Zetros's doors look like they've come off another Daimler product Vic tels me: "Hi Brian, regarding Cam's comment that the doors on the new Mercedes Zetros 4x4 look like they had come off a [Ford] Louisville...attached are a couple of photos of what the doors on one of our Louisvilles look like; I can't see the similarity really! Cheers, Vic." And neither can Biglorryblog especially on this particular version....now click through for a couple more pictures of the same mis-shapen Louisville.....
Having launched new auto boxes in its Magnum, Premium and Lander ranges guess what? That's right, Renault has unveiled a new two-pedal 'Optitronic' auto for the Midlum. Optitronic comes in two six-speed versions---the 6AS800 for the Midlum 220 and the 6AS1000 on Midlum 240 and 280. Now I don't know about you but that sounds as if it's the ZF AS-Tronic 'lite' under another name. And if I recall correctly Volvo uses the same box only they call it 'I-Sync'.
It comes with several 'modes':
• "economy" -- which calculates the best compromise between consumption and vehicle performance and adapts automatically to the conditions of use according to load and road conditions;
• "manoeuvre" - which helps you when you're parking and reversing
• "kick-down" for whe you want to get a move-on and shift down a cog to overtake...
• And "temporary manual" override for the driver who wants to DIY it.
The shift controls on the Optitronic gearbox are on a control stalk off the steering wheel (just like Magnum)and all relevant data (eg: the mode or gear in use) are displayed on the digital control panel thereby simplifying the delivery-driver's work. Now click through here for more....
Here's some hot news from my favourite cloggie Iep van der Meer who has sent me this picture and says: " Here's the new Scania instrument cluster, with the Scania 'chicken' in colour! They say you can even upload a photo in its place. It looks very smart and functional and shows all your driving and rest hours in the display too." Mmmmmm....imagine what picture you might put in the middle? Some nubile rockette? A stern picture of the wife? A picture of Bigorryblog? Anyway don't forget to check out Iep's all-new blog on his own site which you can find on www.iepvandermeer.nl
Meanwhile, the BIG question regarding Scania's interior is when are the folks from Sodertalje finally going to drop that build-your-own bed design with those daft extra foam bits you have to slot in behind the seats? As you can see from the picture above. Biglorryblog heard some time ago that the Swedes were working on it---although probably via Beers, the main dealer in Holland which created the original Topline P-Cab before the factory got around to it...It seems strange that they've continued with a design where you have to pull out trays and then drop in extra bits of mattress---why not simply extend the cab at the back? Anyway click through here for a really 'green' Scania....
But maybe this is a REAL double (turbo) bluff and the truck above has in fact got the long-awaited 560 big banger in it... what say you Messrs Pain, Moon and Hayes? Now click through here for a look-see at the real thing...
Given that Iveco truck's UK boss Henk van Leuven has set his dealers an amibitious target of raising the Italian truck maker's heavy truck market share to 15% by 2011, this latest order from Joda Freight for four spanking new Iveco Stralis Active Space Super³ 4x2 tractors(with each one supplied on a five-year 'Elements' R&M deal with Northern Commercials) will no doubt be greeted with a loud 'Huzzah!' at Watford. The new Italian stallions are the first Iveco's to join the company's fleet in five years, replacing two Stralis 6x2 tractors originally supplied in 2003---and they enter a fleet of more than 80 trucks and 100 trailers used exclusively for nationwide haulage and distribution.
David Wareing, director of Joda Freight, tells Biglorryblog: "We're not carrying as much bulk as we used to so have opted to replace the 44 tonners with 4x2 tractors, which enables us to make efficiency savings throughout the vehicles' life. Now click through here for more....
BigLorryBlog editor Brian Weatherley is the UK jury member for the International Truck of the Year award