Iveco Cursor 13: all power to it!
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Iveco has expanded its Cursor range of engines with a 480hp version of the Cursor 13 which will he available in the EuroStar tractive unit and the EuroTrakker tipper. These trucks will also get a revised version of the EuroIronic gearbox which allows fully automatic shifting. The new engine will not appear in the UK until the end of this year, and no word has been given on pricing, but it should be worth waiting for: Iveco predicts that the Euro-3 EuroStar (dubbed the E48) will use about 3% less fuel than the current E47 fitted with the Euro-2, 470hp, 13.8-litre 8210 engine. However, customers will have to wait for the heavily revised EuroStar and EuroTech cabs that have been predicted for the past couple of years. Iveco sources say there are about 30 prototypes on the road, and that the new models are due "in a year or so"—suggesting a debut at the 2002 Amsterdam or Hanover shows. Toby Clark reports.
THE ENGINE
The 12.9-litre Cursor 13 is already available in 380 and 440hp variants, powering the EuroTrakker tipper chassis (CM 30 Nov-6 Dec 2000). The engine builds on Iveco's Cursor architecture, combining a straight-six, four-valves-per-cylinder design with a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT). The Bosch POE unitpump system delivers injection pressures of up to 1,500 bar; it is actuated by the single overhead camshaft, which is driven from the rear of the engine to reduce vibration and noise.
The 480hp engine replaces both the 470hp straight-six and the 520hp V8: its 2,200Nm peak torque figure matches the 17.2-litre VS. The new engine has been developed for driveability and puts out maximum torque from 1,070-1,530rpm, with a green band from 1,100-1,500rpm.
The Cursor 13 is about 90kg lighter than the equivalent 8210 engine—combined with the EuroTronic gearbox (45kg lighter than a manual Ecosplit box) it will give a substantial weight saving. Reduced noise and vibration levels mean that the E48 EuroStar needs less sound insulation than the outgoing E47; the "rucksack" on top of the engine has gone.
All UK-bound Cursor 13s will meet Euro-3, but early Italian and Spanish customers can get their hands on a Euro-2 version rated at 460hp.
Iveco suggests that only the most extreme applications will need a retarder, because the Iveco Turbo Brake
operates so effectively. This standard-fit engine brake uses the variable-geometry turbocharger system to maximise back pressure at lower revs: Iveco claims retarding power of 240kW at 1,900rpm and as much as 300kW at 2,400rpm.
Operators who want a hydrodynamic retarder can specify ZF's own Intarder: the "second generation" version matches the previous model's maximum retardation torque (3,200Nm) but operates over a wider rev range for a peak retardation power of 500kW.
UK MODELS
The 480hp Cursor 13 will be an important model: the European truck market is moving towards higher-output models, with the 450-500hp sector growing from 8% of the market in 1997 to 13% in 2000.
UK customers will be offered two variants of the EuroStar from the end of the year: the Performer and the Executive.
The Performer (which will only be offered in EuroStar Red) has a mediumroof cab (the high roof is optional) with Grammer seats and a three-position roof spoiler as standard; this is claimed to out drag by up to 2% compared wtth the current version.
The Executive, in EuroStar Red or KobeIt Blue, will have a higher specification, including leather seats.
Both models will be available in 4x2 and 6x2 versions; the twin-steer 6x2 will have a lifting centre axle.
PLANS
As an all-new power unit the Cursor 13 has been designed with future require ments and emissions regulations in mind. Even in its current form, the engine almost meets the requirements of Euro4 in terms of carbon monoxide (CD), hydrocarbon (HC) and particulate (PM) emissions. Only its levels of nitrogen oxides (N0x) are much higher than Euro4—Iveco has yet to determine its strategy for dealing with these.
Either exhaust gas recirculation (EGA) or a urea or ammonia-based DeNox aftertreatment system would be practical. Iveco has not ruled out an internal system, but Graham Donald (product marketing manager for Iveco's Heavy Business Unit in Turin) says: "At the moment it's not looking likely," In the meantime, higher power ratings are planned: a 520hp version will come on line in the next year, and Iveco says up to 600hp should be possible.