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Extreme thinking

1st April 2010, Page 42
1st April 2010
Page 42
Page 43
Page 42, 1st April 2010 — Extreme thinking
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the Zetros, a vehicle designed to provide off-road power while packing a payload.

Words: Colin Barnett

Mercedes-Benz already builds the widest range of all-wheel-drive commercial vehicles, from Actros 8)(8, through Axor.Atego.Vario and Sprinter, down to the 4x4 Vito, although the latter doesn't yet come in right-handdrive form. And that's without mentioning the 'Daddy' of on/off-roadersthe Unimog. It's alongside this that Daimler has put its latest offering, the 4x4 and 6x6 Zetros.

If the Zetros looks familiar to CM readers, it's because it is essentially an updated and 'civilianised' version of the 52000 one of the three unsuccessful contenders in the battle to supply the British Army with frontline trucks.

The Zetros' mission statement is to provide nearUnimog mobility while carrying a body/payload on the 6x6 of nearly 16 tonnes, 10 more than the biggest Mog.

Target sectors include energy supply. lire-lighting. construction, agriculture. forestry, exploration and humanitarian relief, as well as military applications, which arc expected to take half the production over time.

Right-hand-drive models are expected by the end of the year, with pricing said to be between Axor and Actros.

The basic engine spec of 4x4 and 6x6 versions is the same 0M926LA 7.2-litre engine, producing 322hp and 1,300Nm, available at Euro-5 or, for remote markets, Euro-3. The Mere (1131-9 manual 'box. with a four-overfour double-H shift pattern and crawler, is backed by a dashboard-controlled 1 to 1.69 transfer box, while an automatic option is available thanks to the six-speed Allison 3000. Permanent all-wheel drive is through hub-reduction axles with diff locks. Brakes are ABSenabled drums, and springs are steel parabolic leaves.

Parts bin synergy

rthe only accommodation choice is a bonneted normal control cab, with a good 500mm of stowage space behind the seats. Reasons given for the normal-control layout include better weight distribution, smoother ride and a low overall height -just 2,830mm.

Its cab features a high level of 'parts bin synergy', with dash and seats familiar from a lower-spec Axor. Design GVWs are 16.5 or 25 tonnes on the standard 7.5-tonne front axle. or 18 and 27 tonnes with the 9-tonne option.

When towing, GCWs up to 40 tonnes are possible on single tyres Body mountings on the ladder chassis are common with Actros and Axor. Wheelbase of the 4x4 is 4,800mrn. while the 6x6 has a spread of 6,200mm

Easy to drive

We were able to sample the full complement of variants, both on and off-road, together with a selection of Unimogs. On the challenging course at the Unirnog proving ground, the only part beyond the Zetros' talent was the short 110% slope. Longer hills that seemed vertical from the cab were shrugged off with disdain, regardless of their surface, as were cross slopes of 45 degrees and water up to 800mm deep. or LIOOmm with extra preparation.

Although the steering via the large wheel is fairly slow, and required pedal pressures are high, the Zetros is remarkably easy to drive. Apart from immediately ahead of the front bumper, visibility is good, and the different steering technique from the set-back cab is soon acquired.

Impressive flexibility means that walking pace on rough terrain is possible in low-range third gear, leaving two more and a crawler for goodness-knows-what challenge.

For an on-road experience, we began with a manual 4x4 Zetros. Having gained familiarity off-road, it proved easy to place through junctions and roundabouts. progress is only limited by how fast you could spin the big and rather slippery wheel. Likewise, acceleration is brisk and as fast as you can master the slap-over gear shift.

Gearing requires 1,800rpm to achieve 80km/h in top. 'the 6x6 we drove had the Allison 'box, which helps cut the overall workload and allows maximum concentration on driving, and also knocked 200rpm off that 80k in/h cruise.

Although the ride is firm, it was never uncomfortable. and its handling is surprisingly precise. Happily, noise never revealed itself as an issue, either. •


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