MOTOR SHOW 88 REPORT
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no changes. To meet the challenge posed by the young turks, Peugeot is offering a special version of the 504 at the standard price of 26,295 ex-VAT for the five-speed 1.8litre petrol, and 27,305 exVAT for the five-speed 2.3litre diesel model.
Between now and the end of December, 504 pickup buyers will get bull bars on the front, a plastic load liner, coloured stripes on the side of the vehicle, and the GL trim pack, which includes a twill-type seat covering.
The manufacturer claims that the pickup still has a "faithful following" for its rugged performance, and dated looks. In spite of this, there are still plans to introduce the Dangel 4x4 conversion in this country and an example has just been type-approved prior to a final decision on its future in the UK. Commercial Motor tested this conversion just before the 1986 Motor Show, when there were also plans to bring it into the country (CM September 20 1986).
The first right-hand-drive F90 32.52-tonne tractive unit and a 17-tonne prototype of the M90 middleweight range are prominent exhibits on the MAN stand.
The 17.262 4x2 tractive unit uses the new compact five-cylinder engine rated at 191kW (256hp) at 2,200rpm with torque of 1,100Nm (811Ibft) at 1,000 to 1,400rpm, to allow maximum semi-trailer swing clearance behind the cab.
In Europe 12, 14 and 17 tonne M90 models are already on sale but initially only 17tonners will be available in the UK. The show model, a 17.192, will be offered for solo operation, while a more powerful 17.232 will be specified for drawbar work. Both are powered by versions of the sixcylinder MAN DOS engine with power ouputs of 137kW (186hp) and 169kW (230hp) A high-tensile steele frame provides for a range of wheelbases from 3.6 to 5.8m, allowing for body lengths of 4.4 to 8.1m with a day cab, and 4.5 to 7.6m with a sleeper cab. Four-bellow air suspension is an option on both models.
Outwardly the cab is identical in size to the forward-control M90 cab. Headlamps are mounted within the plastic bumper and a three-piece air dam incorporates a step at the centre. The full-width plastic front panel lifts high above head height providing access for daily service checks.
The single-reduction hypoid Eaton axle is new for MAN, and at the front the steering axle is plated for 7.1 tonnes. Like the F90 the rigid chassis are equipped with ZF Servocorn rotary-slide steering gear.
An MAN develops its range of models it will offer drawbar options for tractive units ex cept at the very top of the range. The block to UK operation above 32.52 tonnes could be removed by EEC legislation by as soon as 1991.
The new Dennis Duple Dart was finally unveiled at the Motor Show by Dennis Specialist Vehicles and Hestair Duple.
The 39-seat rnidibus is designed for city operators and the sister companies hope the vehicle will fill a hole in the mid-size market. It is nine metres long, 2.3m wide and has an internal height of 2.1m Features include Allison AT545 four-speed transmisssion and a rear-mounted Cummins 6BT 5.9 developing 97kW, although operators can opt for a Cummins 6B 86kW.
Optare launched the Delta, a 53-seater based on a Daf SB220 underframe and aimed at the big-bus sector. Its aluminium structure is built by Optare using sections designed and extruded by Swiss manufacturer Alusuisse.
It features a DAF 11.6-litre engine automatic ZF gearbox. First deliveries of the model, which Optare claims could help replace double-deckers as standing upstairs becomes "socially unacceptable", are expected next month.
The Renault Extra "Freedom" is a Renault-approved conversion by Atlas Conversions of Portsmouth. The wheelchair-carrying car-derived van uses all the exterior panels from the Extra, and unlike many other conversions, the rear seats are still useable with a wheelchair in place.
The operating mechanism consists of two linear electric motors which depress the rear torsion bar suspension and lower a ramp for the wheelchair. Controlled from the rear of the vehicle, the system allows a disabled person to get in and out unattended, and the sliding rear windows allow vision without changing the lines of the body.
Pioneered in France, but built in Britain, the conversion is available through all Renault light CV dealers and costs 210,250 ex-VAT.
Welford is showing its new SP200 Pesci 20-tonne/metre loader mounted on a Foden 4000-series 24-tonne 6x 4 rigid chassis fitted with a 7.32m alloy triple-dropside body. The alloy-framed hardwood floor includes four retractable twistlocks to accommodate a standard 201t ISO container which can be loaded or unloaded by the Pesci loader. This can lift 10,000kg at a 2m radius or