Sonia unveils Euro-3
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by Toby Clark ▪ Scania has shown Euro-3 versions of its truck engines, a number of refinements to the 4-series cab and chassis and a new front axle. Scania is the first manufacturer to officially announce Euro-3 engines, and while emissions are reduced without any exhaust aftertreatment, the specifications indicate that fuel consumption might increase.
The latest nine-litre engine (the DC9 01 230) has Electronic Diesel Control (EDC), which gives it extra flexibility at low revs: the maximum torque of 1,100Nm is developed at just 1,100-1,200rpm, and the green band is set lower. These improvements should improve driveability and practical fuel economy, but Scania admits the minimum specific fuel consumption (at 198g/kWh) is slightly higher than the existing mechanically-injected unit, rated at 220hp and 196g/kWh.
It's a similar story for the Euro-3 versions of the electronic unit-injector 11 and 12-litre engines: the 11-litre unit has the same peak torque as the existing 340hp variant, but minimum SFC is up from 192g/kWh to 196g/kWh. The 12-litre unit is up on specific fuel consumption too, but torque is increased, Scania says, "to encourage low-rev driving and promote economy".
The nine-litre engine is available with Scania's Opticruise automated gearchange system for the first time. This is fitted to the standard eightspeed rangechange gearbox, and is intended to make distribution driving easier and to reduce wear on the clutch.
Other changes to the 4series include: • lighter cabs—refinements in materials reduce the weight of cabs by up to 33kg; • new front axle—an eight-tonne front axle is now available with disc brakes; • lighter disc brakes—a new caliper weighs 1.5kg less per wheel; and • cruise control—the new EDC-equipped nine-litre engine is available with cruise control and programmable PTO speed.
The new engines will be available from April, while other improvements are to be phased in from next month.