SCAMA R113/400
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cania's entry in the group test is „ without doubt the most interesting from a technical point of view. The R113/400 takes the company's 11-litre six and makes the use of turbocompound technology in an attempt to boost both power and efficiency (for details see our exclusive roadtest CM 17-23 Oct 1991).
The result is that, despite being the smallest engine in our group, the DTC 1101's power output is exceeded only by the MAN while its torque figure is the highest of the four. The six comes as standard with Bosch's EDC electronic pump control, and satisfies Euro 1 standards without further modification.
As well as its violent colour scheme, our test vehicle was notable for Scania's new 14-speed GRS 900 splitter gearbox, a premium Topline cab with the Streamline plastic add-ons, alloy rims and drive-axle air suspension.
In this form the R113 was comfortably the lightest of the four tractors although unlike its nearest rival, the Daf, it did not have an 80dB(A) package or steel wheels.
Despite some electrical gremlins which threatened to sideline the Swede, it managed to return a competitive set of fuel consumption figures over the two days: its motorway results are respectably close to the leading MAN and its A-road economy is the best in the group.
That A-road figure, and the fact that the Scania used a lot less fuel during the timed hill-climb, tend to confirm that the turbocompound engine only gives an advantage when working very hard. Perhaps even 40 tonnes isn't enough for it to give its best.
Our team of drivers approved of the R113's handling, praising the way it steered and braked, but they were less impressed with the new engine's refinement: at higher revs the 11-litre lump is fine, but left to lug down below around 1,250rpm it develops a nasty resonance which destroys the calm in the cab.
While the "cockpit" design of the interior gained praise, the general lack of storage space and room for movement in the cab was noticeable, particularly after the lofty heights of the MAN.
For UK hauliers hoping to try the turbocompound package, however, the worst news comes last: the importers say that right-hookers will only be available by mid-1993 — if at all.