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Autotrans for all
Page 14
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Brian Weatherley went head-tohead with DaimlerChrysler's design boss professor Hartmut Marwitz at the Hanover show. The talk was of auto boxes, 650hp V8s, noise limits and modular cabs...
DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S twopedal Autotrans automated Telligent gearbox is to be fitted as standard on Mercedes heavy trucks from next year. Professor Hartmut Marwitz, head of DC's heavy truck design and development team, says the launch will coincide with the arrival of uprated "very intelligent" driveline software to match the firm's forthcoming Euro-4 and 5 engines, He believes that the move to a non-synchro auto will cut costs as well as weight—and he stresses that the new box will match the features of rival systems from ZF and Volvo.
A manual box will be retained as an option for specific applications such as construction. Autotrans will be developed to meet all future engine power ratings, including a more powerful V8, pumping out up to 650hp/ 3,000Nm. And, on the subject of power ratings, DC's engineering boss says the current 0M457 12litre straight-six used in the Axor is capable of going up to 500hp.
Ready to deliver
Looking to the longer-term Marwitz says DC "is ready to deliver products for Euro-4 and 5". But, somewhat ominously, he says:"We will be forced by the Government to have particulate filters.The year 2008-9 will be the year we will have to introduce them. Passengers cars have an agreement to fit them in 2008: perhaps we'll also have them. Even if Euro5 doesn't ask for them there will be political pressure. And we're wondering now what will come with Euro-6."
By 2010 Marwitz also plans to fill the gap in Mercedes' current engine line-up with a Bosch fuel injected 9.9-litre straightsix, possibly with EGR, which will replace existingV-engines. More fun and games look likely on noise regulations, with Marwitz reporting an EU proposal to force HGV drive-by noise limits down by 1-1.5dB(A) from the current 80Db(A) —and that's more radical than it might sound: "A cut of 3dB (A) means you halve the noise and 1.5 means you have to touch virtually all noise generating systems on the truck. the exhaust, the engine, the air intake system and tyres," he says.
"They haven't defined the year of introduction — we don't know whether it's 2008 or 2009."
Whatever the date, Marwitz wants it to coincide with any exhaust regs: "Having one law followed by another costs a lot of money," he says.