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30th September 2010
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Commercial Motor has been driving Scania's 730hp V8 at the weight it was always meant for... 60 tonnes. Anyone for an LHV?

Words/images Brian Weatherley When we first got behind the wheel of the Scania R 730 V8 back in June, we couldn't fail to notice that the 'World's Most Powerful Series Production Truck' was blessed with effortless power. Only we seriously doubted whether anyone outside of heavy hauliers or Scandinavian logging companies would actually need that much grunt especially as our First Drive test truck was running at a mere 40 tonnes. With more than 18hp per tonne, small wonder it was effortless What we wanted was to try the new V8 at the kind of gross weight it was designed for which in Sweden is 60 tonnes. It made

sense to Scania too, as it recently laid on an exclusive drive for CM in a 6x2 R730 B-Double on its home turf.

While the UK's Department for Transport (DfT) continues to reject longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs), our R 730V8 drive proved to be a timely reminder of what is to be gained from putting on some weight (see box). And, more importantly, what a B-Double configuration has to offer in terms of flexibility and road compatibility.

The arrival of the V8 range

Unless you've been living in a cave, you can hardly have missed the arrival of Scania's all V8 range, with its much-hyped 730hp top-rating and whopping 3,500Nm of torque. Its all-new 16A-litre block sits above the previously available trio of 15.6-litre vees at 500hp, 560hp and 620hp.

All, however, arc Euro-5 certified, and there's an optional EEV 730 rating too. Behind the 730 V8 sits the latest (and significantly beefed-up) GRS0925 14-speed synchro gearbox, fitted with Scania's Opticruise automated gear-changing system as standard; there's no manual alternative — no doubt to help prevent driveline abuse.

Talking of which, for all the ballyhoo, maximum torque on the R 730 is restricted to the top three gears, thereafter 'reduced by around 5%-6% on the CiRS0925's lower ratios, although the Swedes are quick to stress: "That's still higher than anything else in the market.

Right-hand-drive chassis include 4x2, 6x2 (twin-steer, 'pusher, or tag) 6x4 and 8x4. •

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