IIS WEEK Dunstable based irrier Motors introduced the )dge Commando
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2 model ige, which has more than 100 ecifications changes from the iginal 1973 design which curntly accounts for about 17 per nt of registrations above 3.5 Ines.
This is the first new model foltying Renault Vehicules Indusels acquisition of a controlling :erest in the company from the ;A (Peugeot-Citroen) group. The changes are claimed to t new standards of reliability, al consumption, performance d comfort combined with reiced maintenance costs. There 9 eight rigid models from 7.38 is to 16 tons and three tractive its from 18 to 26 tons. The .erall profile looks familiar Ice the basic cab shell is rened but it has been restyled th new exterior and interior m.
An ABS injection moulded mt grille houses the former and name of Dodge. The only it of the model designation is
inclusion of a C after the type sight class which itself is eceded by the number 100. PSA/RVI/Karrier Motors/Dod,/Commer has an identification oblem which stems from a ries of complicated take overs. le culmination of brand and
model names belonging to past eras serves only to confuse today's customers. As rationalised model ranges supersede exis1ing ones the company will be absorbed by RVI's identity.
Internal roof to floor, heavy' duty cloth trim covers the majority of metal panels, improves the look and improves the sound insulation. The tipper models have a lower standard of trim without a cloth covered suspension seat, all models have vinyl door trim.
The chevron spoked steering wheel offers a clear view of the instrument panel where a tachograph is of course now standard equipment.
Halogen head lamps, with optional wash wipe, are controlled by column mounted switches. A larger grab handle and non-rusting, cast aluminium step improve the entry while the rubber tread plate protects the wing from boot scuffs.
Access to the engine is improved with a noise shield and insulation on the underside of the cab which swings up, out of the way, with the cab when tilted.
All cabs are now subject to the electrophoretic cationic primer process. This improves rust protection. Modified demist vents look to be an after thought however they are said to be more effective than the existing equipment.
Perkins has once more advanced the specification of its six in line engine to provide benefits in performance, economy and flexibility by improved torque characteristics and a small increase in power. Both the Z4 and the ; naturally aspirated units rated 73kW (98 bhp) at 2800 rpm al 88kW (118 bhp) at 2600 rpm al maximum torque of 308 N (227 lb ft) and 368 Nm (272 lb respectively are available on ti G08, G09, and G10. They a plated at 7.38, 8.5, and 9.7 to gvw.
All rigids of 11 tons and above re equipped with either the Z3 ,r the more powerful Z6. A harge cooled turbocharged nit producing 201 kW (150 bhp) et at 2600 rpm and a maximum Drque of 490 Nm (361 lb ft) at 600 rpm, which is the standard tment to G18 and G20 tractive nits.
The Perkins V8, 540 diesel reiains an option of G13, G15 and i16, rigids and the heaviest tracve unit the G26.
The Dot 4 specification incor,orates a number of major deign changes. From the top, the alve cover is now an aluminium asting and is fixed through entre posts to improve sealing. ;ix additional set screws, with anged heads, are employed to lamp down the cylinder head ihich includes less restricting lduction ports but excludes epa rate valve seat inserts.
In the cylinder block, liners ave a revised under flange adius. Both fuel pump and oil !ter are located by four bolts to improve sealing. Three longitudinal ribs stiffen the crank case while the main bearing caps are modified with wide butt faces.
Exhaust valves, with a wiping type seal, have been enlarged and the rocker levers are forged steel. Valve timing has been altered slightly to facilitate better cold starting and running, in the warm up period.
Dependent upon the engine type, pistons incorporate three or five expansion control rings to reduce oil consumption.
Ancilliary changes include a viscous fan, a twin dry element for the air cleaner, and a quieter exhaust system with flexible mountings.
The diesel stop-control is part of the injection pump and the engine is shut down by key from the steering column lock.
The chassis is much tidier. Fuel tank batteries and brake master cylinders have been dropped below the top flange to provide an almost clear frame for the body builder.
Models plated at over 10 tons have a 46 gallon fuel tank as standard and a larger 66 gallon tank is optional. At the rear telescopic shock absorbers and load sensing are standard on all models and the braking system on all rigid models meets EEC requirements.
The rear brake actuators have been relocated above and behind the axle for protection. Low maintenance batteries, with protective top cover and improved earthings, need only to be topped up once a year.
All in-line engine models are equipped with a higher output 45 amp alternator while dual voltage electrics are provided for vehicles powered by the V8 540 engine. A 24 volt system is still used for starting but 12 volts has been adopted for the lighting system.
The reservoir for the power steering,fitted to all models from the G13 upwards, has been
relocated to make it easier to up.
Servicing intervals have bE extended and are now set 12,000 miles between major s vices while intermediate sen, ing of oil changes, filters a fluid level checks are ma every 6,000 miles.
Despite the major impro, ments made throughout 1 whole vehicle range price creases are minimal. F example, the list price for 1 short wheel base GO previously £9,050, now sells £9,430 while the G16 now pric at £16,220 has increased by o £260.
Dodge plans to extend S options to include factory fiti automatic transmissions supplement its range of 4 am synchromesh gear boxes and provide special vehicle packac to meet specific operatior areas such as with fire teilde brewery vehicles and public u ity vehicles.