Not that they mentioned the ’S’ word in the announcement, but the big news from Navistar this week is about an International Truck with a Scania engine.
This new initiative from International sees a complete new integrated driveline being introduced to the US truck maker’s range. This innovation is another ’S’ word, the S13 driveline developed by the Traton Group , which now owns Navistar, along with Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Trucks.
“To ensure optimal reliability, efficiency, performance and sustainability, we designed the S13 Integrated Powertrain from the ground up,” said the press release at the US launch. “Created from a clean sheet design, the S13 Integrated Powertrain consists of three distinct components, an engine, a transmission and an after-treatment system, all designed and developed concurrently to ensure maximised compatibility and integration between systems.
“The S13 Integrated Powertrain was designed using a modular system approach. Modular systems allow for mass customisation of broad variant offerings and ensure a long-term competitive advantage. This equates to faster time to market and lower production costs.”
Co-operation between Sweden and USA
Throughout the presentation the relationship between US and Swedish engineers is emphasised and speakers did acknowledge that the new S13 Integrated Driveline is part of the Traton Group global technology.
“The Traton Group modular system enables efficient cross-brand development and production, while still allowing for regional adaptation and validation of the S13 Integrated Powertrain for the North American market,” says the press release from Navistar. “This is the first Group-wide demonstration of a modular solution.”
The announcement claims that the new driveline is 24kg lighter than the one fitted in the current International, but, more importantly, reckons there is a fuel consumption saving up to 15 per cent with the new engine, transmission and after-treatment set up.
Scania Drive Train
From what you can see on this video and in some US press reports, it looks as though the engine is based on the Scania 13 litre design, which was released in Europe. The 14 speed AMT also suggests a close relationship with the Scania Opticruise. Clearly adapted and reprogrammed to suit US trucking industry preferences.
