The Stralis X-Way range comes fully formed out of Europe after being launched there in 2017. This is another evolutionary development for the Stralis range of trucks, which came into existence back in 2002.
The models retain the classification from the previous generation with different cab configurations selling as AD, AT and AS models. The AD (Active Day) is the standard day cab, AT (Active Time) is the intrastate limited sleeper option and AS (Active Space) is the highway prime mover with sleeper.
The range will comprise of 6×4 prime movers in all three styles, There are 6×4 and 8×4 rigids in AD and AT guise and there will be AS cabbed 8×4 also available. As a standard option the prime movers will be rated at a GCM of 45 tonnes, but higher GCM options will be available.
Engines available range from the nine litre destined for the new Acco, to the 11 and 13 litre Cursor engines. Horsepower on tap goes all the way from 310hp in the smallest nine litre up to 510 hp in the Cursor 13. It would appear Iveco have learned from past lessons and are not willing to run the 13 litre at any higher power rating than this.
The new Cursor is an upgrade on its predecessor and have a number of new components, like new piston rings and a reprofiled piston design, claimed to have a lower tangential load to reduce friction. Pressures in the common rail fuel injection system are also increased to 2200 bar, in the search for even more efficient fuel use and enhanced drivability.
The Cursor uses the Hi-eSCR system which differs from many of its competitors in not including EGR as part of its exhaust emissions control, depending entirely on SCR and a DPF in the exhaust system. This does enable the engine to be mapped in such a way to advance ignition and increase ignition temperatures in the cylinder, improving fuel efficiency and substantially reducing particulates in the exhaust.
This higher ignition temperature does increase NOx in the exhaust stream, but this is dealt with in a combination of SCR and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to make the engine Euro-6 (ADR 80/04) compliant. Apart from Iveco, only Scania have chosen a similar SCR-only route on a limited number of engines. Its advantage is the reduced complexity, lower cooling requirement and more efficient fuel use in cylinder. Figures on levels of adblue use are yet to be announced, but in Europe operators report dosing levels at the same level as the previous generation of engines.
Behind the engine is the Hi-Tronix automated manual transmission (AMT). This is the Iveco version of the ZF AMT found in several competitor trucks. This generation of the AMT has all of the modern features we have come to expect in the 12 speed box. There is a rocking and a creep mode as well as four reverse gears aiding slow speed manoeuvrability.
The drive line includes a number of features which have become normal on European designed trucks. These include Ecoswitch which will modulate the torque available to the driveline at a preset 95 km/h to minimise fuel use on long runs. There is an Auto Only Mode, also aimed at reducing fuel consumption.
Ecoroll is another familiar feature, disengaging the clutch automatically when the driveline requires no torque to maintain cruising speed. This system uses the trucks momentum and reduced driveline inertia to maintain speed. For some reason, Ecoroll is only available between 50 and 92 km/h.
The features like Ecoroll are also brought into play when the driver activates the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to retain a fuel economy focus as the truck maintains a safe distance behind the vehicle in front.
Also included in the electronic package in the X-Way is something all of the Europeans (and now some of the Japanese and Americans) are including in the instrumentation, a driver assessment scoring and advising function. Called Iveconnect, it includes assessment and driving tips.
As with just about every new truck launch these days, the safety equipment suite is extensive. Standard equipment on all prime mover and rigid models is an Electronic Braking System (EBS) with Brake Assistance System (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Holder, ACC, Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), and daytime running lights.
There are also optional extras which can be added if needed and these include hydraulic retarder, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Driver Attention Support (DAS), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Bi-Xenon headlamps.
“The launch of this new model will provide Iveco with greater coverage in some existing market segments while also allowing us to compete in several new applications where our previous trucks may not have had the ideal specifications,” says Marco Quaranta, Iveco ANZ Product Manager. “The addition of a Euro-6 8×4 at 460hp with extensive safety equipment will see Iveco build sales in general freight applications, as will a smaller Euro-6 6×4 rigid at 360hp. We also see the revised model mix doing well in single trailer applications as well as in vocational work.
“More broadly, the combination of cleaner, more efficient Euro-6 rated engines, the clever new HitroniX transmission and a full suite of advanced safety equipment, will appeal to government fleets and safety and environmentally conscious companies.”
The new trucks are at different stages of their introduction into Australia. The Iveco X-Way is here now and available. look out for a test drive of selected models in Diesel News this year. As for the new Acco, the gestation process is going to take a little longer. The prototype on display at the launch has now been fitted with a refuse body and is undergoing testing.
Timing of any launch of the new Acco will be dependent on the amount of redesign which will be required after the truck has been exhaustively tested in the Australian climate and on our unforgiving roads.