The Scania Streamline is back and according to Roger McCarthy, Managing Director of Scania Australia: “This will be the most significant step-change Scania will make for the foreseeable futur
e.”
Scania first launched the Streamline long-haul truck concept on the 3 Series in 1991 and back then it was revolutionary in reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
The new Streamline takes the concept even further with 5 to 8% improvement in fuel efficiency forecasted in European conditions however Roger believes running higher weights and bigger combinations, combined with Australia’s climatic conditions, a 3 to 4% percent efficiency will be likely here.
He says it is packed with intelligent, optimised technology to make a significant dent in operator running costs, improve uptime, and provide greater potential profitability for customers.
The new Streamline G-series and R-series cabs, the P-series Cabs will remain as they are because they are optimised. However the P-Series will be updated inside the cab along with the G-series and R-series updates to the trim and a Scania redesigned driver seats made by Recaro.
Scania is also announcing the adoption of low drag gearboxes with friction optimised internals, a lighter and stronger single-drive rear axle, and a revised and enhanced Scania Opticruise automated gearchange system with three modes designed to make the most of the low rev, high torque engines. A new dual battery set up to enhance starting reliability is also to be introduced.
In Europe, Scania is presenting the Streamline cabs with a second generation of Euro 6 engines, including new 450 hp and 490 hp 6-cylinder options, which will be available in Australia in due course.
The new 520 hp and 580 hp V8 Euro 6 engines will also be available locally in the medium term, these engines adopting the new generation architecture that debuted in the 730 hp Euro 5 engine two years ago.
For Australia, the Streamline models will initially arrive with the existing range of Euro 5 engines, with the possibility for customers to specify Euro 6 emission standard engines should they desire them.
“With the new Streamline models in G-series and R-series we are presenting meaningful aerodynamic enhancements to the cab, as well as meaningful mechanical and technical upgrades that help to reduce running costs for our customers, boosting their profitability,” Roger says.
“The adoption of the friction-reduced low drag gearbox, revised and more intelligent Scania Opticruise gearchanging software, new rear axle, freshened and improved interior appointments and comfortable driver and passenger seats, that include optional ventilation, provide both operators and drivers with a higher degree of comfort owning and running a Scania.
“The changes are directly aimed at helping our customers generate more profit for their businesses,” he says.
“We have listened to our customers and thought hard about these changes. For example, while we have been encouraging drivers to switch off rather than idle and waste fuel, we know they like to keep ancillaries such as air conditioners running in hot weather. So we have doubled the battery count to ensure they can always restart their truck.
“The raft of changes we are presenting today represent a significant improvement for our G-series and R-series models visually, while all our trucks, including the distribution oriented P-series, are able to benefit from the mechanical improvements.
“In addition to the changes to the improved hardware, we continue to espouse the benefits of the Scania Total Transport Solution concept, which puts emphasis on promoting on-going driver and vehicle efficiency improvements through the Peak Efficiency Programme and follow-up coaching; adhering to regular maintenance schedules to promote maximum uptime; as well as employing fleet management systems to identify and remove costly deviations in day-to-day operations,” Roger says.
The Scania Streamline range will be available to order by Australian customers from July 2013, with first deliveries expected early in Q4.