Scania launches new V8 engines and a new gearbox

Scania is promising fuel savings of up to 6% from its new range of V8 engines and new gearbox.

The new model range includes four models with 530hp, 590hp, 660hp and a flagship with 770hp.

"Our V8 engine has a tremendous following and these new models are sure to attract interest from operators across a variety of sectors," said Vincente Connolly, UK sales director for Scania GB.

The range is designed to suit heavy haulage customers and those working in the most arduous conditions, such as forestry and other on-off road applications. 

“Our V8 is also extremely popular among long-haul operations who run at high gross train weights for extended periods of time.  Then, of course, there are operators looking to make a statement with a flagship model for their fleets.  The Scania V8 has long been the preference of many here – it's an engine which definitely stirs the emotions – and the new range-topping 770 horsepower variant is sure to raise the aspirational bar even higher," Connolly added.

The total fuel savings for vehicles equipped with the new V8 engine can reach 6% – or even more – under the right conditions when the new G33CM Opticruise gearbox (which can be specified on 530, 590, 660 horsepower V8 variants) is included in the powertrain.  

The new gearbox is the first in a family of new units to launch, following an investment of £360m.

It is a 14-speed unit comprising 12 gears plus crawler and overdrive, and is 60Kg lighter than Scania’s current gearboxes, mainly due to its all-aluminium housings and smaller overall dimensions.  Another key achievement is lowered noise, a prerequisite for meeting future regulations.

If the engine speed can be maintained at  between 1,050 rpm to 1,150 rpm while cruising, significant amounts of fuel can be saved compared to higher revving drivetrain configurations. 

The combination of the high torque from the new engines and the wider spread of total ratios in the gearbox make this attainable.  The new gearbox also features an overdrive gear to maintain the engine speed level without compromising drivability.

Engine-derived fuel savings in the region of 2% are expected, resulting from re­duced internal friction, higher compression ratios, improved aftertreatment-systems and a new Engine Management System (EMS). 

Operators covering 93,000 miles per year can expect fuel savings of 3,000 – 4,000 litres per year, according to Scania’s executive vice president Alexander Vlaskamp.

New Scania V8 specifications: