When 6 is Enough

In-depth

15 Sept

Scania torques up its six-cylinder engine

Scania has introduced a higher output, range-topping six-cylinder 13-litre Euro 6 engine for inter and intrastate haulage operators. Offered in the G-series mid-size, and the R-series full-size cabs, the new donk augments the six-cylinder engine range that previously topped out with the 500 hp/2550 Nm variant.

With 540hp (up 40 ponies) and 2700nm (up 150nm, and available between 1000 and 1300rpm), the new Scania engine delivers more low-down driveability and grunt to shift loads seamlessly up hills and turns the new 13-litre driven prime mover into a genuine long-distance interstate B-double hauler.

The new Scania 540 hp engine matches rivals for power but out-torques them.

**If a motor can be called a Work of Art – the 540 comes pretty close.**

The 500hp engine fitted in the G 500 and R 500 has been widely praised since its 2018 launch for its performance, fuel efficiency and drivability. The additional horsepower and torque will make the driving experience even more effortless.

The 540 engine features Scania XPI fuel injection - and a new ball-bearing fixed geometry turbocharger - to help reach the new elevated output. The engine is mated to a Scania GRSO905R overdrive 14-speed gearbox, with ratios selected via the Scania fully automated Opticruise gearshift. Braking is assisted by the Scania R3500 Retarder. These trucks are also fitted with a class-leading cooling package for hilly terrain and heavy loads – important for the Australian summers.

As with all ‘New Truck Generation’ Scania trucks sold in Australia, the new G 540 and R 540 are fitted with a high level of active and passive safety systems, including side curtain airbags as standard, on top of the steering wheel airbag. Further safety features include:

Driver and passenger seat belt pretensioners

Electronic stabiliser program (ESP)

Lane departure warning (LDW)

Advanced emergency braking (AEB)

Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

Auto hill hold

Auto headlights

An electro-pneumatic parking brake is fitted to the G 540.

**A Scania cab is always a delightful place to spend the day – or night**

The 540-powered R- and G-series cabs have been specified for Australia with a very high level of standard equipment and features, including DuraBright aluminium wheels, as befits the range-topping six-cylinder variant.

Taking into account the long distances travelled in Australia, fuel tank packages up to 1000-litres are available, along with 105-litres of AdBlue.

“Scania is very pleased to add the 540 hp engine to the very successful six-cylinder 13-litre engine range. Since launch in Australia, the R 500 and G500 variants have been among our most popular as they offer an excellent mix of performance and economy,” said Dean Dal Santo, Director of Truck Sales for Scania Australia.

“Scania continues to provide greater torque than its rivals at identical horsepower outputs and the new 540 is no different, giving our customers an advantage in terms of driveability and fuel efficiency.”

The additional power, and particularly torque will be welcomed by operators who want to access a bit more grunt for B-double work at higher weights for intra and interstate work, or while traversing hilly terrain, without reverting to the Scania V8 engine.

The 540 provides a reduced front axle weight compared with the 520 V8, allowing for more loading flexibility. Given the already excellent steering feel and feedback of the 520 – the best this writer has driven – we would expect the new 540 to up the ante even further on this front.

“The Scania 540 engine has proven itself in many Scania global markets for some time, offering reliable, durable and efficient performance. Early reports from the first trucks delivered in Australia show exceptional fuel burn, delighting our customers. When matched with one of Scania’s flexible maintenance plans, the new 540 makes for an irresistible package for any sized fleet,” says Dal Santo.

We look forward to a road test of the 540 when COVID restrictions allow. Stay tuned ….