Swedish manufacturer Scania has added a fifth engine in its 13-litre range with the launch of a 540hp version, which will be available to order from September 5.
The new DC13 166 is primarily intended for applications and customers where lots of power and drivability are in demand while weight sensitivity or limitations such as front-axle loads hinder the use of Scania’s slightly heavier V8 engines, which start at 520hp.
Scania is now offering five different performance steps of its most common engine, the inline six: 370, 410, 450, 500 and 540hp.The new 540 iteration shares most of its technology with its 500hp sibling, like a robust fixed geometry turbo unit with ball bearings instead of journal bearings.
The company says the new engine can bring fuel savings of 2% through low internal friction, new turbo and smart auxiliaries. “Our inline six range is industry leading when it comes to fuel performance,” said Alexander Vlaskamp, senior vice president, head of Scania Trucks. “Scania trucks with 13-litre engines have been crowned ‘Green Truck’ for three consecutive years in Germany, and that is a remarkable feat.
“The powerful 540 is mainly intended for customers and markets where legal aspects regarding front axle loads keep them from choosing a V8,” says Vlaskamp. “But it’s perfect for anyone that needs extra power in their transport operation. Paired with the relevant gearing, this engine will work equally well for a timber truck or for a ‘tulip express’. The latter travel European highways with rather light loads but are conscious about fuel consumption and average speeds.”
“Developing 2700 Nm of torque at just 1000 r/min allows everything from a vehicle specified for high speed cruising while using a low axle ratio to keep engine revs low at top speed, to excellent startability via hub reduction axles in applications such as forestry.”
