Hino has announced some upgrades to its 500 Series GT 4×4 with more power and torque for the versatile medium duty off roader using the Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) expo in Melbourne this week to reveal the changes which will hit the Aussie market from the first quarter of 2020.
As well as more \power and torque the upgraded GT also gets an increased payload.
Hino’s manager of product strategy Daniel Petrovski says the current 500 Series GT 1322 has been a popular choice for off-road work among various Australian emergency services and he is confident these changes will further increase its appeal.
“The GT has also been popular with the mining industry, and in infrastructure support applications,” Petrovski said.
The 500 Series GT 1528 is available in single or crew cab configurations and features an upgraded 5.5 tonne front axle and a 10 tonne rear axle, increasing its GVM to 14.5 tonne.
“When this GVM is combined with the relatively low tare weight of the GT 1528, it results in a nominal payload of approximately 9 tonne, which will please operators of these large 4×4 models,” said Petrovski.
“The Hino J08 turbocharged six-cylinder engine increases the power from 215Hp to 280Hp and torque improves dramatically from the current 637Nm up to 824Nm.”
Hino says the engine complies with ADR80/03 using Euro 5 emission standards, courtesy of the Hino Diesel Particulate active Reduction (DPR) system, which traps more than 95 per cent of exhaust soot.
“Given the current 500 Series GT model’s popularity with emergency services, the 2019 AFAC is the obvious place to announce these changes.,” he said.
“More power and torque enhances the on-road performance for emergency services vehicles attending incidents, while a larger payload increases operational flexibility and efficiency by allowing more water carrying capability.
“The Allison 2500 Series automatic transmission makes the role of the emergency service driver easier by eliminating the need to shift gears.”
Other refinements to the new 500 Series GT 1528 include a new larger capacity dual-range transfer case to handle the increase in power and torque delivered from the upgraded engine.
“The new 500 Series GT 1528 will feature a reverse camera as standard equipment as part of the smart new multimedia system, which is being rolled out across the Hino range,” continued Mr Petrovski.
The new Hino multimedia system is an Android-based 6.5’’ capacitive multi-touch digital screen features AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the latest version of Bluetooth tethering, which enables enhanced call handling, and improved speech to text functionality.
Safety and comfort features included as standard on the new 500 Series GT 1528 are Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), cruise control (single cab only), driver’s SRS airbag, heated and electrically operated external mirrors and an ISRI 6860/870 driver’s seat with integrated safety belt.
Full specifications and pricing will be released in the first quarter of 2020.
The 2019 Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) exhibition is being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27-30 August 2019.
