Iveco has announced it has strengthened its heavy market product offering by releasing a new Euro 6-rated, B-Double model with a powerful 550hp and 70 tonne GCM.
Iveco says the 6×4 AS Highway B-Double will be available in both low and high roof variants and shares some underpinnings with the latest X-Way and Acco ranges, boasting similar benefits in terms of advanced safety features, driver aids, low emission performance and productivity.
Iveco Australia boss Michael May says the company is excited to be adding the new Highway B-Double model to its heavy duty product line-up, filling a gap in the model range which, until now, has been without a Euro 6-rated, B-double-capable prime mover.
“The new Highway B-Double model features extremely high specification levels as standard, ensuring buyers enjoy the added safety, comfort, convenience and productivity that is so important for the intra and interstate applications the vehicle is targeted towards,” said Michael May.
May, whose previous role at Daimler, saw him overseeing a lengthy test and development program before the company launched the Mercedes Actros models, says that Iveco has also undertaken a significant engineering and development program on the new Highway B-Double variant.
“Prior to launch, multiple vehicles have undergone extensive testing around Australia including in several major fleets where the trucks have operated in demanding real-world conditions and received outstanding feedback,” the Iveco MD said.
“Prospective owners can rest assured that these vehicles will be ready for the road and generating revenue from day one – we expect the models will be well received by the market and have already begun taking orders,” he added.
“The combination of powerful 550hp Euro 6 performance, 70t GCM, market-leading transmission, advanced safety and technology, coupled with Iveco’s well regarded productivity and low total cost of ownership benefits, will make the Highway B-Double an attractive proposition for many B-Double applications,” May said.
Iveco says that the new Highway B-Double model will be powered by a revised 13 litre Euro 6 Cursor engine developing 550hp at 1900rpm and 2500Nm of torque at 1,000rpm and will feature emission control handled by Iveco’s patented Hi-eSCR system.
Iveco says the Hi-eSCR is a single after-treatment system with passive DPF, which is Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration that does not require driver intervention.
It says another benefit of this technology is that it’s uncomplicated and efficient, and provides many benefits compared to EGR and SCR equivalents, including reduced fuel consumption and a lower tare weight.
Iveco says it has coupled the engine to a revised Hi-Tronix 16-speed automated manual transmission that delivers fast gear changes and also has the ability to more efficiently select the correct ratio for the conditions.
Additionally the company adds that the Hi-Tronix is equipped with ‘Rocking’ and ‘Creeping’ modes as well as four reverse gears and it claims that extremely quiet operation is another hallmark of the Hi-Tronix, leading to a quieter cabin and higher driver comfort levels.
Other driveline features of the Highway B-Double include rear eight-bag Electronically-Controlled Air Suspension and Meritor differentials with driver-controlled locks. The truck also benefits from an expansion module and PTO provision as standard.
To cover the longer intra and interstate routes the new model is likely to work in, the Highway B-Double has a 1010 litre on-board fuel capacity (630l on the driver’s side and 380l on the passenger side), plus an 80 litre AdBlue tank.
As with other recent Iveco heavy duty model releases, safety and technology is extremely well catered for in the Highway B-Double.
Standard equipment includes Electronic Braking System (EBS) with Brake Assistance System (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Holder, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), daytime running lights and an extended catwalk allowing for safer access to the back of cabin area to connect air hoses or conduct maintenance.
Additionally, the Highway B-Double provides other standard safety equipment such as a hydraulic retarder, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Driver Attention Support (DAS), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Bi-Xenon headlamps and washers, making it an extremely well specified vehicle.
The high standard specification levels continue inside the cabin with leather heated and air-suspended driver and passenger seats, automatic climate control, modern instrument cluster design with intuitive features and IVECONNECT multi-media.
The IVECONNECT system includes Driving Style Evaluation (DSE) software that aims to improve the operator’s driving style by giving feedback and making recommendations. The system provides two types of feedback: indexes that evaluate real-time driving behaviour and pop-ups that provide real-time driving hints.
Elsewhere in the cabin, there are generous storage spaces to accommodate longer periods on the road as well as a fridge and comfortable bedding. The cabin’s spacious interior also allows comfortable in-cabin movement and sleeping amenities when parked-up for the night or at rest stops.
A strong focus of Iveco trucks in Australia – particularly in recent years – is to provide added value and support services to its customers for a more enjoyable and hassle-free ownership experience.
As part of its standard aftersales offering, the new Highway B-Double is equipped with Iveco Telematics as standard, including a complementary 12 month program subscription enabling owners and operators to access detailed information on all facets of vehicle and driver performance.
The model is also backed by a 3 year / 750,000km / 9,000 hour standard factory warranty and complementary 24/7 roadside assistance for the duration of the vehicle warranty period.
Owners wanting additional protection can opt for Iveco extended warranties which are available as a cost option. Personalised vehicle maintenance packages are also available on the Highway B-Double as an extra, providing operators with the convenience of known fixed maintenance and repair
