Fuso NZ is launching a new heavy-duty Shogun range with leading safety features, a new powertrain and impressive fuel savings all meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
The model, featuring Fuso and Daimler engineering, was tested over 3.3 million kilometres in Japan and 150,000km on New Zealand roads.
Trialling took place in the upper North Island with Japanese engineers and local drivers to fine tune the transmission for NZ conditions. This was carried out in a 45-tonne tipper and line-haul applications.
Fuso NZ managing director Kurtis Andrews says he is “very excited” to see the Shogun making a comeback in the Kiwi market.
“It’s an iconic name with an impressive legacy and the new-generation model is sure to add to its prestige,” he says.
The new ShiftPilot automated manual transmission (AMT) plays a big part in the truck’s fuel economy. Up to 20% reduction in fuel use was recorded during the testing phase, Andrews says.
The AMT includes 0.6 second shift speeds with easy operation from a stalk switch on the left of the steering column. Eco Roll mode puts the truck into neutral gear when traveling on a slight downhill.
Further driver assistance is provided through Rock Free mode and Crawler mode.
Rock Free mode rocks the vehicle back and forth to escape from wet, muddy terrain. The clutch disengages as soon as the foot is released from the accelerator pedal and vice-versa. Pushing on and off the accelerator pedal rocks the vehicle, allowing it to escape sticky situations.
Crawler mode has been improved to allow for slower and more controlled maneuvering operation.
The new Euro 6 OM470 10.7L diesel is the “cleanest, most efficient power- plant ever seen in a Fuso” and 170kg lighter than the previous OM457 heavy-duty engine, the company says.
The OM470-T2 model has a maximum output of 398hp / 2,011Nm, while the more powerful T4 model delivers up to 460hp/2,213Nm.
The engine provides a steep rise in torque and horsepower in the middle rev range, resulting in maximum power at a low 1600rpm. This means the engine attains its maximum power more or less constantly across a broad range from 1450rpm to 1900rpm.
The engine is also fed by an asymmetric fixed turbine turbocharger, with two scrolls in the turbine – one large, one small – to improve air suction for a more efficient combustion process. Exhaust gas flows independently through each scroll, feeding the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and turbine wheel.
The Jake engine brake, in conjunction with the four-valve DOHC, delivers a powerful 460hp stopping power with three levels of adjustment, meaning there is no need for an exhaust brake.
Advanced safety features include electronic brake system, electronic stability control, active brake assist, lane departure warning, active attention assist (driver fatigue monitoring), adaptive cruise control and 7-inch touchscreen media with reversing camera.
Electronic brake system controls the brake pressure at each wheel for balanced stopping power, regardless of loading and road conditions.
Electronic stability control employs a steering sensor and yaw rate sensor to detect loss of control or the onset of rollover. This information is relayed to reduce engine torque and applies appropriate brake force to individual wheels to aid steering control and improve stability.
Active brake assist helps to avoid or mitigate collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles at speeds up to 80km/h by using a radar to monitor the road ahead. The radar triggers visual and audio warnings followed by partial or full emergency braking.
The fatigue monitoring system uses a range of inputs from steering behaviour, the truck’s path between lane markings and the driver’s head position and eye movement to register signs of driver fatigue and sound an alert if these are detected.
Adaptive cruise control automatically sets the truck’s speed through accelerator and brake control to maintain safe proximity to the vehicle in front all the way down to 0km/h with a stop-and-go function.
The seven inch touchscreen media includes steering wheel control with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for hands-free talking and text-to-speech functionality. It is also compatible with other apps such as Google Maps and Spotify.
There are nine variants in the Shogun range including 8×4, 6×4 and tractor models. Additional 8×4 air-suspension models in both standard and hi top options will be available later in 2019.
