IVECO has strengthened its heavy market product offering with the release of a new Euro 6-rated, B-double model with a powerful 550hp and 70 tonne GCM.
The 6×4 AS Highway B-double is 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 is excited to be adding the new Highway B-double model to our heavy duty product line-up, filling a gap in our model range which, until now, has been without a Euro 6-rated, B-double-capable prime mover,” said Michael May, IVECO Trucks Australia managing director.
“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.”
May said 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.
“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.”
The first IVECO B-doubles are expected to be at your local dealership by October.
Powering the new model is a revised 13 litre Euro 6 Cursor engine that develops a generous 550hp at 1900rpm and 2500Nm of torque at just 1000rpm. Emission control comes courtesy of IVECO’s patented Hi-eSCR system.
Hi-eSCR is a single after-treatment system featuring passive DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) – DPF regeneration that does not require driver intervention. IVECO said 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.
Coupled to the engine is 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 Hi-Tronix is equipped with ‘Rocking’ and ‘Creeping’ modes as well as four reverse gears. 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 8-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.
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.
As part of its standard aftersales offering, the new Highway B-double is also 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.