Another plausible reason for the move was that with International Eagle, Stralis and PowerStar models all riding on a common frame and sharing drivetrain components, there was significant potential to simplify production line processes and inventories at Iveco’s Dandenong assembly plant.
Whether it was due in part to the departure of Gajnik from the managing director’s role or whether the cost and efficiency benefits failed to materialise in such a low volume market, no one from Iveco is prepared to say. But the long and the short of it is that the new ‘Oz’ Stralis is now built on the same medium tensile chassis rails with dimensions of 289 x 80 x 7.7 mm as its Continental counterparts. This also signals a return to the more complex European four-circuit air braking system in place of the previous US-style two-circuit setup.
It also means that Hendrickson’s heavy duty Primaax rear air suspension is no longer available on the range-topping Stralis. In its place is Iveco’s own 8-bag arrangement rated for 21 tonnes which features ECAS (electronically controlled air suspension) to precisely maintain ride height regardless of road and load conditions. Similarly, the Meritor
RT46-160 GP tandem assembly has been replaced by the same company’s MT23-155 unit although axle ratios have been shortened with 3.42, 3.78 and 4.13:1 items replacing the earlier series’ 3.21, 3.42 and 3.58:1 ratios. Spicer 2000
Series maintenance free driveshafts supplant the previous Spicer SPL250 Series units.
In other chassis changes, the two former wheelbase lengths of 3500 and 3850 mm have been swapped for a single length of 4050 mm which means the kerb-to-kerb turning circle has risen to 15.2 metres compared to 14.2 metres for the previous long wheelbase version.
Meanwhile, the move back to a European chassis has also necessitated modifications to the cab suspension due to the chassis’ more rigid nature compared to high tensile US items. It’s a four point mounting system with air springs and dampers at both ends.
In the braking department, the AS-L sports a full complement of Knorr ventilated discs as standard in comparison to the previous disc steer and drum rear arrangement. Also standard is Wabco E 4-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with the option of trailer ABS facility. Aluminium air reservoirs with a combined capacity of 130 litres give an additional 30 litres capacity over the former items.
TEST OF TIME
The test unit had recently completed the ‘Great Stralis Run’ right around the country in an effort to broadcast the attributes of Iveco’s flagship cab-over contender. As such, the cab exterior featured a striking colour scheme that not only flowed symbiotically into the curtain sides of the smart looking Freighter B-double set, but also did much to accentuate the subtle ameliorations to the grille and headlight assemblies. Put simply, it made what would otherwise look like a plain white truck anything but plain.
At the front, the new nose features a deep ‘V’ formation grille – now a trademark of the entire Iveco range – extending in a linear fashion into the front bumper. The entire front face of the cab has taken on a fresh, modern look with grille slats that are now further apart providing better airflow and, in our opinion, enhanced aesthetics. In addition the Stralis lettering is now positioned just below the windscreen with Iveco insignia neatly inset above the top grille slat. Adding further to the cleaner front are two p... Next Page
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