IVECO launches Stralis X-Way range

At a glitting launch in Melbourne overnight, IVECO introduced the new X-Way range which comprises three 6x4 prime mover models as well as 6x4 and 8x4 rigids.

IVECO told us that the Stralis X-Way project marks the culmination of a four year engineering program between IVECO Australia and IVECO’s global engineering centre, resulting in models that combine extensive local development with the latest technology from Europe.

The prime movers feature GVMs of 25 tonnes and GCMs of 45 tonnes while the rigids range between 25 and 30 tonnes GVM and 40 to 45 tonnes GCM (higher GCMs are available across all models on application).

The Stralis X-Way range will be built here at IVECO’s Dandenong manufacturing facility alongside current generation Euro 5 Stralis AS-L models, the ACCO and the Delta and Graduate bus chassis.

The new models have undergone extensive on-road testing in Australia and in Europe over a three year period with excellent results, we’re told.

The Stralis X-Way 6x4 prime mover is available in three main variants AD (Active Day), AT (Active Time) and AS (Active Space). AD is a day cab only while AT provides a sleeping compartment for occasional overnight driving and AS is the largest of the cabs with additional space better suited for spending longer time on the road.

AT and AD variants are powered by the new Euro 6 IVECO Cursor 11 (11-litre) common-rail engine that develops 460hp at between 1600 to 1900rpm and 2150Nm of torque from a low 925 to 1500rpm.

The AS model is equipped with the larger Euro 6 Cursor 13 common-rail engine producing 510hp at between 1600 and 1900rpm with torque of 2300Nm from 900 to 1525rpm.

All models are coupled to IVECO’s new Hi-Tronix 12-speed automated manual transmission.

The prime mover range all offers rear eight-bag Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) and front parabolic springs.

The Stralis X-Way rigid range offers a selection of both 6x4 and 8x4 variants. Depending on the model, multiple wheelbases are available from 5450, 5720, 5800, 6300 and 6520mm.

The 6x4 is available with AD or AT cabin and both are powered by the new Euro 6 Cursor 9, an 8.7-litre common-rail unit developing 360hp at between 1600 and 2200rpm and 1650Nm of torque between 1200 and 1530 rpm.

If an 8x4 is required, there are AS, AT and AD cabins on offer. The AT and AD models are powered by the same new Euro 6 IVECO Cursor 11 common-rail engines as prime mover variants, featuring 460hp between 1600 and 1900rpm and 2150Nm of torque.

The AS is equipped with the Euro 6 Cursor 13 common rail engine producing 510hp from 1600 to 1900 rpm and torque of 2300Nm from 900 to 1525rpm.

All 8x4 models also feature the new Hi-Tronix AMT as used in the prime movers; the rear eight-bag Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) is also shared. The 8x4 receives an upgraded front ECAS suspension while the 6x4 AD/AT features a mechanical rear suspension and standard front parabolic.

It’s a completely new range specifically developed for vocational and construction applications, providing the ‘Perfect Crossing’ for on-road work that also requires a level of off-road mobility.

At the heart of the vehicles are new IVECO Cursor 9, 11 and 13 common rail engines with additional power and torque. Outputs range from 310hp and 1300Nm for the entry level Cursor 9 to 510hp and 2300Nm for the Cursor 13.

The IVECO Cursor 11 and 13 engines benefit from a new turbocharger that provides immediate response at low engine speeds and superior engine braking.

Common upgrades across the engine family include new rings and re-profiled pistons to reduce engine friction. The engines also feature new high pressure (up to 2200 bar) fuel injectors that provide multiple injection, better fuel dosing and injection timing for more efficient operation.

The engines meet Euro 6 emissions levels through the use of IVECO’s unique Hi-eSCR system as featured in the latest Eurocargo launched in Australia last year.

Hi-eSCR is a single after-treatment system featuring passive DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) – DPF regeneration does not require driver intervention. Other benefits of the technology is that it’s simple and efficient, providing many advantages compared to EGR and SCR equivalents, including reduced fuel consumption and a lower tare weight.

Along with the engine upgrade is IVECO’s new HiTroniX automated transmission, a 12-speed, direct drive unit that delivers fast gear changes and also has the ability to more efficiently select the correct ratio for the conditions.

IVECO says that as well as delivering more efficient vehicle performance, the HiTroniX can achieve an extended life (up to 80 per cent) compared to other AMTs, for durability of up to 1.6 million kilometres leading to lower vehicle cost of ownership.

The HitroniX is equipped with Rocking and Creeping modes as well as four reverse gears.

When Rocking mode is engaged, the clutch is disengaged by simply releasing the accelerator pedal (the vehicle rolls back) and re-engages when the accelerator is pressed again, in order to recover traction in slippery conditions.

With Creeping mode selected, the vehicle moves forward at minimum speed simply by releasing the service brake pedal – this is a useful feature allowing for precise, low speed manoeuvring.

Also aiding manoeuvrability particularly when coupling or reversing trailers are the unit’s four reverse gears, two of which provide the operator with more speed when reversing in open spaces.

The Stralis X-Way offers a range of fuel-saving measures including Ecoswitch, Auto Only Mode, Ecoroll, Adaptive Cruise Control and engine anti-idling.

When Ecoswitch is engaged, the speed limiter is set to the default mode of 95 kilometres per hour, the engine’s torque is also automatically adjusted depending on the vehicle load and the kick-down function is disabled.

Auto Only Model disengages the Semi Auto mode that allows the driver to manually choose gear changes and instead allows the HitroniX to automatically select the most fuel efficient gear for the terrain and according to the truck’s payload.

One of the new innovations of the HitroniX transmission is Ecoroll, a feature that disengages the driveline to use the truck's inertia when facing a moderate slope. This helps retain the truck’s kinetic energy for longer and can even slightly increase it by reducing the engine drag torque.

The anti-idling function automatically cuts the engine after five minutes of continuous idling. Thirty seconds prior to the engine switching off, a warning buzzer will activate to warn the operator.

If the vehicle is engaged in an application that does require it to remain idling for extended periods, the function can be disabled at the dealership.

Standard equipment on all prime mover and rigid models is an Electronic Braking System (EBS) with Brake Assistance System (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Holder, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), and daytime running lights.

Prime mover models also feature a standard extended catwalk allowing for safer access to the back of cabin area to connect air hoses or conduct maintenance.

Optional safety equipment includes a hydraulic retarder, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Driver Attention Support (DAS), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Bi-Xenon headlamps.

Improvements in the cab include a new instrument cluster design, IVECONNECT multimedia system, revised steering-wheel-mounted quick menu controls plus all the regular features such as climate control system, leather appointed and air suspended seats, ample storage areas and superior cabin ergonomics.

A new central locking remote control also provides a check lights function which allows the driver to check all of the exterior lights without relying on assistance from another person.

The new Stralis X-Way range comes with a two-year 500,000km warranty.