UD announces new Quon 8x4

In a sign of the current times, UD this week launched its latest addition to the Quon range, the 8x4 with a video walk-around beamed on-line to the truck and transport media.

UD says the Quon 8x4 will be a versatile platform with applications including construction, waste management, distribution, agitator and more. Both leaf-spring and air-bag suspension will be available as well as a host of safety, comfort and productivity enhancements. So let’s take a look…

The 8x4 will be available with a choice of two engines and three outputs.

The first is the GH8F which is an 8.0-litre engine. It’s the same engine as the Quon 8-litre 6x2 that we reviewed recently reviewed with an output of 360hp (263kW) and 1428Nm. This can be mated to either an Allison 3200 Series auto or an Escot-VI automated manual.

Called the GC 30 360, this truck will be available in three wheelbases, 4500, 5200 and 5700mm.

Next is the CG 32 390 which is powered by the GH11TB which is an 11.0-litre engine with outputs of 390hp (287kW) and 1750Nm at a low 900rpm. This truck is offered in the 5200 and 5700mm wheelbases and is available only with the Escot-VI transmission.

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Suspension is leaf or air-bag suspension on the rear with parabolic spring on the load-sharing twin-steer front front with a 13-tonne capacity.

Finally, there is the CG 32 420 which has a 420hp version of the GH11 engine a torque output of 1900Nm at 950rpm. This truck has similar suspension and wheelbase options as the 390.

All of the engines and output ratings are Euro 6 compliant.

As with all the Quon range, safety is a big feature on the 8x4. The truck offers disc brakes all-round with UD’s Traffic Eye brake a big feature. Traffic Eye is an emergency brake system that throws up a warning if you’re approaching another vehicle too quickly; if you don’t do anything about the warning, the truck will automatically brake for you.

UD also offers an optional driver alert system that uses a camera to detect drowsiness. The in-cab camera analyses the positional relationship between traffic lanes and vehicles, and estimates the driver's level of concentration based on irregular or shaky steering.

If the system determines that the driver's level of concentration has dropped, it activates a two-step alarm and displays a warning message on the multi-display to alert the driver and suggest a break.

Also on offer in the 8x4 are lane departure warning, electronic stability control, ABS and radar cruise control.

The cab is similar to the other trucks in the Quon range and has a distinct European feel. It’s comfortable ergonomically sound and has a really good feel about it.

According to UD Trucks’ Product Manager David Roset, the 11-litre 8x4 will be good fit for the mining sector when mated to the 5200mm chassis and the 8-litre would be suitable for construction and waste.

“On the intermediate wheelbase (5200mm) the 8-litre would be suited to front-loaders, tippers and that sort of thing, and the longest wheelbase (5700mm) would be suitable for distribution say for a 14-pallet truck that you could select with either the Allison or the Escot transmission,” he said.

We’ll bring you some more information and specs when they come to hand, and hopefully a drive impression soon.