From the
early stages of this project, Iveco has pursued three specific objectives:
- to
propose more and more vehicles adapted to transport;
- to
reduce operating costs (fuel and oil);
- reduce
the cost of maintenance (service and downtime).
Over the
last four years, progress has been gradual and therefore do not have enjoyed
the spectacle of one big launch. The introduction of block in such a number of
innovations, however, a risk involved with respect to the quality standards
implemented by Iveco, both for the product and for the training of technicians
of the service network. Iveco has chosen to proceed in stages, to be able to
test each new element in the laboratory, on special tracks and field, thanks to
vehicles to pilot customers. In parallel to the presentation of news, network
technicians have been trained and have thus had the opportunity to become
acquainted with new technologies.
The
stages of the evolution of Iveco heavy
In 1998,
Iveco presented the Cursor 8 engine, a 6-cylinder, 7.8 liter engine available
on Eurotech in four versions from 240 to 352 hp. Totally new, the Cursor 8 uses
cutting-edge technology with electronically controlled unit injectors, driven
by a camshaft in the head, decompression engine brake and an original variable
geometry turbocharger whose characteristics are adapted to electronically power
demand. The maximum output of 45 hp / l and the weight of just 678 kg dry
created quite a stir. But, in its four years of intensive use on tractors for
distribution medium duty, the 352 Hp Cursor 8 has demonstrated the validity of
the architecture in terms of reliability and economy of operation. At the
launch of the Cursor 8, the Iveco network has been the subject of a specific
training on the electronic engine management.
In 1999,
the Cursor 10 10.3 l displacement has made an appearance on Eurotech and
EuroStar in two power levels: 390 and 430 hp. The architecture of this engine
is identical to that of the Cursor 8. Technical innovations concern the disc
brakes all round, electronically controlled EBS and internal communication of
the vehicle via the Can. The electronics are also present in EuroTronic
gearbox, in addition to managing the slow motion. Iveco has passed the stage of
electronics without any problems and the Cursor 10, which equips the most
tractors Iveco registered for three years now, meets the expectations in terms
of reliability and economy.
At the
end of 2000, the 12.9 liter Cursor 13 engine was fitted on vehicles of the
construction site, with a maximum power of 440 hp. In early 2001, the range
EuroStar
has been enriched by a 480 HP version of the Cursor 13. At the same time, we
introduced the change of speed fully automated EuroTronic fully automated. For
each increment of displacement, the brake motor, powered by a variable geometry
turbocharger, has been adapted in such a way to provide a power of slowing
increasing, up to reach 400 CV on Cursor 13.