Iveco Stralis: a road range entirely renewed over four years

The launch of the Stralis range represents the culmination of the evolution of Iveco heavy duty road vehicles which began in 1998.

The first stages were the presentation of the three engines in the Cursor family (from 240 to 480 HP), the new automated gearboxes, and a four-disc electronically controlled braking system, as well as the adoption of electronic management and interaction of the drive train and chassis.

The following new features now being presented are just as important as the previous ones, and, as they impact with image, may be even more so:

- the cab: exterior styling and aerodynamic functions

- the driving position and dashboard

- living space in the cab

- the range of engines on offer, completed with the 540 HP version of the Cursor 13

- extended electronic systems to the full range of vehicle controls.

To signal the completion of the transformation process, Iveco has created a new name for its range of heavy duty road vehicles: Stralis.

Iveco has pursued three clear objectives from the outset:

- to offer vehicles which would respond to the changing needs of transport today;

- to reduce operating costs (fuel and oil consumption);

- to reduce maintenance costs (service and downtime).

Over the last four years progress has been gradual, without the opportunity for one big spectacular launch. The introduction of so many innovations at once did however represent a risk, in the context of the quality standards implemented by Iveco, both for the product itself, and for the training of the technicians of the service network. Iveco has chosen to progress in stages, in order to be able to test each new element in the lab, on the test tracks and in the field, putting vehicles out to pilot customers. As the new features were presented, the network technicians were trained and given the opportunity to get to know the new technologies.

The stages in the evolution of Iveco heavy duty road vehicles

In 1998 Iveco presented the Cursor 8, a six cylinder, 7.8 litre engine available on the EuroTech in four versions from 240 to 352 HP. The Cursor 8 was a completely innovative engine, created using state of the art technology. With electronically controlled pump unit injection activated by an overhead cam shaft, a decompression engine brake, and a new variable geometry turbocharger which adapts electronically to respond to power demands. Its maximum output of 45 HP/litre and dry weight of just 678 kg created quite a stir. In four years’ intensive use on medium-heavy duty tractors, the 352 HP Cursor 8 has proved the quality of its architecture in terms of reliability and operating efficiency. On the occasion of the launch of the Cursor 8 the Iveco network also implemented a specific training programme on electronic engine management.

In 1999 the 10.3 litre Cursor 10 engine was presented on EuroTechs and EuroStars, at two power outputs: 390 and 430 HP, this engine is based on the same design as the Cursor 8. Also introduced were electronically controlled braking with disc brakes (E.B.S.), CAN-BUS internal data communciation system and EuroTronic gearbox all using electronics. Iveco’s transition to electronics was thus complete, and the Cursor 10 lived up to all expectations as regards reliability and running costs.

At the end of 2000 the 12.9 litre Cursor 13 was fitted to the vehicles in the construction site range, up to 440 HP. At the beginning of 2001, the EuroStar range saw its latest addition in the shape of a 480 HP version of the Cursor 13. At the same time the EuroTronic full automated gearbox was introduced. Each increase in power was matched by an adaptation in the engine brake, powered by a variable geometry turbocharger to provide enhanced braking torque, up to 400 HP on the Cursor 13.