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SCANIA V8 - The History
In 1962 Scania started development of a new generation of forward-control trucks that would be unveiled in 1968. An inline eight-cylinder engine would not fit underneath a forward-control cab, nor would a larger inline six.
The engineers therefore went for a vee-configuration that would fit under the same cab as the 11-litre inline six, yet produce 100 hp more.
The result was a powerful but very compact power unit that paved the way for a new level of truck performance.
The new Scania 14.2-litre V8 engine had no genuine forerunner in the diesel engine world. It was designed for turbocharging from the start, and it was dimensioned to ensure that the engine delivered the goods over a long service life. An optional naturally aspirated 260 hp version was also available for buses, turning tourist coaches into true gliders.
The engine’s appearance was very distinctive, with its V-shaped valve covers on individual cylinder heads. Scania-Vabis’ engineers set the output requirement at 350 hp. No European competitor even came close.
The Scania LB140 models quickly won acclaim. They combined high output with a torque curve that flattered the use of low engine speeds – a pleasant and effective combination in a heavy vehicle. Many customers also liked the V8 emblem on the grille and the typical, powerful rumbling of the engine. All this, combined with exceptional durability and service life, made the 14-litre V8 engine a true legend.
By
the mid-1970s, road safety authorities realised that it was necessary
for trucks to keep up reasonably well with the general flow of
traffic, instead of causing major delays and frustration. The
recommendation in Germany was 8 hp per tonne gross weight, i.e. slightly
more than 300 hp for the 38 tonnes permitted. The 375 hp Scania V8 at
that time boasted close to 10 hp/tonne, a figure that did not become
common in European
long-haulage until some 25 years later (40 tonnes,
400 hp, in 2000).
The next important milestones in the history of Scania’s 14-litre engine were the addition of charge-cooling (intercooling), introduced in 1982, and the launch of Scania’s 3-series truck range in 1987, in which three new V8 variants were unveiled, topped by a 470 hp unit with electronically controlled fuel injection (EDC).
By
the early 1990s, environmental demands had become increasingly
important. In conjunction with Scania’s 100th anniversary celebration in
1991, the company introduced a complete range of
Euro 1 engines,
including two V8s: a mechanically governed 450 hp
engine and a 500 hp EDC engine, the first to break the 500 hp barrier.
Concurrently, the development of the new 4-series product range entered
its most intensive stage. It was launched in late 1995, powered by
revised V8 engines rated at 460 and 530 hp and a new 12-litre inline
six.
In all, Scania manufactured more than 170,000 14-litre V8-engines, making it by far the best-selling engine in the high-output segment.
In the new millennium the original V8 legend was gradually replaced by the substantially more powerful 16-litre V8, which had power ratings of 480 and 580 hp at 1,900 r/min and up to 2,700 Nm of torque – more than double the figure of the original V8 in 1969.
The
new R-series was introduced in 2004, replacing the 4-series. In 2005
Scania launched its new range of Euro 4 and Euro 5 engines, including V8
engines with outputs of 500, 560 and 620 hp and up to 3,000 Nm of
torque, using technologies to match the environmental
requirements in
the most efficient manner for all types of transport. The new King of
the Road, the Scania R 620, was built for long distances, heavy loads
and mountain roads. The legend – and that ubiquitous rumble – lives on.
There is also now a rumour that later this year Scania will be unveiling an uprated 16.4-litre V8 with a power rating of 720 hp............
Scania V8 Timeline
1969 All-new, compact 14-litre V8 producing a record 350 hp and 1,245 Nm in turbocharged form, with individual cylinder heads.
1976 “Low-rev philosophy” launched with a green band on the rev counter for the 375 hp 14-litre V8 engine, which featured torque peaks at lower revs to promote fuel economy.
1991 500 hp V8, with EDC and mechanically injected 450 hp. First series-production truck engine with turbo-compounding (11-litre 400 hp). Scania first to market with Euro 1.
1995 4-series trucks launched with substantially redesigned 14-litre V8-engine for 4-series featuring second-generation EDC with timing control (460 and 530 hp).
2000 All-new 16-litre V8 Euro 3-engine (480 and 580 hp) launched to gradually replace 14-litre V8.
2004 V8 upgraded for R-series (500 and 580 hp).
2005 Scania launches its broadest range of engines ever, including 500, 560 and 620 hp V8s. Euro 3, Euro 4 and Euro 5 versions available.
2007 All V8s upgraded to Euro 5, continuing the tradition of effortless power and unsurpassed longevity.
Information taken from Scania V8 Official Press Release.