Testing the new Scania V8 and Opticruise gearbox in the frozen forests of Swedish Norrland

For Swedish timber truck driver Lars Johansson, working with Scania field test engineer Lars Johansson would present the opportunity of a lifetime. For the past two years, the two Lars Johanssons have been secretly testing one of Scania’s new 590-hp V8 engines and the all-new G33CM gearbox. The powertrain has proven to be a powerful solution that can improve both timber and other heavy transport and make them more cost-effective.
“The gearbox feels really good. You feel safe on these roads, in these hills, at the crossings. The gearbox always selects the right gear and torque on the engine,” says driver Lars Johansson.
The fuel savings Johansson can obtain are the result of Scania’s cutting-edge technology. Starting from scratch, the company’s engineers have developed a brand new powertrain with reduced internal friction, higher compression ratios, improved after-treatment systems and an extremely intelligent engine management system (EMS). And the new gearbox is made of aluminium, which makes it lighter than its predecessors.
“With this new gearbox and the V8 engine, there’s a noticeable reduction in fuel consumption, especially if you drive with cruise control. It beats manual driving any day of the week!”