UD Trucks has continued its drive to expand its product range to suit local fleet owner’s exacting requirements, through tehe launch of the new Quon GW26 450 6×4 truck-tractor. This unit will compete in the popular 440 to 460hp extra heavy commercial vehicle market segment.

“The new GW 26 450 follows in the footsteps of the legendary and proven UD 440 – a truck that originally cemented UD Trucks’ ultimately dependable reputation in the market,” said Jacques Carelse, managing director of UD Trucks Southern Africa. “The GW 26 450 is a long distance commodity mover, offering a comfortable ride, low noise levels, advanced safety features and a powerful engine that provides high levels of fuel economy and durability.”

The GW26 450 Quon extra heavy truck is produced to UD Trucks’ exacting quality standards at its assembly plant in Rosslyn. It features the successful GE 13 TD 6-cylinder in-line turbo charged and inter-cooled engine with an electronic fuel management system.

This 450hp engine provides 330kW of power at between 1 500 and 1 800rpm, and a significant 2 244Nm of torque between 1 050 and 1 400rpm. The engine boasts a flat torque curve which means less engine fatigue, particularly during uphill hauls. This engine series features a unit injector which increases the maximum fuel injection pressure to improve overall combustion efficiency, and also achieves low emission and weight reduction efficiency that lead to improved fuel economy.

UD Trucks’ Quon range boasts an Extra Engine Brake or EEB, which offers 1 470Nm of braking torque at 2 300rpm (redline is at 2 100rpm). The EEB design specifically utilises both the exhaust and the compression strokes of the engine to slow the vehicle down, and offers safer vehicle control on descents and slippery roads. This means operators will have a longer brake life on their vehicles and reduce driver fatigue specifically on long-hauls.

The GW26 450 utilises the acclaimed ESCOT V transmission as well as a Voith retarder that has a braking torque of 3 250Nm. ESCOT V transmission technology offers both power and economy in a wide variety of driving scenarios by increasing driving performance at low speeds at time of start and reducing engine speeds in high gear at cruising speeds.

The removal of the clutch pedal has eliminated most of the hard work for drivers, creating an efficient, modern and trouble-free environment. This transmission has innovative features like Easy-Hill-Start, sequential shift, air-shift navigation, as well as an energy management feature that improves fuel economy in the top gear. Eco Roll mode, for instance, engages the neutral position in order not to travel against engine compressions. All these options are conveniently shown on a multi-functional display inside the cabin from which drivers can then select the appropriate mode.

UD Trucks’ GW26 450 Quon has a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 65 tonnes, as well as two 400-litre fuel tanks. As a long distance hauler, the GW26 450 Quon features comfortable sleeper cabs for a two-person crew, with two bunks available in the high roof version.

“Since the current Quon range’ launch in 2012, it has proven to be tailor-made for South African road and operating conditions,” said Carelse. “It is a durable and smart worker that aims to make any transport operation more profitable and successful through appropriate technology, economy, quality, reliability and shear toughness.”