Scania has returned to the No. 1 spot in the world’s most powerful mass-produced truck honours – reclaiming the lead from Volvo with a new V8 that produces 770 horsepower and a whopping 3700 Newton metres of peak torque.
Scania, now part of the Traton Group, used to hold the king of the road honours…..until Volvo launched its 750hp D16 engine in its FH, back in 2012. Eighteen months earlier, Scania’s 730hp V8 had similarly taken the glory from Volvo’s FH16 700.
Scania has taken a lowkey approach in launching the new range-topping 770 S flagship – its press release refraining from headlining its world-beating status….just mentioning that the four new V8s come in 530-770hp ratings and terming it “a lineup of unsurpassed V8 power.”
It then points out that the new V8s “not only offer record level power, but vastly improved fuel efficiency as well: The total savings can reach up to 6%, or even more, under the right conditions and when Scania’s also-new G33 gearbox is used.
Scania exec VP and head of sales and marketing Alexander Vlaskamp is even quick to point out that the 770hp/574kilowatts V8, with its 2728 lb ft/3700Nm of peak torque, “is, of course, not for everyone – but we see a growing demand for trucks capable of handling gross train weights of 60 tonnes and above, especially for roadgoing combinations.
“The fastest way to increase transport efficiency is with longer and heavier truck combinations. The added fuel for a heavier vehicle is compensated by the greater payload capacity. The CO2-per-tonne calculation is favourable, and in addition there is the opportunity to run your Scania V8 truck on renewable biofuels.”
“We have a clear picture of where the first 770hp trucks will start making a difference,” says Vlaskamp, adding: “There is a strong rationale for ordering such a truck. These customers are looking for the best total operating economy, well aware of the fact that more payload means better efficiency, increased revenue and higher residual value.” 
Finally, he concedes: “But I know that some of our customers also will become extra heartened by the sheer joy and emotion of operating such a magnificent working tool.”
Scania says that the fuel savings delivered by its new V8s are the result of “extensive fine-tuning and development by Scania’s engineers, involving technologies in the forefront of internal combustion engine development.” 
Among the improvements – made possible by more than 70 new parts – are reduced internal friction, higher compression ratios, improved aftertreatment systems and a powerful new engine management system.
The new engines are announced alongside the introduction of the first model in a new range of gearboxes – replacements for the current Opticruise automated transmissions. 
Scania says it has invested more than 400 million Euros on the new range of automated gearboxes, which have been designed for drivability and sustainability – ensuring that “Scania’s successful, low-rev and fuel-efficient powertrains maintain their lead this decade.”
They deliver up to a 1% reduction in fuel consumption, quieter operation and improved shifting. They also have improved retarder capacity.
The first of them is the G33CM AMT – for use with the new V8s and Scania’s high-output, 500hp and 540hp 13-litre engines.
Vlaskamp says the introduction of the new transmission “adds yet another vital Scania component to remaining highly competitive in ICE (internal combustion engine)-based powertrains all the way up to 2030.
“The new gearbox range is a prime example of Scania’s technological excellence, bringing increased fuel and transport efficiency to our customers in a sustainable way.
“A core feature is the wider spread, making them better suited to meet our low-rev engines with extended economy-gearing and reduced fuel consumption.”
The new V8 range won’t be available in New Zealand until late next year.