Scania is introducing its latest iteration of the G-series gearboxes for Scania Opticruise. The robust newcomer – named G38 – is specially developed for working together with Scania’s most powerful V8, the 3,700 Nm, 16 litre 770 hp top-of-the-line legend. Together they offer everything from fuel and weight savings to a smooth ride and great startability. 

G38 is explicitly developed for working in pair with Scania’s 770 hp V8. Able to handle 3,800 Nm – without added weight or dimensions. Fuel savings from reduced friction, wider range and the opportunity to select faster rear axle gearings while maintaining good startability. 

G38 is the latest and final iteration of the G-series gearboxes that was first intro-duced in 2019 (with the G33). It is tailor-made for handling the massive torque that Scania’s 770 hp V8 is producing. Despite being able to handle up to 3,800 Nm of torque, it features exactly the same dimensions and weight as the G33. So, how is it made? 

“It is basically about metallurgy, choosing more extreme steel qualities and applying   technologies such as cog polishing and shot peening for increasing the hardening and the durability of certain vital components” says Mats Henriksson, Development Engineer at Scania R&D. “We have also added extra oil channels for the most crucial parts, but that is all – the basic design of the G-series is very sturdy in itself”.

The G-series gearboxes are typically 60-70 kg lighter than the gearboxes they are replacing, mainly due to the all-aluminium housings and smaller overall dimen-sions. Another key achievement is lowered noise, a prerequisite for meeting future regulations. The gearshifts on these automated manual gearboxes are made by pneumatic actuators. By using shaft brakes, Scania’s engineers have been able to reduce the number of synchronisations, space that is used for wider cogs instead.

The G-series gearboxes can also be ordered as HD versions (Heavy Duty) and the G38 is no exception. As a G38CH, it will come with a wider planetary gear wheel for adding even more robustness. It increases the ability to handle high torque on the prop shaft also under the most demanding road conditions (typically where there are no “roads”). 

The G38 gearbox is shorter than the most common Scania gearbox for the same type of operation at present, GRSO926. A certain difference between them is that the G38 has only one built-in torque limitation: as little as 100 Nm of engine power is cut off at a certain gear & rpm point, something that the driver will hardly notice. The G38 offers 14 forward gears, including a super crawler and a direct gear, and the opportunity to specify up to 8 gears for going in reverse.