Trucker magazine Supertest - MAN TGX 18.480
MAN has developed another new version of its D26 six-cylinder. It is designed to significantly reduce consumption and has new improved aerodynamic features.
Extracts below taken directly from the Trucker magazine Supertest (published 11/2022)
MAN has developed another new version of its D26 six-cylinder. It is designed to significantly reduce consumption and has new improved aerodynamic features.
This will certainly have come as a surprise to many MAN fans. Many of them would probably have bet on seeing the new VW Group engine under the TGS and TGX cabs at IAA Transportation in Hanover. After all, the in-line six developed by Group company Scania has been powering the Swedish manufacturer’s truck models for over a year now. But at MAN, the corporate headquarters in Munich told us when asked that the changeover announced will not happen until 2024. Until then, the trusty D26 six-cylinder will keep its job in the Lion’s engine room.
New Record Consumption
When it comes to efficiency, our definite advice is not to interfere with the truck’s fuel saving systems as they do their jobs. You may – the electronic systems contribute to the MAN paying less frequent visits to the filling station. On the TRUCKER Supertest route, the 480 TGX set a new consumption record (see graph on Page 6), an impressive demonstration that MAN’s six-cylinder is not ready for the scrap heap by a long way
Extensive Redesign
But that certainly doesn't mean that the MAN developers have been idle. In fact they have completed a major update to the D26. Among other things, new smooth-running pistons are designed to reduce frictional losses inside the engine to a minimum. Meanwhile, the developers have optimised the cylinder head in terms of gas transfer and used new piston bowl geometry to make combustion more efficient. These two changes are intended to reduce the thermal load on the entire system.
Unfortunately No Quieter
To prove that the improvements really do pay off in reality, MAN has put forward a TGX 18.480 GM to be the first of the new models to undergo a TRUCKER Supertest. What you notice immediately when you turn the ignition key is that the update hasn’t changed anything about the fundamental character of the D26. The combustion sound of the in-line six sounds like it always did and, unfortunately, can still be clearly heard in the test vehicle's GM cab.
Multiple Fuel Saving Systems
Particularly with the pressure of scheduled cargo, this Eco system could well grate on drivers’ nerves, and many will counter that by switching to a different driving program. This can be done at any time using the rotary controller on the right control stalk – unless the fleet manager has had the alternative driving programs specially blocked by MAN.
If you would like to see more, please read the full article as attached.
