Scania Australia is adding even more torque to its urban friendly P-cab range with the arrival of the 500 hp (368 kW) 6-cylinder, 500 P SUPER.

The standout feature of this 12.74-litre Euro 6 engine is its torque, offering 2650 Nm (1955 lb/ft) between 900 and 1320 rpm, beating its European rivals hands-down in terms of twist.

In fact, rivals with even significantly higher hp outputs cannot match the 500 P’s grunt, and with gearing selected for Australian operating conditions, the 500 P will cruise at 100 km/h at just 1191 rpm, delivering sensational fuel efficiency, and of course fewer emissions.

“Adding the 500 hp engine to top our P-cab SUPER range is like adding a GTI to our regional and urban delivery truck line up,” says Benjamin Nye, Sales Director for Scania Trucks.

“The torque curve is actually a torque straight. It’s as flat as a pancake from 900-1320 rpm, and what this means on the road is effortless driveability. The 500 P will eat hills for breakfast and head to the mountains for a snack before lunch,” Ben says.

“We anticipate the 500 P will appeal strongly to operators who are involved in urban and regional delivery, and we expect it to be a hit with single or B-double trailer combinations with weights up to 70-tonnes, perhaps transporting one or two containers off the wharf to distribution centres, for example.

“It’s the ultimate in flexibility, with a big tick for OH&S-friendly access, especially with its low entry point, essential for delivery drivers entering and exiting the vehicle multiple times per day,” Ben says.

Scania will offer the 500 P SUPER engine in the usual variety of axle configurations for both prime mover and rigid applications.

“Customers can order the 500 P as a 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 8x2 and 8x4, even a 10x4 with lazy or steerable tag axles, as well as a range of cabs from day cabs to sleepers, so it’s really a master of all trades,” Ben says.

“Like with all Scania trucks, we have the full range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems onboard, including the latest blind spot and vulnerable road user radar warning systems, as well as our industry-leading standard rollover protecting side curtain airbags fitted above each door, which in service in Australia have saved a number of lives and reduced serious injuries,” he says.

The new generation six-cylinder 13-litre double overhead camshaft SUPER engine range has been a super success in Australia for Scania since launch around two years ago. The factory claim of an 8% fuel consumption reduction has been more than met by many operators, some experiencing significant double-digit improvements over older Scania vehicles on their fleet.

Scania’s reimagining of the 13-litre engine added new dual over-head camshafts, optimised injectors, improved combustion, an optimised high-pressure fuel pump, improved cooling and lubrication, increased turbocharger efficiency, and a state-of-the-art engine management system.

The SUPER’s engine-integrated compression release brake (CRB) system introduces powerful auxiliary braking capacity up to 350 kW – delivering a smoother and safer drive. Enabled through the SUPER’s cylinder head design, the optional, low-weight CRB can even replace or complement the Scania R4700D retarder depending on your operation.

“The Super 13-litre engine truly sets a new industry-leading fuel economy standard,” Ben says, “It’s the most advanced combustion engine we have ever built, featuring

significant improvements in combustion and aspiration performance, lubrication and cooling, and off course turbocharging efficiency. It also features industry-leading engine technologies, such as the Scania Twin SCR system, and a new, powerful engine management system to ensure the engine’s superior total operating economy under all conditions.

“Feedback from customers suggests notable improvements in driveability, fuel efficiency, smoothness and critically important for fleet operators, driver acceptance and happiness behind the wheel. Not only does the SUPER range enhance productivity, reduce emissions and keep drivers happy, but it also looks good on the bottom line, thanks to longer maintenance intervals boosting truck availability or uptime,” Ben says.

Naturally, the 500 P SUPER engine is mated to Scania’s new G33 14-speed automated Opticruise gearbox platform, delivering superfast and super slick shifting in combination with excellent comfort and an additional fuel saving contribution of one percent over the previous generation gearbox. 

The Opticruise’s fully automated clutch control, which allows for precision manoeuvring and smoother gear performance, is complemented by widely spaced gears (including super crawler and overdrive) as well as up to eight reverse gears, and new technologies such as variable oil volume and oil spray function to improve gear lubrication and reduce internal losses. The low weight cast aluminium gearbox housing is 75 kg lighter, has longer maintenance intervals and is also quieter in operation.

The new 500 P is available to order from Scania now, with deliveries commencing at the start of 2025.The 500 P will be one of Scania Australia’s star attractions at the Brisbane Truck Show in May 2025.