Third name for Iveco’s off-road truck range
While the name is new, Iveco certainly isn’t a newcomer to the off-road game. The company launched the Iveco EuroTrakker range of quarry and construction site vehicles back in 1993.
Milestones include 1996 (when the range gained an 8x8 derivative), 2000 (when the trucks were equipped with new Cursor engines) and 2001 (when the EuroTronic2 automated transmission was presented).
In 2004, the truck was renamed the Trakker. It was subsequently renamed the New Trakker in 2007… and today it’s called the T-Way.
Irrespective of what it’s been called though, Iveco’s range of on/off highway trucks – spanning 4×4, 6×4, 6×6, 8×4 and 8x8 models – have been tailored to deliver in the harshest working environments. Iveco describes the truck as its “off-road legend” and, because it’s so tough, they actively encourage users to “treat it bad” in advertisements. So, what can we expect from the new range?
Designed and engineered for robustness
The T-Way may be new – but it’s carrying over the robustness of the Trakker’s high-resistance steel chassis with a 10 mm thick frame. The front axle has a maximum capacity of up to 9 tonnes. Hub reduction on the rear axle is standard to maximize strength and performance. A new heavy-duty rear suspension system for tandem axles optimises the vehicle’s weight and improves off-road performance with greater ground clearance and a better departure angle.
The T-Way delivers all the power needed for traction and PTO with Iveco’s Cursor 13 engine (13 litres) that develops up to 510 hp – exceeding the Trakker’s performance by 10 hp. For lighter-weight configurations, it is also available with the Cursor 9 engine.
Advanced transmission
The engines are coupled to the proven 12- and 16-speed Hi-Tronix automated gearbox, which now also features new functions specifically intended for off-road mobility. They include a hill holder function to help departure on steep slopes, rocking mode to help recover traction in slippery conditions, and creep mode for ultra-low speed when idling.
When the T-Way is on the road, the Hi-Cruise system further enhances the transmission’s efficiency thanks to its predictive gear shifting, predictive cruise control and an eco-roll function that uses the vehicle’s inertia when travelling downhill. A manual transmission will also be available.
Lower kerb weight
Significantly, the Iveco T-Way features a lower kerb weight (it’s 325 kg lower than the Trakker’s). One of the reasons is the new design of the tandem support on the rear axles, which is now a single-piece casting component.
Fully connected truck
The Iveco T-Way features the best-in-class connectivity that is the hallmark of the Way range through the standard Connectivity Box. The connectivity system provides tele diagnostics and predictive maintenance. It also enables fleet managers to monitor the performance of every vehicle at all times remotely to ensure maximum efficiency.
Great cab for drivers
The cab of the Iveco T-Way shares the driver-friendly design of the Iveco Way range, with its sleek, aerodynamic lines. Available in two versions – the AD short cab and AT long cab with standard or high roof – it is focused on functionality. The entire driver area has been created to provide a practical and easy-to-live-in environment. The comfortable and ergonomic driver’s seat, together with the new-concept multi-function steering wheel, ensure excellent driver comfort.
Good safety features
Safety features far exceed the type-approval requirements. The new braking system features EBS as standard, full disc brakes are available on PWD models, and new Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) are available across the range.
Coming to South Africa
The order books are already open for the Euro 6 trucks (in Europe). The Euro 3 and Euro 5 trucks – for the Middle East, Africa and Asia – will be in production by the end of the year. Production capacity is 4 500 T-Ways per year. It was very interesting to discover at the launch that they think that 40% of total production will stay in Europe, mainly in Italy and Romania.
But, of course, many of these off-road legends will find their way here too. On that note, next year is going to be busy for Iveco South Africa! It will launch the S-Way in February 2022. The T-Way will follow shortly thereafter. We look forward to taking it for a test drive.
