In Japan, Fuso has unveiled a new powertrain for its light duty truck range. Based on the 3 litre 4P10 engine, the system uses Daimler’s BlueTec SCR system to control exhaust gas emissions.
The truck is also fitted with the Duonic dual clutch transmission, the first time such a transmission has been used in a commercial vehicle. Fuso claims the new powertrain can offer an overall 8-10% reduction in fuel consumption when compared to current Japanese specification vehicles.
The 4P10 engine has been jointly developed by Fuso and Fiat Powertrain Technology and has been fitted in Fuso Canter models sold on the European market since August 2009. The engine is also sold, by Fiat, to a number of European van manufacturers. It uses a variable geometry turbocharger and a common rail fuel injection system fitted with piezo injectors. There is also an EGR system with improved cooling and a ‘regeneration DPF’ to help meet the new exhaust gas emission regulations to be introduced in Japan next year.
The Duonic six speed automated dual clutch type manual transmission has been developed by Fuso. It is claimed to achieve minimal ‘shift shock’ resolving the problem of torque interruption when changing gear. The electronic control systems use fuzzy logic to estimate vehicle load, speed and driving conditions to improve transmission control. The system uses a wet clutch enabling a creep mode to be available when maneuvering the vehicle at slow speeds.