A Smart Truck with 10 Airbags: Sinotruk SITRAK's Impressive Configuration

On September 16 last year, China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC) launched its first - generation smart truck in Jinan. The vehicle, with a 4×2 drive format and numerous electronic - assisted driving systems, received extensive attention in the industry. At the recent Shanghai Auto Show, CNHTC showcased its "smart truck" again. Unlike the previous model, this one features a 6×4 drive format, air - spring suspensions on all three axles, an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), and a hydrodynamic retarder. It's likely the top - of - the - line Sinotruk SITRAK tractor currently available. Let's take a detailed look at this vehicle.

The vehicle is powered by the CNHTC MAN - technology MC13.54 - 50 engine, the most powerful mass - produced engine under CNHTC. It has an 80,000 - kilometer oil - change interval. This year, many vehicles with MAN - technology products have exceeded 1 million kilometers in mileage, proving the engine's reliability.

The transmission is CNHTC's own AMT, model HW25712XA. After an upgrade, its overall reliability and shifting logic have won users' acclaim. Rumors of Sinotruk SITRAK switching to a ZF AMT were refuted by CNHTC engineers at this year's business annual meeting, showing CNHTC's confidence in this transmission.

A Voith hydrodynamic retarder is paired with the transmission. According to CNHTC engineers, the retarder has high heat - dissipation requirements, and MAN - technology products excel in this aspect, resulting in a great match.

The rear axle is a MAN - technology MCY13Q dual - drive axle with a 2.85 gear ratio. The high - horsepower and small - gear - ratio powertrain enables the engine to maintain a high vehicle speed at a low RPM, achieving high - speed driving and fuel savings. The rear axle comes with SKF maintenance - free bearing units and an oil - filtered lubrication system, ensuring durability.

The original - factory tires are Pirelli AMARANTO tires, model 295/80R22.5. They offer strong grip and stability.

The chassis's highlight is the air - spring suspensions on all three axles. The front axle has two airbags, similar to passenger - car shock absorbers. The cab is connected to the frame by airbags, and with an air - spring seat, it ensures maximum comfort.

Both the front and rear of the vehicle are equipped with disc brakes. Thanks to the hydrodynamic retarder, which guarantees braking force, this brake combination is a future trend for trucks.

The vehicle has a 600L + 300L dual - fuel - tank design, providing a long driving range. This saves queuing time at gas stations, improves transportation efficiency, ensures fuel quality, and reduces costs.

It also features CNHTC's lightweight B - version frame. With aluminum - alloy wheels and air - spring suspensions, the vehicle's curb weight can be as low as 8.3 tons, a significant advantage for a 540 - horsepower 6×4 tractor.

Sinotruk SITRAK pays great attention to details like cable arrangement, reflecting excellent quality control and justifying its status as a mid - to - high - end product.

The vehicle uses the Sinotruk SITRAK high - roof flat - floor cab, which has become common on the road with the brand's rising sales in recent years, so we won't dwell on its appearance.

As a "smart truck," the cab's center console is richly equipped, exuding a high - tech feel. It's filled with numerous buttons for functions such as cruise control, ACC adaptive cruise control, hill - start assist, forward - collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane - departure warning, and vehicle - stability control. New drivers will need to study the manual.

There's a radar under the cab to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead and a camera in the middle of the windshield to monitor lane deviation.

The central control system can be connected to the "Smart CNHTC" platform. Besides navigation, it has the "CNHTC Intelligent Fleet Management System." With the "Smart CNHTC" mobile app, vehicle owners can check information like fuel consumption, driving habits, and malfunctions, helping drivers improve driving habits and reduce fuel consumption.

The multimedia large - screen and multifunctional steering wheel make driving a breeze.

The control lever for the hydrodynamic retarder is on the right side of the gear lever. The retarder's deceleration function strengthens as you move the lever downward.

The headlight control of Sinotruk SITRAK is a knob below the left side of the steering wheel. The left - side lever integrates the turn - signal and windshield - wiper controls, so many Sinotruk SITRAK models don't have a right - side lever. However, due to the hydrodynamic retarder, this vehicle has a control lever on the right side.

The driver's seat area is filled with a sense of technology, with an AMT shift lever, a hydrodynamic retarder control lever, and numerous buttons on the steering wheel and center console, which may evoke a sense of pride.

Behind the handbrake, there's an independent air - conditioner controller for easy temperature adjustment when the driver is resting on the sleeper berth.

The upper sleeper berth is equipped with a hydraulic rod, making it easier to lift and lower. Although not highly technological, this is a practical feature, demonstrating CNHTC's consideration for drivers' rest quality.

This Sinotruk SITRAK incorporates the latest technologies in its chassis components. Combined with various electronic - assisted driving systems, its performance is almost flawless. Notably, many of its core components are CNHTC's own products, achieving a good balance between cost and quality. As major manufacturers increasingly focus on the mid - to - high - end tractor market, Sinotruk SITRAK, with its existing market share, is set to leverage its accumulated advantages.