2012 Iveco Powerstar Review

Powerstar 6400
With a tare weight of less than 7500kg, the new Powerstar 6400 offers maximum payload capacity, along with driver comfort.

There is a choice of engine options with a power of 450-500hp, and torque of up to 1696 Ib/ft. Four wheelbases and three different cab configurations are available. The Eaton Roadranger transmission is also available with the Cursor 13 engine.

Powerstar 7200
The Australian designed and manufactured Powerstar now offers the operator its traditional driver comfort and outstanding ergonomics, with the addition of a complete American driveline.
The engineering team at Iveco Trucks Australia has coupled the ubiquitous 18-speed Eaton/Fuller Roadranger manual transmission to the Powerstar's 7200 Cummins ISX power plant. This new specification now gives the operator two choices of transmission types, either the seamless, slick-shifting EuroTronic automated transmission or the manual shift Roadranger.

Iveco Trucks Australia's Managing Director, Danilo Salvatore Martelli says, "While the Powerstar has been well accepted with its automated transmission specification, some operators have been asking us for the tried and true 18-speed Roadranger manual transmission as an option, in order to satisfy driver acceptance and transmission compatibility within a fleet.

"It is now an option in our range, giving Powerstar an all American driveline - Cummins engine, Eaton Fuller transmission and Meritor rear axles with Hendrickson Primaax air suspension."

The Cummins 15-litre ISX four-stroke diesel engine is turbocharged and after cooled with electronically controlled direct fuel injection. It uses Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) emissions control. Maximum output is 362kW at 2000rpm with a corresponding torque rating of 2508Nm at 1400rpm. Optional engine ratings are available at either 392kW with 2508Nm or 410kW with 2508Nm.

The optional Roadranger transmission lifts the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) rating from 90 tonnes to 106 tonnes for road train application.

The Powerstar range gives operators a smorgasbord of choice with 13-litre or 15-litre engines, giving horsepower ratings from 450 to 560 - the EuroTronic 16-speed two-pedal or Roadranger manual 18-speed three-pedal transmission.

Cabs
There's also a choice of three cab configurations - slimline day, sleeper conventional or high roof. To comply with 34-pallet B-double requirements, IVECO has configured the Cummins ISX powered version with a clear back of cab specification, this includes a horizontal exhaust, relocated and recessed trailer connections, three square fuel tanks with 500-litre capacity for each, and with a shorter and scalped aero kit.

There are two wheelbase lengths and a selection of round and square fuel tanks of varying capacities. Also Alcoa plain or Durabright polished alloy wheels are on the option menu.

The Powerstar is available in 6x4 day cab Active Day configuration, and as a low-roof or medium-roof Active Time sleeper cab. All share a wide, 2.3-metre cab with a flat floor allowing easy access, as well as the Australian-developed wraparound dash that places all important information and controls with easy driver access in mind. The Active Time's large, comfortable lower bunk can be supplemented in the medium-roof sleeper version with an upper bunk.

The Powerstar cab integrates Australian design with a sturdy European interior that provides the last word in interior comfort, luxury and functionality. A spacious, fully equipped interior provides the perfect working environment whether it be for long-distance work, or heavy-duty day cab applications. The ISRI driver's suspension seat combines with a fully adjustable steering wheel to ensure maximum comfort, while wide-opening doors with low-level windows combine easy access with good visibility.

The four-point cab suspension was developed specifically for Australian conditions, while the interior is fitted out in a way that ensures maximum comfort - notably thanks to the flat floor - and minimum driver fatigue. The wrap-around dash places all controls within easy reach, while the Iveco colour display screen provides at-a-glance information on all important operating parameters.

Driveline
Iveco Powerstar's advanced drivelines ensure maximum efficiency, durability and low maintenance costs through the combination of Iveco's powerful and highly efficient Cursor engines and the smooth EuroTronic II automated constant mesh transmission in 16-speed overdrive form. While EuroTronic II's electronically controlled gearshifts maximise both performance and fuel economy, the driver is able to select gears manually when circumstances require. The 7200 is also available with the Roadranger 18-speed transmission.
Powerstar Active Day and Active Time are equipped with standard differential locks and Knorr front disc brakes. The standard ABS braking system uses a two-circuit design offering greater efficiency and lower weight.
Rear Axles
The Powerstar uses Meritor rear axles with driver-controlled differential locks and capacity ratings of up to 20.9 tonnes.
Suspension
The Powerstar has been engineered and assembled at Iveco Australia's Dandenong manufacturing plant, to ideally suit the rigors of the harsh Australia environment and road system. The result is a well-sprung strengthened chassis with compatible shock absorber ratings. The steering geometry has been reset and fine-tuned to give the driver a confident positive feel as he guides it along the blacktop.
The Powerstar's Australian-developed high-tensile steel chassis is designed to meet the challenges dished out by this country's demanding operating environment. It combines strength and durability with significant tare weight advantages. Hendrickson Primaax PAX 460 18-tonne air suspension is standard.

Braking System
Powerstar's North American two-circuit anti-lock braking system reduces overall complexity, which results in payoffs where reliability and maintenance costs are concerned. Front Knorr disc brakes are standard on all models, while rear Knorr disc brakes are optionally available.

Engine
Powerstar encompasses the best components from overseas with local design, engineering and manufacturing to meet the unique requirements of Australia's bonneted operators. The Euro 4 emissions compliant SCR Cursor engine gains both higher power outputs and also incorporates numerous changes that improve operational aspects while maximising economy. Powerstar offers the choice of power rating including 450hp, 500hp or 560hp form.

Selective Catalytic Reduction is the technology that Iveco has chosen to meet the EURO 4 and EURO 5 emissions standards across its range of Stralis, Powerstar and Eurocargo models. Based on AdBlue, SCR represents the technology of the future. The SCR system not only cleans the exhaust emission as required by law, but also improves the performance of the vehicle, whatever the conditions, by cutting maintenance costs, as well as increasing the power and life cycle of the engine and by reducing fuel consumption.

Summary
The Powerstar 7200 has been engineered and assembled at IVECO Australia's Dandenong manufacturing plant, to ideally suit the rigors of the harsh Australia environment and road system. The result is a well-sprung strengthened chassis with compatible shock absorber ratings. The steering geometry has been reset and fine-tuned to give the driver a confident positive feel as he guides it along the blacktop.

The Powerstar can do any transport task required of it within its specifications, while giving the operator a quiet and comfortable working environment to minimise fatigue. For a bonneted truck it offers excellent forward vision for the driver, with a bonnet that slopes away from the windscreen. The 7200's applications include tipper, prime mover and 26m B-Double.