Scania S-series V8 50th anniversary

Scania (Great Britain) launched a limited edition of the S-series V8 in September 2019 to mark 50 years since the engine’s debut in 1969. The run comprised 25 S-series Highline tractor units, offered in two-axle or three-axle format, and each truck was individually numbered. The edition was open for orders at launch, with deliveries reportedly starting from mid-November 2019.

The trucks were offered in a choice of three anniversary colours: Ruby Red, Arctic Silver and Sapphire Blue. In the press photos the red truck carries a gold V8 emblem and gold striping on the cab side. Each truck had anniversary cab badges showing its individual edition number, badged hub caps and mudflaps with the 1969-2019 anniversary logo, and exclusive puddle lights.

The edition also received Scania’s V8 styling package, which includes chrome trim on the grille air intakes, side windows and door handles, and a rectangular exhaust pipe on the left side.

Inside, the cab has a specially designed 50th V8 anniversary badge, the V8’s chrome door sill strip and styled pedals with rubber pads. The embossed leather seats carry red V8 stitching. The equipment includes a microwave oven, a coffee machine and a large-screen infotainment system, and every owner received a numbered certificate.

Engine and gearbox data specific to the edition were not published. The V8 range on sale at the time used a 16.4-litre (1,001 cu in) engine in four power steps of 520, 580, 650 and 730 hp (382, 427, 478 and 537 kW). The 730 hp version combined SCR and EGR to meet Euro 6, while the lower-powered versions used SCR only.

The first Scania V8 appeared in 1969 with 14.2 litres (867 cu in), 350 hp (257 kW) and 1,245 Nm (918 lb-ft). It was developed because operators wanted more than the 11-litre inline-six could deliver. The DC16 family of 2000 had 15.6 litres (952 cu in), 580 hp (427 kW) and 2,700 Nm (1,991 lb-ft).

Vincente Connolly, UK sales director of Scania (Great Britain), described the V8 as “regarded by many as the King of the Road”. He said the engine accounts for a significant proportion of Scania’s UK sales, especially among long-haul operators in Scotland and Northern Ireland. He advised interested customers to contact their local dealer as soon as possible.

Related models:
Scania R-series / S-series