Powertrain, a European specialist magazine focused on engines in industrial and automotive applications, has awarded the new Scania Next Generation DC13 as the Diesel of The Year 2023. This new engine platform offers unparalleled efficiency to save fuel and reduce CO₂ emissions. 

You think of Scania and link that brand to the “premium” identity of a truck, especially the heavy long-haulers. You think back to Scania trucks, lift the bonnet and find one of the trio: 9-, 13- and the “ethernal” 16-litre V8. From 2023 onwards, when you take a moment to think about Scania, your thoughts will also have to turn to the Griffin’s status among industrial applications. The Next Generation DC13, an evolution of the DC13, was awarded the 18^th Diesel of the Year. 

For the very first time, Scania has entered its name on the palmares, overturning an ostracism that is not due to any prejudice, but to the simple fact that until now the Diesel of the Year has rewarded a newly designed engine block (in the present and near future much will depend on the extent and speed of the haemorrhage of investment in endothermic engines). The key yardstick for this award, however, continues to be the principle of innovation. And the Next Generation DC13 performs this in the best possible way. In Södertälje they have optimised the cylinder of the 13-litre (BxS 130×160 mm) and overturned the engine block, which has achieved an outstanding efficiency target. 

The enhanced gas exchange system, reduced internal friction, and increased turbocharger efficiency all have a positive impact on the fuel-efficiency. The specific consumption curve is drawn in such a way as to enhance the sobriety of the combustion cycle. Road tests, carried out on trucks on commercial routes, not conceived for the simple use of marketing data sheets, confirmed the values recorded on the test bench: the reduction in consumption can be accounted for, on average, between 8% and 10%. The time between overhauls is up to 25,000 hours. The 13-litre engine has a power range from 368 kW to 450 kW and delivers up to 11 percent more power and 21 percent more torque than DC13. 

The 13-litre engine is Scania’s most powerful platform ever. Gaining benefits from decades of Swedish in-house engineering experience, Scania has obtained unparalleled engine performance: increased power up to 450kW power output that corresponds to 11% more than the current DC13 (405kW); best in class power density with 35,4 kW/L; 21% more torque (3001 Nm) than the current DC13; and high torque at low revs (2660Nm at 900rpm) are some of the main technical specifications of this new generation.  

This award is first and foremost an acknowledgement of Scania’s massive investment. Shipyard and power generation OEMs will have the chance to meet and appreciate the frugality of an engine that aims to reduce CO₂ impact without the need for huge infrastructural investment and regulations alchemy. The specific curves stand up to a peer-to-peer comparison (we have already proven this with an 11-litre diesel engines comparison. Scania’s plan has in fact included a modular, scaled-down 5-cylinder version). Rise is promising, making it easier to approach both translation and peak loads. The engine configuration, features and specific performances are fit to face a triple challenge, for the survival of ICE in a holistic perspective: to accomplish the future Euro 7 and Stage VI parameters (if there will be any); to “digest” HVO and biogenic and paraffinic fuels; to embrace electrification.