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Shogun returns – the most advanced Japanese truck ever



The legendary Shogun is back. Armed with six active safety systems, superior comfort, and an all new powertrain with class-leading Euro 6 emissions, this new generation heavyweight is head and shoulders above its predecessors – and the competition.


Shogun represents the pinnacle of current, ready-for-market FUSO-Daimler engineering. Tested over 3.3 million kilometres in Japan and 150,000km on New Zealand roads, in tipper and line-haul applications, this heavy-duty pioneer is ready to hit the ground running.


“We are very excited to be bringing Shogun back to New Zealand as the most advanced Japanese truck ever,” said Fuso NZ managing director Kurtis Andrews. “It’s an iconic name with an impressive legacy and the new-generation model is sure to add to its prestige.


“Stacked with leading technology and an all-new powertrain, Shogun is way ahead of the pack for safety, comfort and economy. Its new ShiftPilot transmission mapping, customised for New Zealand conditions, is a huge step up and drivers will appreciate the significantly quicker gear shifts – twice as fast as in the HD.”


With an extensive range of safety systems and a premium interior, Shogun will appeal equally to drivers who want a safe and comfortable work environment, and operators whose staff are their most valuable asset.


“Shogun is also the only heavy-duty Japanese truck that meets strict Euro 6 emission standards. That’s down to the highly efficient 10.7L OM470 engine and G230/G330 ShiftPilot automated manual transmission.


“Closely related to the hugely respected 11-litre Detroit DD11, the OM470 is cleaner and leaner than anything previously seen in a FUSO, with all the muscle required to get the job done. It comes with the added benefit of a Jake engine brake, which is a good win for our customers.


“Testing across a range of New Zealand conditions, we’ve seen a 20% reduction in fuel use over the HD. Engineered to return swiftly on operator investment, Shogun represents a new level for FUSO and our customers. This is what we mean when we say that ‘We look after our own’.


“In addition to all of these benefits, we’re offering an extended 5yrs / 500,000km warranty as standard across the range. Simply have your Shogun serviced at an authorised FUSO Service Centre, at the recommended servicing intervals, and you are covered by an additional 2yrs / 250,000km on top of the first 3yrs / 250,000km.”


Safety and comfort front of mind:


As part of the Daimler group – the largest truck manufacturer in the world – FUSO has access to the latest safety systems, which feature across the new Shogun range.


Shogun’s impressive list of safety features includes an Electronic Brake System (EBS) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Active Emergency Braking, which combine with a Lane Departure Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control to improve handling and prevent or mitigate collisions.


Further protection is provided by Active Attention Assist (AAA) – an advanced driver fatigue monitoring system that employs multiple inputs to alert drivers if they show signs of drowsiness.


The new 2.5m-wide cab, with its optimised leather steering wheel and instrument layout, puts ease of operation and driver comfort first.


A large centre multifunction display gives drivers all the information they need, accessed via controls on the steering wheel. All switches are situated within easy reach, with the ShiftPilot stalk control on the left-hand side of the steering column.


A new electric twin mirror system provides a larger viewing area than its predecessor with a separate lower spotter.


Getting to the newly contoured and cushioned air-suspension seat is a breeze, thanks to an extended hand rail and generous, lower entry steps (with lights for added assistance).


An all-black interior lends a premium feel, while a keyless operating system with one-touch push button engine start adds to the hassle-free operation.


New for Shogun is a lower floor and cab height for the 400hp model, which provides easy access and improved cab clearance for those hard-to-access areas.


FUSO’s ‘Silent Cabin Package’ has been specified for all models, including additional sound-deadening material and a thicker rear mattress to minimise engine noise into the cab and reduce driver fatigue.


Built to ECE-R29 European strength standards, the cab features door side impact beams and a front underrun protector beam. Inside, additional passive safety features include a driver airbag and a large 7” touchscreen media unit supplied with a high definition Infrared reversing camera.


The media unit also works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for hands-free calls and text-to-speech functionality.


An Emergency Stopping Signal (flashing brake lights), speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, ABS, traction control, inter-axle diff lock, trailer brake, brake override system, auto-sensing and levelling XtraVision LED headlights and auto-wipers round out Shogun’s standard safety package.


Optional extras include up to four additional multimedia display cameras, reversing sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.


Power and efficiency – to Euro 6 standard


The new Euro 6 OM470 10.7L diesel is the cleanest, most efficient powerplant ever seen in a FUSO – 170kg lighter than the OM457 used in HD, this is a compact, lightweight unit with heavyweight capability across two output options.


The OM470-T2 model has a maximum output of 398hp / 2,011Nm, while the more powerful T4 model delivers up to 460hp / 2,213Nm.


At first glance, that might appear modest for a truck that pulls 60T uphill with ease – yet its quicker response and smoother running performance gives it the edge over its predecessor.


A hallmark of the very latest generation Detroit-designed engine is a very steep rise in torque and horsepower in the middle rev range, resulting in maximum power at a low 1600rpm. A look at the power curve illustrates how the engine attains its maximum power more or less constantly across a broad engine range from 1450rpm to 1900rpm.


With its Detroit heritage, the OM470 has that legendary delivery of torque and the ability to hang in there when the going gets tough. The torque curve peaks at 1100rpm but is available almost constantly from 900rpm to 1400rpm, offering excellent driveability across a wide rev range.


In terms of efficiency, it’s way ahead. The all-new X-Pulse Common Rail Injection System controls injector pressure and volume for optimum combustion at a lower temperature and with a shorter after-burn period, reducing harmful exhaust gases (NOx) and particulate matter. At start-up, on light throttle loads and in other appropriate conditions, the OM470 runs on three cylinders to further improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions.


The engine is also fed by an asymmetric fixed turbine turbocharger, with two scrolls in the turbine – one large, one small – to improve air suction for a more efficient combustion process. Exhaust gas flows independently through each scroll, feeding the EGR system and turbine wheel respectively.


The fixed geometry design, with the omission of a wastegate valve, controls the boost pressure using the EGR system, which helps to reduce the engine’s complexity.


Another feature of the OM470’s Detroit heritage, is the inclusion of the most respected name in engine brake design – Jacobs (or Jake). In conjunction with the four valve DOHC design, OM470 delivers a powerful 460hp retardation with three levels of adjustment. With this sort of retardation, there is no need for an exhaust brake.


ShiftPilot AMT – smooth and economical


A major part of Shogun’s reduced fuel consumption is the brand-new ShiftPilot automated manual transmission mapping.


Customised for New Zealand road conditions, following more than 150,000km of testing, this third-generation G230 transmission (G330 on the FV2446 Hi Top line haul model) features 12 forward and 2 reverse gears with automatic selection of the right gear for the truck’s speed.


A major improvement over the HD, this smooth and efficient system, with 0.6 sec shift speeds – twice as fast as HD – helps reduce driver fatigue through ease of operation (from a stalk switch on the left of the steering column) and improves fuel economy in one hit.


Standard and Power modes enable optimal performance in even the most challenging conditions, alongside the fuel-saving Eco Mode 3.0 (Eco Roll and Eco-Cruise).


Eco Roll employs a neutral gear when travelling on a slight downhill – providing fuel savings by reducing engine drag torque.


The new mapping, combined with the faster shift speeds, provides huge improvements in acceleration, response and gear selection.


Manual mode gives drivers the option to perform on-demand operations as required.


Further driver assistance is provided through Rock Free Mode and Crawler Mode.


Rock Free Mode literally rocks the vehicle back and forth to escape from wet, muddy terrain. The clutch disengages as soon as the foot is released from the accelerator pedal and vice versa. Pushing on and off the accelerator pedal rocks the vehicle, allowing it to escape.


Crawler Mode has been vastly improved from HD, allowing for slower and more controlled maneuvering operation.


Eco-Cruise can be selected to further improve fuel consumption. This will allow a wider range of speed variance (selected by the driver) before responding to give a more relaxed and fuel-efficient cruise on typical NZ rolling roads.


Lower maintenance costs


Engineered for maximum efficiency and performance, and built with better-quality, longer-lasting parts, Shogun has been designed to reduce running costs at every turn.


The headline cost saving is a reduction in fuel use over HD of up to 20% – as demonstrated during testing in New Zealand – but there are several other areas of economy.


Brake part life is extended thanks to the highly efficient Jake brake providing up to 460hp stopping power and a high percentage of braking overall.


Even the air compressor is SMART controlled to disengage when not required, further increasing fuel efficiency.


FUSO high-grade engine oil and Mercedes-Benz synthetic oil in the transmission and differential allows for improved performance and extended oil change intervals up to 60,000km on some applications. A safety inspection and greasing at 15,000km intervals is required to maintain reliability and warranty coverage.


Shogun range:


There will be nine Shogun variants in the initial line-up, including four 400hp models. Additional FS 8x4 air-suspension models in both standard and Hi Top options will be available later in the year.


The range employs a state-of-the-art CAN bus, which provides a robust and seamlessly integrated communication network between all Shogun’s sensors and control units.


All models are underpinned by the legendary FUSO SuperFrame chassis, with its single skin and rivetless top flange, and sit on 22.5 x 8.25” Alcoa alloys shod with either 295/80R22.5/11R22.5 or 275/70R22.5 tyres.


Alcoa alloys are standard across the range – another feature that puts Shogun ahead of other Japanese trucks on the market.


Long taper leaf front suspension with double-acting shock absorbers is also standard, with the option of FUSO six-rod steel suspension or height adjustable airbag suspension on the rear, depending on model.



Advanced safety focus


Packed with a host of active and passive safety features, Shogun is one of the safest trucks on New Zealand’s roads.

Electronic Brake System (EBS)


Electronically controls the brake pressure at each wheel to provide optimised, balanced stopping power, regardless of loading and road conditions. This is in addition to the standard ABS system.


Electronic Stability Control (ESC)


ESC employs a steering sensor and yaw rate sensor to detect loss of control or the onset of rollover. This information is relayed to the ESC controller, which reduces engine torque and applies appropriate brake force to individual wheels to aid steering control and improve stability.


Active Brake Assist (ABA4)


ABA4 helps to avoid or mitigate collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles – at speeds up to 80km/h – by using a radar to monitor the road ahead.

The radar triggers visual and audio warnings followed by partial or full emergency braking, depending on proximity to the obstacle ahead.


Lane Departure Warning System


LDWS operates at speeds over 60km/h to reduce the risk of lane departure accidents caused by distraction or fatigue.

A camera behind the windscreen detects lane markings and triggers visual and audio alerts if the vehicle crosses without the indicator deployed or an intended steering wheel movement.


Active Attention Assist (Driver Fatigue Monitoring)


This system employs a range of inputs from monitoring steering behaviour, the truck’s path between lane markings and the driver’s head position and eye movement to register signs of driver fatigue and issue an alert if these are detected.


Proximity Control Assist (Adaptive Cruise Control)


Automatically adapts the truck’s speed through accelerator and brake control to maintain safe proximity to the vehicle in front.

The system incorporates a stop-and-go function, which brings the truck to a complete stop if the vehicle in front stops and slowly pulls away when the vehicle in front starts to move ahead. This technology has huge benefits in stop/go traffic and helps reduce driver fatigue.


7” Touchscreen Media Unit with Reversing Camera


This class-leading, new system with steering wheel controls for safe operation, features an on-dash screen, which relays images from the high-definition, infrared reversing camera, and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for hands-free talking text-to-speech functionality. It is also compatible with other approved phone apps such as Google Maps and Spotify.

Four additional cameras, reverse sensors and tyre pressure monitoring are optional extras, along with truck specific navigation.

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