KAMAZ-54901 - what technologies did Russian engineers implement?

KAMAZ has long and deservedly been considered the flagship of the domestic truck industry. This is confirmed by numerous engineering and technical solutions that are not inferior to the world's leading brands. Another excellent example of this is the start of serial production of the new version of KAMAZ-54901, scheduled for mid-autumn this year.


It will be a truck tractor operating on a modern and highly environmentally friendly fuel - liquefied gas. Experts have already called it a Hi-Tech version of a similar diesel model. We will talk about its excellent parameters a little lower, but for now - a short digression into the history of the brand.

The youngest Soviet truck

For those who were born and raised in modern Russia, it seems that KAMAZ has always existed. Like the Kremlin, Red Square or Nevsky Prospekt. But what can you see if you watch famous films that tell about the difficult fate of a driver, filmed in the middle of the last century? "The Case of Rumyantsev" or "Spring on Zarechnaya Street" will remind us of the old "Lawns", ZILs and MAZs with a strange anachronistic cabin that have sunk into the past. What were the old KamAZ trucks like at that time? The answer will surprise someone - none!

Moderate fuel consumption and ultra-modern cab

If we return to the model to which today's material is devoted, then the first thing that experts admire is the new engine. The heart of KAMAZ-54901 was the R6 modification engine of the same name. And its main feature is high profitability. And if you add to this 450 “horses” under the hood and an automated gearbox from ZF Traxon, then it turns out very well.



It seems that the new brainchild of "Kama" will be able to conquer new heights in terms of comfort, reliability and efficiency. A cab designed to cutting-edge standards can provide both a more comfortable driving experience for the awake driver and a more comfortable sleep for the shift driver.

All this is achieved by sitting on an air suspension with a heating function and a 2-bed sleeper with orthopedic mattresses. Less fatigue during the period spent behind the steering wheel and better rest will definitely help reduce the number of accidents involving long-range trucks. Less fatigue means less chance of falling asleep while driving.

Add to this is an autonomous cabin heating, air conditioning and a steering wheel with a wide range of additional functions. No less striking is the set of on-board electronics. Available - 10-inch touchscreen multimedia system. In addition to the usual entertainment segment in the form of radio, MP3 and video viewing, there is also a navigator and a speakerphone. And yet - access to control data for other on-board systems. Completing this worthy set is an ergonomically mounted travel refrigerator.

1500 - without refueling!

One of the weak points of the period of transition to gas-balloon equipment was considered to be a decrease in the autonomous running time, compared to a classic diesel engine. Now engineers have taken the edge off the issue. For example, the model under consideration has two cryobaks with a total volume of 1060 liters.

This fact, as well as the Daimler HL6 hypoid bridge, will allow extending the KAMAZ travel range to one and a half thousand kilometers without additional refueling. An excellent indicator, which improved the data of the previous model by 10%. It will allow you to feel confident even in the Russian outback, where gas filling stations are located at a decent distance from each other.

Genuine media interest

Our colleagues who specialize in the automotive industry are very excited about the novelty and vying with each other to note its know-how and other positive aspects. So far, without the usual criticism - “what, they say, our people can do good” ?!

For example, a cabin with a frame borrowed from the fourth-generation Mercedes received favorable reviews from two “bisons of automotive journalism” at once. "Special equipment and commercial transport" and the magazine "Behind the wheel" noted not only the comfort when driving a car, but also the convenience of the design of the driver's working area.

The drivers themselves, who have already been behind the wheel of the novelty, put a flat floor and the ability to stand in the cab to their full height as a plus. The latter is very important for truckers, often literally living in the cab of their trailer.



It is not at all surprising that it is the new KAMAZ-54901 that will be nominated for the Grand Prix of the Za Rulem magazine in the Commercial Vehicles 2021 nomination. And the advanced features of on-board electronics, in turn, were liked by the experts of "Gruzovik Press".

Start of testing gas tractors

At the moment, only five test samples of this tractor have been manufactured. Each of them will be used to test a specific vehicle equipment. First, ADAS, the Advanced Driver Assistance System, will be tested and adjusted. Among its functions: an emergency braking system and automatic maintenance of a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Complementing the complete set is the function of keeping the car in the lane and adaptive cruise control.

Separately, the operation of the engine will be checked in various conditions and operating modes. Attention will also be drawn to the gearbox control system and other electronic components. In parallel, the process of certification of ongoing tests will go on. The entire volume of preparatory work should be completed by the beginning of the summer of 2022. After that, the stage of preparation for mass production of cars starts.

KAMAZ, according to the results of last year, showed a noticeable increase in production by 18%. This resulted in 44 new trucks hitting the roads of Russia and other countries. Of course, it does not do without well-deserved criticism. But, the new model, perhaps, will add popularity to the Kama plant and bring its products to a new level.



This will be facilitated by the compliance of the tractor engine with the level of international environmental requirements "Euro-6". Ultra-modern components of the gas supply system and engine control of the tractor helped to achieve such a high figure. The reduced compression ratio and progressive ignition system put it on a par with the world's leading manufacturers.

The novelty is already rushing to the European market

Deputy I. Valeev, the chief auto designer of the enterprise, does not hide the ambitions of his colleagues who plan to enter not only the domestic market or neighboring countries. The design features of the novelty meet all the technical requirements of the European market, so the prospect of its export to other European countries looks quite real.

If cars from the city on the Kama can successfully conquer the foreign market, this will not only bring additional funds, but also inspire local engineers to conquer new heights of technical improvement. A worthy image of our automotive industry in the European expanses can also be a pleasant bonus to the above.

Someone can't wait to get behind the wheel and try this handsome man in action? Be patient and wait a little more. It seems that hopes will not be deceived and the Russian auto industry will release a worthy model on the track.