Euro 6 Volvo B5LH Specification vs Euro 5 Volvo B9TL
Euro 6 Volvo B5LH
Length 10.5m
Engine Volvo I-Sam parallel hybrid system with the Volvo D5K, 5 Litre Euro 6 with 160 Hp electric motor
Power 240 Hp
Brakes Electronically controlled disc brakes (EBS), Brake Blending Function
Transmission 12 speed I-Shift automatic Transmission
Body Options Wrightbus
Euro 5 B9TL
Engine: Volvo D9B 260 hp (1100 Nm), 310 hp (1400 Nm)
Emissions class: Euro 4/Euro 5 incentive/EEV
Power: 260hp = 1100Nm - 310hp = 1400Nm
Gross vehicle weight (GVW): 19 tonnes (2 axle), 23.3 tonnes (3 axle)
Transmission: ZF and Voith automatic transmissions with integrated retarder.
Suspension: Electronically controlled air suspension with ferry lift and kneeling facility
Braking system: EBS, Disc brakes, ABS
Fuel tanks: 325 or 470 litres
In all honesty I don't think the B5TL/B5LH could cope on the X1 with Various Hill Climbs at for example the Q.E./Washy Highway up to Shiney Row, then up to Newbottle, then from Houghton to Easington Lane, I think it would be a Bad Move from GNE, Plus there is nothing wrong with the B9TL's on the X1. Why can't GNE just invest in New Buses Directly for the X21 instead of giving it Cascades, As they would be simply costing themselves more Money by Repainting the current B9TL's on the X1.
Obviously GNE are going to need to Test a few Demonstrators on the X21 to see what copes with the Service Best, I'm in agreement with Davie that the likes of Wrightbus need to Build a Heavyweight Double Decker which can cope with this sort of Service, Perhaps a Bigger Sized Engine e.g. 12 Litre like some of the National Express/Megabus Coaches have which in turn will produce more Horsepower, and also improve Reliability of Services.
RE: 2014 GNE Bus Order Predictions