The introduction of a six-cylinder engine option for the Wrightbus StreetDeck in the UK market represents “a new era” for the double-decker, the manufacturer has said.
CEO Buta Atwal made the comments after the delivery of the first StreetDeck for a domestic operator that is powered by the 7.7-litre Daimler OM 936 unit. It has gone to Go North East. Previously, all UK market StreetDecks have been fitted with the four-cylinder, 5.1-litre OM 934 engine. A four-speed Voith gearbox has been retained in the more powerful bus.
The seed six-cylinder StreetDeck is also configured for a higher top speed of 62mph thanks to an uprated rear axle. It comes with the third generation of the manufacturer’s Micro Hybrid system, which benefits fuel economy and emissions.
Go North East will evaluate the bus on its X-Lines express network. It will be compared to other StreetDecks in its fleet that are powered by the OM 934. Together the buses form part of a £5m investment in new vehicles from Wrightbus.
Says Go North East Managing Director Martijn Gilbert: “We are delighted to have the UK’s first six-cylinder Wrightbus StreetDeck. We hope it will help to shape the future of investment for our interurban express routes.”
Wrightbus has previously constructed StreetDecks with the OM 936 engine for export markets.
