One of the new 8×4 Shogun FS2536 Super Low evaluation models that have been road-tested in New Zealand over the past six months.

Come June, local operators will be able to buy an improved Fuso Shogun, which has received a range of updates engineered to lower running costs and improve performance in specialist freight applications.

The new models represent a ‘planned evolution‘ of the Shogun line-up, bridging the gap between Fuso‘s 208kW (280hp) Fighter and 11-litre 298kW (400hp) Shogun ranges with the introduction of a highly efficient, low-emission 8-litre 270kW (360hp)/1400Nm OM936 engine, said Fuso New Zealand managing director Kurtis Andrews.

The range will consist of four new models: the FU2536 6×2, FV2536 6×4, FS2536 8×4 , and FS2540 8×4. The two 8×4 models represent a first for any Japanese truck, being Super Low 844mm-high chassis options with 19.5” wheels and front and rear air suspension. They are also the first-ever new Japanese trucks with front and rear air suspension available in New Zealand.

Fuso boasts that the new 8×4 Shogun Super Low weighs more than 1.1 tonnes less than existing 460hp 8×4 models, greatly benefitting payload ability.

The FU2536 and FV2536 get a new 8-bag rear air suspension design. The two 8×4 Super Low FS2536 and FS2540 models are fitted with front and rear 4-bag trailing arm air-suspension. All models include the full complement of advanced safety features that come as standard across the Shogun range.

All the new Shogun models are equipped with ride height control, which can be operated in the cab or remotely for added convenience at different loading docks. The 6×4 has a limited slip diff on both drive axles for greater traction, such as a crane truck moving on and off a work site.

The new 8-litre engine is paired with the intelligent ShiftPilot automated manual transmission found across the Shogun range. It‘s quite an advanced unit, featuring the likes of an exhaust camshaft actuated by a variable camshaft phaser (VCP), two-stage turbocharging and an electronically controlled water pump.

AdBlue SCR conversion reduces AdBlue consumption to between 2% and 2.5% of fuel consumption, while robust construction of components reduces wear and tear for enhanced longevity.

“These four trucks represent a significant addition to our range, providing tailored solutions for specialist delivery applications and strengthening our Shogun line-up to 13 models,” said Andrews.

Three evaluation trucks have been extensively road-tested over 120,000km in New Zealand for the past six months in both linehaul general freight and low-loader configuration. Fuso New Zealand says operator feedback was extremely positive, with reports indicating significant fuel savings and noticeably improved ride stability and comfort. 

“Where air suspension is the standard specification for highway delivery trucks, added to superior performance, advanced safety and value for money, these new Shogun models will tick a lot of boxes for New Zealand freight operators,” said Andrews.