Spectra saves fuel
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• Daf has told the first customer for the Optare Spectra that its new nine-litre engine secretly installed in the doubledecker will achieve better fuel consumption than a single decker (CM 13-19 February).
Reading Buses took delivery of the first Spectra four weeks ago, but says it is too early to assess whether the powerful unit — 200kW (268hp) at 2,400rpm and 950Nm (700lbft) torque at 1,500rpm — will give better fuel results than its SB220 single-deckers. The 11.6-litre engines in its SB220s achieve 40.4lit/100km (7mpg).
Reading says it has already noticed that the 1JB250 chassis unit, which has been used on a popular cross-town Caversham Park route, has very effective suspension, giving less pitch and roll on uneven roads than other double-deckers.