The most powerful Japanese truck available in New Zealand will hit the road before the end of the year, as the Fuso Shogun 510 reaches the final stages of testing and transmission mapping on local roads.

With 380kW (510hp) and 2500Nm torque forming the 13-litre, Detroit Diesel- derived OM471 engine, the Shogun 510 “will be the jewel in the crown of the Fuso range”, said Fuso New Zealand product planning manager Ian Porter.

“This is a truck we’ve wanted to introduce for some time, and we’re extremely pleased to now be in a position to do so,” said Fuso New Zealand managing director Kurtis Andrews.

“We know the 460hp Shogun is extremely capable; now operators wanting 10hp per tonne on a 50-tonne load will be seriously impressed with what this new model has to offer.”

Said Porter: “After 10,000km of road testing, we are currently working with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation engineers to ensure that the mapping on the G330 12-speed automated transmission is as well-tuned as the 360hp, 400hp and 460hp units.”

Shogun 510 will initially be available in two 6×4 wheelbase options – a tractor (3900mm) and a rigid (4300mm) – both with 63-tonne GVM and air suspension, and will be suitable for A-train, B-train and tipper configurations.

The Shogun 510 will go on sale in New Zealand with an introductory price of $199,900 +ORC +GST for the FV2651K tipper/tractor specification model.

“I think it will turn a few heads that we are offering a 500hp, 2500Nm truck with air suspension, LSD, all the safety features, plus five-year/500,000km warranty, all for under $200,000 – that’s pretty sharp,” said Andrews.

Turn to Diamond-Tipped for an exclusive drive impression of the prototype model.