Scania R650 8×4 Fire Truck Chassis with EURO VI Emission Standard
This fire truck features the Scania R650 8×4 chassis, compliant with the EURO VI emission standard. It adopts Scania’s signature family-style design, maintaining a bold and commanding presence.
The R650 is equipped with the latest flat-roof cab from the Scania R series. With an overall vehicle height of 3,225 mm, it’s well-suited for short-distance operations and routes with height restrictions, which are common in fire service scenarios.
Since fire trucks do not prioritize luxury exterior features, the front end retains a clean and practical design without excessive chrome or decorative elements—functionality takes precedence.
The understated “R650 + V8” badge subtly signals the power hidden beneath the hood. Even for those unfamiliar with Scania, it indicates that this is a V8-equipped truck.
The headlamps follow a minimalist style, using halogen bulbs that offer better penetration through smoke, ideal for fire response scenarios. Compared to the previous-generation R series, the headlights have seen significant improvements. However, this unit does not come with optional fog lights.
Being a Scania, the cab retains the front step for windshield cleaning—a thoughtful feature, as fire brigades maintain high standards for vehicle appearance.
The front bumper is made of matte-finished composite material, which is resistant to scratches and minor damage and easy to repair at low cost.
From the side, the cab presents a boxy and rugged design. The side mirrors match the front bumper’s composite material, offering a cohesive appearance that works well with the red body, even if it is a lower trim level.
The dual V8 badges at the bottom further emphasize the truck’s identity, though the gold V8 emblem at the front appears somewhat cheap, likely not an OEM part.
The interior configuration of this fire truck is modest yet refined. The driver’s seat is air-suspended, which is appropriate given that firefighters generally do not spend long periods inside the cab.
The door retains Scania’s classic control panel. Both side mirrors are electrically adjustable and heated. Headlights can be adjusted electronically, enhancing ease of use and adding a tech-forward feel. There are also reserved slots on the dash for additional fire service functions to be installed later.
The steering wheel is polyurethane-coated for a comfortable grip. It only includes essential multi-function buttons like cruise control and instrument panel navigation. The dash features analog gauges combined with a digital display, offering clear and informative readouts.
It supports pneumatic adjustment, allowing a wide range of motion so drivers of different builds can find a comfortable driving position.
The stalk controls on either side of the steering wheel are standard Scania fare—lights and wipers on the left, transmission gear selector on the right.
The center console maintains the typical Scania layout. Despite being a lower-spec variant, the dashboard is filled with buttons. To the far right are controls for hazard lights, instrument reset, backlight brightness, and interior night mode.
The night mode dims most interior lights, preserving only the essentials for better visibility during nighttime driving.
Power and PTO switches are conveniently placed together so the driver can shut off the vehicle’s power from inside the cab. This thoughtful design enhances user convenience. Several slots are reserved for installing other equipment, offering good flexibility.
Multimedia is limited to a basic system with Bluetooth, AUX, and USB support—sufficient for a fire truck, where entertainment use is minimal.
The manual air-conditioning system is simple but effective, helping firefighters stay comfortable before and after fireground deployment.
Differential locks (axle and inter-axle) are operated via a small rotary switch, saving space compared to the dual-switch layout often seen on many vehicles.
Below the dash, the cup holder and storage area are spacious and practical, equipped with a 12V power outlet. This can be used with an inverter to charge communication devices like radios, ensuring uninterrupted operations during prolonged firefighting efforts.
Behind the cab, a white control box is pre-wired for installation of onboard communication equipment, streamlining post-delivery modifications and improving reliability.
● Powered by a 650 HP V8 Engine—Aggressive and Ready for Action
Now for the powerhouse: the R650 is equipped with Scania’s in-house DC16 118V8 diesel engine, delivering 650 hp and an astonishing maximum torque of 3,300 N·m. These specs are more than adequate for emergency response needs.
On the way to a fire scene, this powerful engine ensures rapid deployment. The engine’s high reliability and uptime are proven, ready to respond at any moment.
It meets the EURO VI emission standard using an EGR + DOC + DPF + SCR after-treatment system.
Matched with the engine is Scania’s GRSO925 12-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). The pairing of a Scania engine and Scania gearbox ensures excellent reliability.
Between the engine and gearbox is a full-power sandwich PTO, capable of continuous operation with a peak output torque of 2,000 N·m. This allows water pumping even while the truck is in motion, essential for dynamic firefighting scenarios.
● Reinforced Chassis—Confidence in Complex Environments
Let’s take a look at the chassis. Tires are vital for fireground conditions, which can be unpredictable and rough.
The front tires are Bridgestone 385/65R22.5, known for durability and wear resistance.
On the left side of the chassis are the battery and an estimated 500L fuel tank—enough for extended idling and PTO operation.
Rear tires are 315/80R22.5, also heavy-duty, with both front and rear axles using “block-style” treads for better traction.
The rear axle is reinforced, suitable for heavy loads and off-road conditions.
Suspension consists of 4-leaf parabolic springs on both axles, balancing comfort with load-carrying capability.
Braking is handled by front and rear drum brakes, with valves provided by WABCO, befitting its import-grade pedigree.
On the right side of the chassis are the after-treatment system, air tanks, and urea tank. The after-treatment unit is fully enclosed for protection, as repairs on EURO VI components can be expensive.
Scania is known for clever urea tank design—the tank is mounted above the air tank, optimizing space without compromising capacity or accessibility.
● Durable, Reliable, Purpose-Built—This Is What a Fire Truck Should Be
This overview of the Scania R650 fire truck chassis highlights its excellent performance characteristics. The powerful V8 engine, coupled with an AMT and high-capacity PTO, delivers strong and dependable performance in emergency response scenarios.
Its modular layout, robust chassis, and comprehensive space allocation make it highly expandable and capable of handling challenging environments. With such a fire truck on scene, firefighters can respond with greater confidence and efficiency.
