The new Cascadia is a downgrade over the previous one in so many statistics!
It’s scary how so many things become forbidden so quickly
.
The classic 625 HP
Caterpillar doesn’t have any technical difficulties to install it into this truck, the only obstacle is the law. Also, after the retarder (which helps every time you use a brake) have disappeared from 18-speed gearbox, I needed some time to get used to longer breaking distance — when I use my usual trailer length, the difference is very noticeable.
I am afraid that if the «extreme duty» truck class will not be introduced in
ATS, we may not see any 600+ HP engines in the future models — the most of highway trucks has around 450-500 (like 20-30 years ago), and the manufacturers don’t want to have more powerful option into heir lineup just to satisfy a couple of fans. At least, we have Scandinavian trucks in
ETS 
— with that HCT trailers and double log carriers, their 750-770 HP engines (hello,
SCS, why didn’t you add
Scania S770 yet? This engine is in production for at least two years!) aren’t going to disappear soon. I remember that funny situation when
Volvo FH16 had 500 HP in 1990, and the first
Renault Magnum (named
AE) had 560-HP V8 made by
Mack. In all next generations,
Volvo had more and more power, while
Renault was only downgrading in their top engines, but the typical highway truck still had around 450 HP for both manufacturers all these 30 years.
Author