Parked up behind this monster in Calais on Thursday afternoon. Walked past it trying to not look too interested in someone elses shiny new truck when I noticed that the writing on the door read TGX 18 680 so decided it was time to ask the driver a few questions.
Turns out it was a one of a kind almost concept truck on its way to a test circuit in UK. It was beautifully turned out, with huge wide alloy wheels, a lovely paint job and loads of chrome. The engine sounded pretty mean through twin side exhausts. The interior was like that of a posh car, with full soft leather everywhere, and deep pile velour type carpets. If it was mine I think I would be wearing carpet slippers when driving. The steering wheel had about 16 control buttons all the way round for radio, phone, cruise etc, and the dash was like a spaceship control centre, again all done in soft leather.
The driver was a young German lad of about 25, and his answer to me when I asked if he would swap was something that ended in “Auf!” Mine is the crappy white heap parked behind him, so he had a point. Still, next week I get my brand new MAN but I dont think it will be the same spec as his. All I really want is a bigger cab, aircon, a CD player and fridge. Will probably end up with just a bigger cab.
Too much power though I think. From the queue point to the ferry his back wheels spun every time he touched the throttle.
image resized with a nifty bit of html someone posted on the photo forum recently …Denis F
The MAN 680 is the most powerful truck in production at the mo but Scania or Volvo will soon put an end to that as rumoured the Scanny V8 is going to 700 soon but i think this power thing is spirralling out of control
nice lookin motor but apart from the heavy haul side who really needs all this power? most reports i’ve read say that too much pedal and it’s burning rubber.( can i have a weekly tyre change mr tyre man)
Saw a (badly) disguised TGX in a layby on the A50 near Stoke one morning last week. Driver choffing a bacon butty from nearby tea cart.
I’d sooner have a big FH.
I just find MANs start to fall apart after a few years service. I really hope the new TGX is nailed together better than our TGAs because I’ll probably like it then.
That said, I do like the manual 'boxes fitted with a comfort button.
…Denis F
