Rally Kamaz promotes CNG

The best just got better

The rally truck is based on the regular Kamaz 4326 model nad has been built to participate in the 2018 Silkway Rally. It features a V8 engine with a turbocharger and an intercooler which, combined with the dual-fuel power system, help the unit generate a more-than-decent figure of 950 PS. With this kind of grunt, the vehicle tops out at 165 km/h. To ensure proper range, large fuel tanks have been installed: the diesel one has a capacity of 1000 l, the CNG one – 356 l (gross).

© Kamaz MasterBeing one of the best rally trucks ever built doesn't stop Kamaz from becoming even better

Reduced, yet improved

The unit has a capacity of 16,16 l, by 2,3 l less than the previous generation rally truck had. Still, the torque remains the same at 4000 Nm and thanks to the aforementioned turbocharger and intercooler, power has actually been boosted. Weight has been reduced by using third generation compressed methane vessels. In preparation for the 2018 Silkway Rally, the diesel-CNG Kamaz is undergoing heavy testing, including participation in other rallies.

Less is more

According to Sergey Kupryanov, driver of the Kamaz (and Gazprom's press officer at the same time), combining diesel and compressed natural gas improves the vehicle's drivability. Running on diesel oil alone, the engine starts losing its peak driving force around approx. 2500 RPM. With the addition of methane, top power is generated earlier, at 1700-1800 RPM, offering the driver more flexibility. Not to mention the fact that power on two fuels injected simultaneously is just higher than on diesel alone by some 50 PS.

Two fuels are cheaper than one!

Last but not least, fuel economy is significantly improved. Adding natural gas to diesel cuts the rally truck's running costs by some 15%, since a cubic metre of methane is energetically roughly equvalent to a litre of diesel oil, but costs a third of the price. Thanks to the onboard CNG tanks, the Kamaz is capable of covering 300-400-km long special stages in dual fuel mode. We'll keep our fingers crossed for the vehicle's good performance in the Silkway Rally and be sure we'll inform you of its result.