The New Generation, or NG, was a series of trucks built by Daimler-Benz from 1973 to 1988. It replaced the square-cab LP trucks, expanded the company’s position in the medium and heavy classes and was itself replaced by the SK series.
Mercedes-Benz NG at a glance
| Production | 1973–1988 |
|---|---|
| Name | New Generation, NG |
| Replaced | LP series |
| Replaced by | SK series in 1988 |
| First models | construction site vehicles, then a sleeper cab version in 1974 |
| Cab versions | short S, medium M with narrow rear windows, and long L sleeper cab |
| Major update | NG 80 with new engines from 95 to 276 kW |
| Second update | NG 85 with electronic power shift |
| Engine range | from 130 to 500 PS, including an 18.3-litre V10 |
| Military version | 1017 and 1017A, from 1977 |
This article is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Mercedes-Benz NG.
History of the Mercedes-Benz NG
The NG was launched in 1973 as a completely new design with a completely new appearance. The first models were construction site vehicles, followed in 1974 by a version with a 600 mm longer sleeper cabin. From 1977 three cabs were available: a short S cab, a medium M cab with narrow rear side windows and an L long-distance sleeper cab with two cots. Until 1977 all cabs had narrow front wings, which were widened on all models when the medium cab arrived. Medium-duty trucks joined the range in 1975 and no longer used separate cabs, and all cabs now tilted forward for engine access. In 1979 Mercedes-Benz added the still larger Großraum cab.
The original engines were two units inherited from the earlier LP series plus a new smaller V6 diesel of 192 PS for lighter versions. From 1980 the NG 80 brought a new range of engines from 95 kW (130 hp) to 276 kW (375 hp), recognisable by wind deflectors on the lower front corners of the cab, a grille without the horizontal chrome bar and black badges and mirror casings. The chassis of semi-trailer tractors was lowered by 120 mm. A fourth cab above the L, the GR, was a true long-distance cabin with a raised roof and a wardrobe locker, wider than the others. A new 18.3-litre V10 diesel was added, with a turbo version of 500 PS, and for markets such as Britain a four-axle 8×4 version was built from 1985 at the former Saurer plant in Switzerland.
The third and last change came in 1985 as the NG 85, the first version offered with the new electronic power shift, standard on the 1644 flagship. The engine range gained the OM 442 LA, a 14.6-litre turbocharged and intercooled V8 of 320 kW (435 PS), also available as a 257 kW (350 PS) unit without intercooler. The NG 85 can be recognised by smaller square model badges in silver lettering and a dashboard with rocker switches. The Bundeswehr bought the 1017 and 1017A from 1977, the number standing for 10 tonnes gross weight and 170 PS.
Design and features
- Tilting cabs: all NG cabs tilted forward for engine access.
- Three cab sizes: S, M and L, plus the larger Großraum cab from 1979.
- Wide engine range: from 130 to 500 PS, including a V10.
- Electronic power shift: introduced with the NG 85 in 1985.
Mercedes-Benz NG versions
- NG 73 (1973): the original range.
- NG 80 (1980): new engines and cabs.
- NG 85 (1985): electronic power shift and the OM 442 V8.
- 1017 and 1017A: military versions for the Bundeswehr.
- 8×4 (1985): four-axle version built in Switzerland.
The NG replaced the LP trucks and was succeeded by the SK; its lighter relatives became the LK. More in the Mercedes-Benz collection.
Video: Mercedes-Benz NG 1632 S
Video by YouTube on YouTube.
Sources
- Mercedes-Benz NG, English Wikipedia: history, cabs, engines, military versions
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