Volkswagen launches Meteor Ultra, the brand's most powerful truck in Brazil, equipped with MAN D26 Ultra engine
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Volkswagen launches Meteor Ultra, the brand's most powerful truck in Brazil, equipped with MAN D26 Ultra engine

Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (VWCO) has introduced the Meteor Ultra line, which establishes itself as the most powerful model ever offered by the brand in Brazilian territory. These heavy-duty vehicles are equipped with the MAN D26 Ultra 12.4 turbodiesel engine, capable of generating up to 540 hp and 270.1 kgfm, and will be available at dealerships starting from Fenatran 2026, an event scheduled for November 9th to 13th in São Paulo.

The new truck family is presented in three distinct configurations: the Meteor 28.500 6x2, which offers 500 hp; and the Meteor 28.540 6x2 and 29.540 6x4 models, both with 540 hp. It is important to note that this new engine does not replace the Meteor 28.480, which remains the entry option in the brand's premium heavy-duty line, delivering 480 hp and 244.7 kgfm. Compared to this previous model, the Ultra provides an increase of 60 hp and 25.5 kgfm.

According to the manufacturer, the D26 Ultra engine underwent modifications to the cylinder head, water pump, combustion system, and electronic management. These adjustments aim to extend the period during which maximum torque is accessible and reduce the need for gear changes during the journey. Furthermore, the unit is integrated with Predictive Plus, a system that uses GPS data and online maps to predict route topography and optimize powertrain performance.

The automaker claims that these improvements result in diesel savings of up to 5%, along with a reduction in lubricating oil consumption. This aspect is crucial for the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), a decisive factor for fleet operators. The development process involved driving over three million kilometers, laboratory tests assisted by artificial intelligence, and operational validation at high altitudes of up to 4,800 meters, which is relevant for Andean markets.

Although VWCO has not yet disclosed the complete torque curve of the D26 Ultra or the start and end RPMs of the maximum torque range, the company announced that these technical details will be revealed during the commercial launch at Fenatran.

Regarding the interior, the instrument panel has been updated to incorporate over 100 functionalities, and the multimedia center has been expanded to 10 inches, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Volks Connect application has also received new capabilities, allowing remote control of items such as pneumatic suspension, windows, and engine rotation via mobile phone, in addition to including a voice assistant.

The technology of the D26 Ultra is not limited to the Meteor line; the Constellation line also receives four new models: the 20.500 4x2 and 25.500 6x2 road models, and the 33.500 and 33.540 6x4 models intended for off-road operations. The pinnacle of this new offering is the Constellation 33.540 6x4, designed for the agricultural sector, boasting a Gross Combination Weight Rating (PBTC) of 91 tons and a maximum towing capacity of 125 tons. With these additions, the automaker now offers a total of seven heavy-duty trucks equipped with the new generation of the engine.

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GSLV-F17 rocket delivered EOS-05 satellite to orbit
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GSLV-F17 rocket delivered EOS-05 satellite to orbit

The Indian GSLV-F17 rocket was launched on September 4th at 2:55 AM from Sriharikota, successfully placing the EOS-05 satellite into orbit. The launch took place from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. GSLV-F17 is the nineteenth flight of India's GSLV rocket. In this mission, EOS-05 was delivered to a special Sub-GTO transfer orbit.

EOS-05 is an Earth remote sensing satellite that will collect images and related information about the planet from space. The GSLV-F17 is used to put this satellite into orbit and functions in three stages. A distinctive feature of this rocket is the simultaneous operation of various systems, including a solid fuel engine, four liquid boosters, and a cryogenic engine.

The GSLV rocket has a height of about 51.7 meters and a mass of about 420 tons during flight. It consists of three stages: the lowest is the first stage, above it is the second, and at the very top is the cryogenic stage. Each stage performs its function, sequentially propelling the rocket forward during the flight.

The first stage, known as GS1, is equipped with a large solid propellant engine S139. It uses solid fuel based on HTPB and can operate for about 100 seconds, providing thrust up to 4800 kilonewtons. Four side boosters L40 are attached to it, which can be considered additional engines mounted on the sides of the rocket. Each of these boosters has its own engine and can operate for approximately 140 seconds, assisting the rocket in the initial phase of flight.

After the first stage completes its operation, GS2, or the second stage, comes into action. This stage operates on liquid fuel using UH25 and N2O4. It functions for about 150 seconds and is capable of generating thrust up to 846 kilonewtons. The task of the second stage is to give the rocket the necessary altitude and speed to direct the satellite to the designated orbit.

The third stage of the GSLV is the upper cryogenic section (CUS), equipped with the cryogenic engine CE-7.5. It operates on liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, which are maintained at very low temperatures. This engine provides thrust up to 75 kilonewtons and can operate for approximately 814 seconds. It is critically important that this cryogenic stage was developed in India. Since January 2014, the cryogenic stage has been used in domestically developed GSLV missions.

The EOS-05 satellite is placed inside the payload fairing at the very top of the rocket, which serves as its protective casing. This casing protects the satellite from external influences and air pressure while passing through the atmosphere. For GSLV-F17, a composite payload with a diameter of 4 meters was used. The term 'nose' refers to the front part, which has a rounded and slightly pointed shape.

In this mission, GSLV-F17 will deliver EOS-05 to a Sub-GTO (Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit). After this, the satellite will independently reach its final orbit through further maneuvers. The role of all three stages of the rocket is different: the first stage and four boosters provide the initial impulse, the second stage continues the rocket's movement, and the third cryogenic stage gives EOS-05 the necessary speed.

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