Specifications (2009)
The NEOPLAN Skyliner has undergone a process of evolution in specification since its 1964 introduction. As of 2009, the double-deck Skyliner is available in two lengths: the Skyliner C and the Skyliner L. The shorter C version used to be 12.00 metres (39 ft 4 in) long, but is now 12.44 metres (40 ft 10 in); and the Skyliner L is 13.79 metres (45 ft 3 in) long, and includes a correspondingly longer wheelbase. The Skyliner C is designed to seat 69 passengers plus two crew (driver and steward), whereas the Skyliner L seats 77 plus two.
For the powertrain detail, current Skyliners use an MAN diesel engine sourced from Neoplan parent company MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG. This Euro4 rated diesel fueled internal combustion engine is the 12.5 litre MAN D2676 LOH 02 straight-six (R6) common rail turbodiesel with intercooler, which displaces 12,412 cubic centimetres (757.4 cu in), and utilises four valves per cylinder and cylinder-direct fuel injection. It uses a Bosch EDC7 electronic engine control unit, and also uses a 'PM-KAT' catalytic converter. It produces a DIN-rated motive power output of 353 kilowatts (480 PS; 473 hp) at 1,900 revolutions per minute (rpm), and generates a torque turning force of 2,300 newton metres (1,696 lbf·ft) at 1,050-1,400 rpm. The engine is mounted upright in a longitudinal orientation at the rear of the coach, and transmits its output to the rear roadwheels via a twelve-speed TipMatic ZF AS Tronic automated manual transmission.
An interesting design on the Skyliner is its 'tag' third axle. This is able to articulate, during steering movements - and this helps reduce tyre wear, which can afflict dual rear axle vehicles. It features disc brakes all round, and utilises independent suspension on the front and trailing third axles, whilst the driven axle is a solid version.
Standard safety features include 'electronically regulated braking system' (EBS) with braking assistant (BA) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). It also features a speed-limiting device called 'maximum speed control' (MSC), and is fitted with an accident data recorder (ADR). An optional feature is the 'lane guard system' (LGS), which will vibrate the drivers seat should the coach drift out of its lane.
Its maximum permissible weight is 26,000 kilograms (57,320 lb), and can have a total luggage volume of up to 7.9 cubic metres (279 cu ft).
| model | internal combustion engine | max. power @ rpm | max. torque @ rpm | transmission | wheelbase | length | width | height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyliner C (double-deck multi-axle) |
MAN D2676 LOH 02, 12,412 cc (757.4 cu in) R6 common rail turbodiesel |
353 kW (480 PS; 473 hp) @ 1,900 | 2,300 N·m (1,696 lbf·ft) @ 1,050-1,400 |
12-speed TipMatic ZF AS Tronic automated manual |
5,550 and 1,300 mm (218.5 and 51.2 in) | 12.44 m (40 ft 10 in) | 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in) | 4.00 m (13 ft 1 in) |
| Skyliner L (double-deck multi-axle) |
MAN D2676 LOH 02, 12,412 cc (757.4 cu in) R6 common rail turbodiesel |
353 kW (480 PS; 473 hp) @ 1,900 | 2,300 N·m (1,696 lbf·ft) @ 1,050-1,400 |
12-speed TipMatic ZF AS Tronic automated manual |
6,900 and 1,300 mm (271.7 and 51.2 in) | 13.79 m (45 ft 3 in) | 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in) | 4.00 m (13 ft 1 in) |
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