Optare’s launches the new Solo SR

Optare, Britain’s independent bus and coach maker which is vying for No 2 position in the UK bus market, is using today’s Coach and Bus Live event at Birmingham’s NEC to launch an all new version of its market leading Solo midibus.

The Solo SR, an additional model in the Solo range, brings the much applauded style and external image of the larger Versa model, announced at last year’s NEC event, to the midibus sector. Solo SR is a striking and attractive bus which builds on the proven strength of the current Solo range introduced 10 years ago.

Introducing the new model, Optare’s Group Managing Director Bob Coombes said: “We recognise that some customers need to demonstrate that they are investing. If they change their vehicles perhaps every five years or so they want their passengers to be able to see instantly that the new vehicles really are new and offer a step forward in travel appeal.

“So our extension to the Solo range not only delivers real advances but clearly stands out from current versions. It has evolved in a highly visible way, while retaining the best Solo features”, he said.

The Optare design team set themselves some key goals with the SR, beyond its modern contemporary style to attract passengers. These included: improved ride and stability, reduced interior noise levels and increased passenger appeal inside and out.

The new SR range will initially be available in two lengths, 8.9m, and 9.6m, and in the standard width configuration, although other variants may be available later. As with other Solo models, SR – about 1-200 kg heavier than equivalent length models – will still offer low unladen weight and class leading fuel economy.

The SR will be available for delivery from March 2008 and the new swept back over roof design will offer operators a balance of practicality and creativity with a new look which is expected to be popular with passengers.

An innovative integrated design of destination equipment can be specified along with a more conventional ‘box’ type arrangement to meet customer preference. Curved side windows pioneered on the Versa are used which reduces glass ‘flutter’ and enhances and differentiates the exterior look of the vehicle.

The exterior design with its stylish swept back front profile and shaped quarter windows will provide a low aerodynamic drag assisting with the Optare mission to reduce fuel consumption. The front bumper is positioned to assist the bus wash systems and the corners are pulled in to minimise accident damage. A centre panel allows easy access to the batteries, washer bottle and towing eye.

The rear of the bus also makes a design statement, a stylish and practical execution featuring LED lighting which will be standard not just at the back but throughout the exterior lighting equipment in addition to the four quartz halogen projector headlamps.

Solo SR’s mechanical specification is common with the current successful Solo range. A choice of SCR or EGR engines is offered, the standard fitment being the Mercedes Benz, four cylinder OM904 at 115 kW with SCR which has a reputation for reliability and low cost of operation.

Also available are the four cylinder MAN DO834 at 132 kW using the EGR system and for those operators requiring extra power the six cylinder Cummins ISBe with SCR system will be available at 150 kW.

These engines are matched to the Allison 2100 series gearbox with the latest Generation 4 controls, combined with the variable KLAM proportional control retarder, to provide a robust and reliable transmission system.

As on all Optare products, the SR’s mechanical components are mounted together as a removable power pack carrying the cooling system, exhaust, and all ancillaries to aid major servicing. The Solo SR continues to benefit from this design concept with the power pack able to be removed in less than one hour and the no loss couplings assisting workshop cleanliness and costs.

This removable power pack concept has the additional benefit that the Solo will easily accept new emerging driveline technologies in the future. Hybrid drive, alternative fuels and even fuel cell developments are all possible, with the minimum alteration to the rest of the vehicle.

The respected ZF 8090 steering box as used on the current Solo is specified and driver comfort is ensured by use of a tilt and reach adjustable steering column common to Tempo and Versa.

The rear axle is from Albion and is rated at 7000kg but on the Solo SR this will feature ground and lapped differential gears for maintenance free operation and will assist the drive for lower interior noise levels. This is suspended on four widely spaced air bags and parallel suspension rods.

To further enhance the ride characteristic the Optare design team has combined the suspension with frequency selective dampers from Koni. For short, high frequency travel, the damping is reduced, smoothing the ride for passengers and reducing bodywork noise. When cornering or pitching the long travel slower movements bring in more effective damping and ensure the bus remains stable in corners.

A high load capacity is provided by the 11,300 kg maximum gross vehicle weight which will accommodate greater than the theoretical seated and passenger loads on the longest version.

The SR’s low unladen weight, at less than 6,000kg, will ensure class leading fuel economy as is the case for all Optare integral products. The driveline is optimised by the choice of axle ratio to suit the gearbox ratios and keep the engine at its optimum for fuel efficiency. Both engine and gearbox are electronically managed allowing controlled power delivery and a rapid yet smooth on road performance.

The bus will have an impressive amount of power available to the driver and will assist in meeting reduced journey times where traffic conditions will allow.

Inside the SR, pedestal seats from Estaban will be offered as standard but a cantilever option in the low floor area will also be available. Optare’s standard seating plan is adopted which maximises the number of forward facing seats on the large low floor area. A wide range of layouts will also be provided.

The colour co-ordinated interior, together with curved hand poles, offers a welcoming feel with the opportunity to express different corporate or route identities through a choice of colour combinations.