MAN Lion's Coach


The MAN Lion's Coach is an integral coach manufactured by MAN Truck & Bus. Introduced in 1996, and is assembled by its subsidiary MANAŞ in Ankara, Turkey. It was originally intended as a low-cost alternative to the MAN Lion's Star developed into the epitome of MAN coaches, as a cheaper sub-model to its more luxurious top-model, the MAN Lion's Star.
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First Generation - 1996 - 2002

In year 1992, the FRH series, which is special and better constructed for long distance journeys, was introduced in order to replace the former SR series based on omnibus. Later, the series FRH 402 became the name “Lion's Star”.
In year 1996, besides the famous “Lion's Star” series, a more cheaper coach model named FRH 422 “Lion's Coach”, produced in Turkey, was introduced. For the first time, it also includes a 3-axles version called MAN Lion's Top Coach. The optical difference to Lion's Star is the redesigned front, especially the grooves with the form of a triangle under the windshield wipers.
The 12m FRH version is capable for 49 passengers, 1 tourist guide and 1 driver. The D2866 LOH 23 6-cylinder diesel motor with 294 kW and the D2866 LOH 20 6-cylinder diesel motor with 309 kW were available. A manual transmission with 8 forward and 1 backward gear was standard.

Second Generation - 2002 - 2017

The second generation was introduced in 2002 and manufactured until 2017, which was known as R07, R09 - RHC 414, 464, 444. This model also ran alongside a new generation of the more luxurious top-model, the MAN Lion's Star. In 2003 the MAN Lion's Coach was awarded the Red Dot award and a year later was awarded the iF Product Design Award, which is awarded annually by Industrial Forum Design Hanover, in 2004.
The MAN Lion's Coach came with three lengths and two MAN Common Rail engines from the D20 series. The 10.5 litre inline 6 cylinder D2066LOH and the 12.4 litre inline 6 cylinder D2676LOH were rated from 309kW to 368kW. The second generation MAN Lion's Coach also shares the same DNA as the Neoplan Tourliner the only difference is the main body and design.
MAN continued to develop the Coach over its lifespan. The second generation model went through upgrades and various facelifts in its lifetime and its engines continued to be cleaner progressing through the Euro emission Class Euro 3 to Euro 6c. The original model 2003-2008 featured a plain nose end with MAN logo and small radiator grill in the centre and the emissions class progressed from Euro III to Euro IV. The first facelift model featured a new nose-end design of the subtle and traditional radiator grille ribbing depending on the options of the customer. This could also be seen with an edge trim underneath the windscreen with the MAN logo in the centre. The emission class is progressed from Euro IV to Euro VI. The final facelift model featured a new nose-end with a black panel with the MAN logo in the centre and the emission class remained at Euro VI.

Third Generation - 2017 - Present

The third generation MAN Lion's Coach was unveiled to the public at the Busworld 2017 in Kortrijk on 24 October 2017. It features a complete new design over its predecessor featuring a distinctive design giving it a modern yet timeless appearance. The Lion's Coach is now available in four lengths: 12,101 mm and 13,091 mm as a 2-axle vehicle, and 13,361 mm and 13,901 mm as a 3-axle vehicle. The 13m version includes six additional seats more than the 12 m version. The customer can select an optional wheelchair lift to cater for disabled passengers. All four variants of the new MAN Lion's Coach models have space for a maximum of 53, 57, 59 or 63 passengers. The luggage compartments have a volume of between 11.7 and 14.3 m3 depending on the model.
The D26 Engine and driveline have been up-rated in this model including an extended axle ratio i=2.73 and an increased power output. All the components are matched specifically which makes the vehicle particularly efficient. TÜV Bavaria have recently certified that the MAN Lion's Coach is able to drive 100 km using just 19.4 litres of fuel, which is an impressive figure indeed.
The Lion's Coach also stands out in terms of the innovative safety solutions it provides for drivers, passengers and other road users – including OptiView, the first mirror replacement system to feature on a coach. There are cameras on both sides of the vehicle that provide real-time imaging on two displays that can be easily seen by the driver, thus eliminating the blind spot. In 2020 MAN will be introducing a new drive and turn assist system that will ensure an even greater degree of safety. A turn assist system with active warning signals and a pedestrian recognition system, a speed limit display and an automatic road sign recognition system are setting new standards when it comes to safety. The new PCV shock absorber technology and an optimised vehicle configuration deliver enhanced driving comfort, improved handling and higher safety reserves.
All of these individual measures make the MAN Lion's Coach an extremely attractive, efficient and reliable vehicle. It boasts innovative safety features, is connected to a digital network and can be used in a range of applications, simplifying bus operators’ business.
The third generation MAN Lion's Coach has won several prizes since its introduction, including the "Grand Coach Award" at Busworld 2017, the "Busplaner Innovation Prize 2018" in category "Vehicles and Fleet", the "iF Design Award 2018, and the "Coach of the Year 2020" award at the Busworld 2019 in Brussels.

Models

MAN Fortuna

In the Turkish market the MAN Lion's Coach was also known as the MAN Fortuna between 2004 and 2006. There is not much difference between both models possibly seating arrangement and aftermarket additions at the customers. The 12m version is called Fortuna and the longer version Fortuna Mega.

MAN Lion's Coach Midi

In year 2014, in cooperation with Caetanobus from Portugal, MAN developed a 10m version Lion's Coach, which was presented in Munich, Germany in the same year. This midi-touring coach offers seating for up to 40 passengers, meeting the demands of a luxury coach, and was designed for carrying smaller travel groups. It stands out especially for its compact size and maximum comfort. Similar to Lion's Coach Supreme, its optics are upgraded by silver aluminium stripes.

MAN Lion's Comfort - R313/R353

Parallel to the former ÜL interurban bus series, there has been an optimised version based on ÜL models with better comfort and equipment for group travels. The engines are powered from 310 to 350 hp. The optical difference to the ÜL model was the 2nd door with high panels instead of low ones, which was both available as single or double leaf door. The Lion's Comfort series was discontinued with the introduction of 2nd generation Lion's Coach.

MAN Lion's Star / Lion's Coach Supreme

The Lion's Star is a luxury coach model introduced by MAN in year 1994, which is based on former FRH series. It became the award “Coach of the Year” in the same year.
The second generation of Lion's Star was introduced in 2002. It owns more optical differences in opposition to Lion's Coach: A silver aluminium stripe on the C-pillar, rear wheel cover, and black "radiator grilling" in the front as decoration. Even though the second generation Lion's Star was chosen again for “Coach of the Year” in 2004, its production was concluded in the same year with the introduction of Euro IV emission standards. The optical design elements were succeeded with a special edition named “Supreme”.

MAN Lion's Coach Team Edition

Inspired by the Bundesliga-teambuses from FC Bayern München, Borussia Dortmunds, VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FC Kaiserslautern, MAN offered a special edition of its successful Lion's Coach in year 2011, which is limited to 50 units.
The exterior design of “Team Edition” is refined by chrome foil stripes in the front and on the C-pillar. A carpet in football field turf look in the entrance expect the passengers. The headrests on driver's and passenger's seats are decorated with letters about typical football words in German e.g. “Chefcoach”, “Flottengott”, “Spielmacher” and “Torjäger”.
The travel comfort is guaranteed by a Frenzel FOB 554 mobile kitchen with coffee machine and 19-inch monitors with the possibility of showing map navigation.
Three length variants of 12m, 13.26m and 13.8m are available to choose. All variants are 2.55m wide and 3.81m high. The baggage room volume is rated from 10 to 11.3 cubic meters.
The Lion's Coach Team Edition is powered by a powerful MAN Common-Rail-Diesel engine rated by 324 kW with a torque of 2100Nm. The MAN Pure Diesel technology realizes EEV without an addition of AdBlue. An automated 12-speed MAN TipMatic manual transmission with EasyStart and ZF Intarder and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Voith-Retarder are available. Electronic stability program, Electronic Braking System, Anti-Lock Braking System and Traction Control and a rear camera are equipped for a great safety condition. A toilet on board with smoke detector is standard.
The 12m variant is equipped with polished Alcoa aluminium rims, which is optional at other lengths. Depending on length and equipment option, 44 to 57 seats are possible.

MAN Lion's Coach EfficientLine

In 2012 Premiered at IAA 2012 was the MAN Lion's Coach efficient line which championed maximised efficiency, weight saving and total cost of ownership: It had various equipment such as Eco-Hypoid rear axle which was maintenance friendly and designed to run at lower speeds, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring system and the MAN AdBlue® technology with selective catalytic reduction which reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides. All would contribute to reducing consumption by up to 4 litres of diesel over 100 km, compared with a conventionally configured Lion's Coach. On an annual mileage of 100,000 km it could save up to 4,000 litres of fuel which equates to a cost saving of up to EUR 5,000* each year. The result: was an impressive consumption rate in practice** of less than 22 l/100 km, as confirmed in test-driving by TÜV Süd. With these enhancements up to 10,520 kg less in CO2 emissions was released into the atmosphere each year with this technology. MAN Nutzfahrzeuge has now featured this technology and options in all models since.

MAN Lion's Coach 100 Year Anniversary Edition

At the end of 2015 MAN Nutzfahrzeuge presented to the public at the Busworld 2015 trade fair in Kortrijik The anniversary '100 Years Edition' of the MAN Lion's Coach. The special edition is rare and was available to customers in a limited production run of 100 units until 31 December 2015, which could be configured with its own basic equipment and selected optional extras by the customer. The '100 Years Edition', was marketed throughout Europe apart from the UK, showcasing the very best of the MAN Lion's Coach and was aimed at customers who love the product.
The model featured specially designed upholstery featuring the MAN lion and Texas grey metallic paint to further enhance the appearance of the model. Fitted with Alcoa Dura-bright aluminium wheels and Fender Skirts over the rear wheels that gave it a chic look and to improve aerodynamics, fuel efficiency and splash protection. The edition also included all the latest generation safety and assistance systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, lane guard system, advanced emergency braking system, brake assistant, MAN EfficientCruise and Maximum Speed Control.

Specifications

MAN Lion's Coach standard equipment includes several facilities: