To the 50th anniversary of production of the first KAMAZ — read about the fifth generation trucks and their benefits

Photo: KAMAZ

KAMAZ company continues mastering actively the K5 family — the fifth-generation vehicles. For the Russian automotive giant, this is not just a regular upgrading of a product range, but transition to a fundamentally different technological level. Generation K5 has been a response to several key challenges: increasing requirements for safe and cost-effective cargo transportation, necessity of digitalization and import independence task.
 

Cargo transportation evolution by KAMAZ

It's nearly seven years since mass production of the family’s flagship, KAMAZ-54901 semi-trailer truck, was launched. The fifth generation has moved far forward since that time: new domestically built components are used in manufacturing, new models and versions are being developed and enter the market.
 

The key innovations of generation K5 include:

Cab. K5 cabs are the highest and most roomy ones in the history of KAMAZ. They have improved aerodynamics, noise insulation, level floor and panoramic view. The cab is “digital” now: large on-board system display, multifunctional steering wheel, telematic system with remote diagnostics and driver behavior analysis, multimedia system, and a voice-activated digital assistant in the latest versions.

Engine. V-type engines have been replaced with a proprietary straight-six engine, which is quieter, more cost-effective and environment-friendly (meets the Euro 5 standard). Advanced hi-tech design solutions were used to increase the time to maintenance up to 120,000km, and the engine life up to 1.5 million kilometers, considerably reducing fuel consumption.

Electronics. KAMAZ’s fifth generation has received a new digital driving architecture: engine, transmission, brake and comfort control systems are integrated into a single electronic platform. The active safety package has been extended — now it includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, advanced ESP/EBS functions, and tire pressure control.
 

Fifth-level equipment

Production of the flagship KAMAZ-54901 has achieved the generation 5+ level. New trucks are furnished with the R6 910 560 HP engine (483 HP base version) with an increased torque of 2600 Nm, due to which fuel consumption is reduced during acceleration and constant-speed motion. Robotized 12-speed transmission is furnished with a retarder — a hydraulic retarder brake that reduces brake wear. Advanced electronics helps ensure vehicle safety: ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, electronic emergency braking systems (EBS), electronic stability program (ESP), anti-lock braking and anti-slip regulation systems (ABS and ASR).

KAMAZ also produces an LNG-fueled flagship version. The first batch of the LNG-fueled KAMAZ-54901 entered the market in 2024. There is the LNG-fueled KAMAZ 950.50-460 Class Euro 5 460 HP (338 kW) 2000 Nm engine under the hood. The truck has two cryogenic tanks with a total capacity of 1060 liters.

Other semi-trailer truck versions have been also developed along with the flagship version. In 2025, it was the KAMAZ-54902 designed for short haul operations. Due to its maneuverability, it is highly suitable for logistic tasks in heavy urban traffic environments. Maximum trailer capacity weight is 36.2 tons. The 4×2 model is equipped with the KAMAZ-689 390 HP engine and automatic 12-speed transmission with an integrated retarder.

Moreover, a medium duty truck rolled off the KAMAZ production line in 2025 to replace the previous generation KAMAZ. The KAMAZ-53251 features a lower weight of chassis that was reduced by almost 200 kg. Thus, the truck has an increased capacity. Unladen weight of chassis for a version designed for public-work superstructures and retail superstructures is 6,250 kg and 6,550 kg, respectively. With the gross weight of truck of 18 tons, the maximum trailer capacity is 28 tons. The model has a 307 HP Euro 5 engine and automatic 9-speed transmission. A roomy cab encompasses a cruise control system, on-board information system and air conditioner.
 

Steel professionals

Along with the base models, KAMAZ produces 5th-generation four-wheel vehicles for various purposes and objectives. Three key representatives of the family are currently the KAMAZ-65954 semi-trailer truck, KAMAZ-65959 dump truck and KAMAZ-65958 chassis.

The KAMAZ-65954 with a weight of 35 tons is a reliable heavy-duty truck. It has a high-power and fuel-efficient R6 engine with a capacity of 12.9 liters and a power from 460 to 560 HP. An automatic tire inflation system provides pressure control to improve soft ground mobility. The cab includes a bed, climate system, self-contained heater and on-board sensor-based information system. The KAMAZ-65954 is used in mining, construction and forest industries.

The KAMAZ-65959 and KAMAZ-65958 are chassis designed for mounting various superstructures. The KAMAZ-65959 with a weight of 25 tons has a 6×6 wheel arrangement and R6 460 HP engine. The KAMAZ-65958 8×8 is equipped with the R6 560 HP engine. It is a more maneuverable model with a gross weight of 44 tons with attachment change capability. It is suitable not only for quarries, but also for oil and gas fields. The heavy trucks are available both for Russian and foreign markets.