Update: a new picture. Newag Griffin

Another interesting fact: Newag plans to test the capabilities of the Griffin under 25kV, somewhere in the south of Europe. Unlike the Gama locomotive built by opponent Pesa, the first Griffin is a multi-system locomotive for 3kV DC, 15kV and 25kV AC voltage systems. Newag Griffin

For this site, we will now refer to the former ZNLE products as Newag Dragon and Newag Griffin. Talking about the Griffin, the engine is still subjected to comprehensive static testing. Transformers, brakes, drive, auxiliary converters, air handling system are being evaluated. Same for less vital components as air-conditioning and lighting systems. According to planning, first dynamic runs will commence in March and supervised, test service in everyday practice are planned for April 2013. - www.rynek-kolejowy.pl Newag Dragon Newag Griffin

ZNLE made sure the Griffin got a lot of attention today. The locomotive was officially presented and revealed today, with a show, dancers, smoke effects and official announcements. It had to be clear, the Griffin is a new platform locomotive for the European market, developed in only twenty months. Unlike its direct opponent, the version on display does not have a last mile diesel, but the Griffin will be, like the Siemens Vectron, homologated for speeds up to 200 kph (the Gama is restricted to 190 kph).

The theoretic Griffin family is flexible. It has four base versions; the 3kV DC locomotive; a 15+25kV AC locomotive, a multi system engine with all these three voltage systems united, and a diesel-electric version with 2.3MW duration power. All electric version have 5.6 MW and can be delivered with a maximum speed of 140 or 200 kph. The starting traction effort will be 310kN (248kN for the diesel).

During the presentation, ZNLE stated they can guarantee a quick delivery, a 95 percent availability and an interval between important check-ups of 30.000km. INNOTRANS 2012 Newag Griffin

The project started in January 2011. The first goal is to built 140 kph fast prototype locomotive for 3kV DC / 15kV AC and 25 kV AC voltage systems. The engine should be ready for initial trials in the third quarter of 2012. (Let's hope this means it will be on time for the Innotrans fair).

For the Griffin platform, four theoretical base configurations have been formulated:
E4DCU - multi-purpose / 3 kV DC / 140 kph
E4DCP - passenger locomotive / 3 kV DC / 200 kph
E4MSU - multi-purpose / 3 kV DC - 15kV AC - 25 kV AC / 140 kph
E4MSP - passenger locomotive / 3 kV DC - 15kV AC - 25 kV AC / 200 kph

No real surprises here. Only the 200 kph DC version is remarkable, as Siemens and Bombardier do not have such configuration in their base package. It tells us that for the Griffin, the domestic Polish market will be very important. Newag Griffin

The TRAKO leaflet about the Griffin now shows us a green and black locomotive, with a similar exterior design as the Dragon. That makes sense of course. Sharing building blocks reduces the price of both the Dragon and Griffin in the future. The head lights and nose section of the Griffin seem to be enhanced a bit, looking a bit more dynamic and modern.

The E4MSU Griffin will be a true asynchrone multi-system locomotive for mixed services. It can have top speeds ranging from 140 to 190 kph. That means the design does need meet the crash standards for high speed locomotives (+190 kph) but that market is rather small at this moment.
It can deal with both DC and AC voltage systems and the weight of the four-axle locomotuve ranges from 80 to 88 tonnes. Duration power will be 5600 kW. Newag Griffin

Now there is the news that the future passenger locomotive from the house of Polish manufacturer ZNLE Gliwice will be called 'Griffin'. Another mythological name for a ZNLE product. A Griffin is half lion and half eagle, so a nice metaphor for a locomotive that will combine power and speed.

The E6ACT 'Dragon' is a six axle freight locomotive with 5MW duration power for the Polish domestic market. The E4ACU 'Griffin' has a more multi-purpose character; It will be a four axle machine with a top speed of 200 kph and 6MW power. The first design sketches, although very rough, look promising..

According to ZNLE, the design work on the 'Griffin' has progressed considerably; The company has ordered the first parts for the prototype. However, the first machine will not be complete before 2012. - http://www.rynek-kolejowy.pl Newag Griffin

Some first clean design impressions at http://www.rynek-kolejowy.pl. Newag Griffin