The Freightliner Trucks division of Daimler Trucks North America has announced updating its on-highway long-nose model, the Coronado, with enhanced aerodynamics, technological innovations and more luxurious styling, the Coronado is the perfect blend of form and function.
Regarded by the OEM as its top-of-the-line truck, the Coronado improvements are said to boost both fuel economy and driver comfort. "The Coronado commands attention on the road-- it is ideal for owner-operators who want a truck that not only turns heads, but turns profits," said Melissa Clausen, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. "Sleek design updates, both inside and out, have resulted in a fuel-efficient truck that's comfortable to drive.”
Clausen said Freightliner's state-of-the-art wind tunnel was used to develop and test the new truck. "Our goal was to create a traditionally styled aerodynamic truck that would help owners reduce fuel consumption and increase bottom line profits," she said. "Everything about the Coronado was carefully developed and built to keep it running and earning revenue."
The Coronado's one-piece hood is constructed of fiberglass that is robust, yet easy to repair as it incorporates ‘parting lines’ to recue body repair costs. The truck's smooth stainless steel grille is ready for years of use, Clausen noted, and the Coronado's chrome-plated hood handle was designed in Freightliner's wind tunnel to specifically enhance airflow over the truck.
Further enhancing aerodynamics, the curved shape of the Coronado two-piece windshield is sloped for better airflow around, and over the cab, decreasing wind resistance and further lowering fuel costs, noted Clausen.
Dual chrome steel intakes come standard on the Coronado. Air enters the system through two chromed steel grilles on either side of the hood, which combines an aerodynamic and functional inlet with a stylish design, said Clausen. Designed for maximum efficiency, the intakes are positioned on either side of the hood to minimize the infiltration of water, snow, road debris or dust.
"Every element on the Coronado - from the hood to the fender and even the mirrors - was tested in the wind tunnel to optimize airflow," said Clausen. "This aerodynamic design, coupled with the latest in clean engine technology, enhances overall efficiency."
The Coronado's updated design includes new headlights made from a strong composite material that incorporate a single reflector, which offers excellent lighting capability both forward and to the side. For added convenience, the headlight uses just a single bulb, which is readily available at any auto parts store for replacement without any special tools.
The truck's hood tilts almost 90 degrees for easy engine access and daily fluid level checks. A special spring helps open and close the hood and reduces the lift effort to 40 lbs, for a smooth, easy opening.
"Productivity is the highest priority, so we designed the Coronado to enable owner-operators to easily make adjustments on their own, keeping repair costs and downtime to a minimum," said Clausen.
Noise abatement materials such as noise panels in the floor, front wall, sides and back panel keep the truck as quiet as possible. Double-sealed doors and well-sealed windows further reduce noise. The truck's interior, complete with Oregon Burl Wood trim and accents on the dash, provides a “feeling of luxury,” said Clausen.
The Coronado also features an updated dashboard that formed as a single piece to minimize fasteners and rubbing points that create rattles, making it one of the quietest ever developed by Freightliner.
The dashboard's controls, valves and air switches are front-loaded and located within easy reach, and the gauges can be easily read. All switches and instrument panels are backlit by LED lights for non-glare nighttime viewing, and extra-large panels provide greater flexibility in gauge combinations.
The Coronado's sleeper includes strategically placed cabinets to maximize storage, and a stowaway upper bunk provides extra bed space. A pullout writing surface, clothing rack and a separate control panel for heat, air conditioning and lighting complete the interior.
Available with Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15, and DD16 engines, as well as the Cummins ISX, the Coronado is designed to meet the upcoming EPA 2010 emission standards. Detroit Diesel engines are equipped with the manufacturer’s new
BlueTec emissions technology. According to Clausen, BlueTec-equipped engines deliver a fuel economy improvement of up to 5% compared to EPA 2007 engines and are “an evolution of the selective catalytic reduction technology developed by Daimler.”
"The Coronado is a traditional truck with today's most innovative engineering and design elements," said Michael Jackson, general manager of marketing for Daimler Trucks North America. "The Coronado is a smart option that is ready to take on any challenge."
