A new factory-installed roof-fairing for the Cascadia highway tractor and the start of full-produce for the 122SD vocational truck model are the big announcements coming from Freightliner Trucks this week at the Great American Trucking Show..
Freightliner – a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC – said a factory-installed roof fairing is now available as standard on Freightliner Cascadia Evolution 72-inch mid-roof XT models and as an option on Freightliner Cascadia 72-inch mid-roof XT trucks, to help further contribute to the aerodynamic profile of those trucks and thus boost fuel economy.
Available with 12-inch or 20-inch side extenders, the roof fairing’s overall height is the same as the truck’s raised roof and should help provide up to a 2.8% fuel economy improvement over previous generation models, said Mary Aufdemberg, Freightliner’s director of product marketing, who added that a similarly designed 60-inch XT Roof Fairing will be available in 2014.
The company also said it started full production on its 122SD vocational model, the “flagship” of Freightliner’s severe duty line of vocational trucks, noted Aufdemberg.
The 122SD has a GVWR of up to 92,000 pounds and a GCWR of up to 160,000 pounds, and is designed specifically for heavy/oversize hauling, logging, oil/gas field service, crane, dump, towing/recovery and vocational on-highway applications.
The 122SD can be spec’d with Detroit DD15 TC or DD13 engines, as well as the Detroit DD16 and Cummins ISX15 engines that offer up to 600 hp and 2050 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include Allison automatic, Eaton manual and Eaton UltraShift PLUS automated with Eaton Cobra shifter, designed for a full range of vocational needs.
Aufdemberg noted that the 122SD offers a range of standard and optional features such as: a non-corrosive aluminum cab reinforced with e-coated steel, severe-duty front cab mounts, and hood durability enhancements for severe-duty environments. Models equipped with Detroit engines include Detroit Virtual Technician to help users track real-time maintenance notifications and schedule service remotely for improved operational efficiency.
Additional, exterior options include heavy-duty West Coast mirrors, LED [light emitting diode] headlights, one-piece skid plate, lower radiator rock guard, and custom chrome accents, Aufdemberg added.