PORTLAND, OR. Western Star Trucks has announced a new auto hauler model, a fuel economy package and a series of other new options as the next development in the revitalization of the brand by Daimler Trucks North America.
The new 4700 medium heavy duty - a key element in the Western Star strategy that was unveiled in March - will also begin limited production in the next few weeks, with full production scheduled to early next year, according to general manager Mike Jackson.
The new 4700 will be built alongside all of Western Star’s other models in Portland at a former Freightliner plant now completely dedicated to the brand. Along with its own plant, Western Star was also assigned dedicated management, engineering and marketing teams as DTNA moves to position it as their highly customized premium brand for vocational, severe service and small fleet applications.
The new auto hauler, based on the 4900 model, marks Western Star’s return to that application with a chassis reengineered to accommodate EPA 2010 engines and aftertreatment systems. It will be offered in both a 123- and 132-in. BBC configuration.
Specialized front and rear suspensions combined with a lower cab mounting system will provide a 101.4-in. cab-to-ground height without third-party modifications to the cab roof. Standard power for the auto hauler will be the Cummins ISX15 engine with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emissions technology and power ratings that range from 400 to 600 hp. and up to 2,050 lbs.-ft. of torque. A day cab as well as 40-, 54- and 68-in. sleepers will be offered.
The new fuel efficiency package for set-back axle versions of the 4900 combine an aerodynamic hood, wraparound bumper, underhood air cleaners, vertical under-cab exhaust and low-rolling resistance tires, while maintaining Western Star’s traditional truck image, according to Randy DeBortoli, director of engineering.
Dubbed the 4900FE, it will be offered with the Detroit Diesel DD13 and DD15 engines in ratings up to 530 hp. and 1,850 lbs.-ft. of torque and with a variety of day cab and sleeper configurations.
Other new product options announced by Western Star include a 13-gal. DEF tank for chassis packaging applications that can’t accommodate the standard 23-gal. tank, an in-cab passenger seat box that holds three AGM batteries, and availability of the Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine without EGR or SCR 2010 aftertreatment for off-highway applications in the Western Star 4900 and 6900 models.
