Freightliner unveils two new trucks and a new van body package
At the recent Great American Trucking Show, Freightliner Trucks rolled out the Coronado, its new owner-operator-oriented flagship, which company president Jim Hebe declared to be “the best-looking truck” Freightliner has ever built.
“The Coronado brings traditional truck design into the 21st century with content and features never before seen in this type of truck,” Hebe stated. “Independents should not have to settle for antiquated technology just because they desire a traditional-looking truck.”
He said the long-nose, 132-in.-BBC conventional was designed specifically to marry the traditional look that owner-operators prefer to the latest technology for driver comfort, fuel efficiency, productivity and safety. “Self-expression,” he noted, “is deeply ingrained in our culture — and in trucking.”
The Coronado will be offered as a day cab or with the choice of a 70-in. Raised Roof SleeperCab or 70-in. Mid-Roof XT SleeperCab. Its standard engine is a 500-hp. Detroit Diesel Series 60.
According to Hebe, one of the Coronado's greatest achievements is its subtle aerodynamics. A sloped, curved windshield allows for optimal airflow over the cab, as do side extensions to the chrome sun visors and aerodynamic mirrors.
Freightliner also unveiled a lightweight version of its Century Class S/T model, targeted specifically at dry and liquid-bulk haulers. Its aluminum cab and lengthy list of weight-saving components shave an estimated 1,200 lb. off the Class 8 truck.
The lightweight S/T will be available either as a 112- or 120-in.-BBC model in a variety of cab and sleeper setups. Customers can spec the trucks out with a complete range of lightweight components — everything from engines to tires and suspensions — or select just the ones that best fit their application.
To foster one-stop shopping for van-body truck users, the OEM announced that it has developed a dry-van body package in partnership with trailer builder Wabash National Corp.
The integrated DuraPlate bodies, in lengths of 16 to 26 ft., will be available with Class 5-8 Freightliner Business Class and Sterling Acterra models.
Other news Freightliner announced at the show included:
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Exclusive availability on Class 8 Freightliner, Western Star, and Sterling trucks of the new Michelin X-One wide-base tire. Hebe said the X-One replaces dual rear tires with a single tire that has a larger contact surface to save weight and cut fuel costs.
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A new Tubular Side Airbag System for Freightliner Century S/T and Argosy trucks is designed to reduce injuries to truck drivers during rollover by cushioning their heads.
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A suite of three customer web sites is designed to provide cutting-edge online support to truckers. MyTruck.com, MyTruckShop.com and DreamMachine (D-Machine.com) will launch in January.
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Mercedes-Benz's legendary Unimog is coming to North America badged as a Freightliner early next year. The go-anywhere, do-just-about-anything machine will be targeted at the very-high-end SUV market as well as various medium-duty vocational users, such as utilities and fire & rescue services.
Hebe also looked ahead, declaring that a year from now, Freightliner will introduce a new medium-duty product that may replace the Business Class as well as a new vocational Class 8 vehicle line.
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