Redford, MI-based Western Star – a subsidiary of Freightliner LLC – showed off its ’07-ready truck models at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week, complete with a variety of new enhancements, from built-in satellite radios to a butterfly hood option.
The Western Star 4900 EX showcased a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine and 82-in. Stratosphere sleeper with updated cooling packages and new exhaust systems that are going to be featured on all Western Star truck models to meet new emissions requirements going into effect Jan. 1, 2007, said Matt Stevenson, the OEM’s manager of product strategy.
As a result of ’07-driven changes, Western Star’s radiator packages are increasing in size. A new drop-front frame casting for all models means no exterior modifications will be needed to the traditional Western Star hood and grille.
Raised radiator configurations with integral front frame extensions and a front engine power takeoff are also available for vocational applications, Stevenson said.
Changes made to accommodate the larger radiators also enabled improvements to front suspensions. The OEM noted a new 56-in. asymmetric spring provides improved roll stiffness and better handling in turns while maintaining soft ride characteristics.
Western Star will also add the AF-18.0-5 18,000-lb. steer axle to its offerings in combination with ‘07 suspensions, Stevenson said, with aftertreatment systems offered in both horizontal and vertical frame mounting assemblies with vertical tailpipes.
A new line of factory-installed accessories will be offered as well, said Stevenson, including popular “glamour” items such as chrome fender guards, vertical grille deflectors, trim headlights, bumper light bars, chrome and burl elm shift knobs, and roof trim panels.
The 4900 SA with 123-in. BBC also gets a new Butterfly hood option that comes with hinged, removable side panels that fold up like butterfly wings for easy engine access without having to tilt the hood forward, Stevenson said. Also, Idle Solutions and Rigmaster auxiliary power generator sets are now available as factory-installed options on new Western Star trucks spec’d with sleepers.
Both Sirius and XM Satellite Radio are now available as factory-installed options in 4900 FA, 4900 SA, and 4900 EX day cabs and Stratosphere sleepers. Available stereo models are the Monsoon AM/FM/WB CD with eight-channel amp and the Delphi AM/FM/WB Radio with CD.
