Daimler Truck North America has dropped exciting news, announcing the release of its new Western Star
The newest member of the X-Series family, Daimler says that it is the most advanced and driver-focused highway truck it has built.
A redesigned hood and door mirrors are more aerodynamic and the front wheel well closeouts have been reshaped. There is also a two-piece bumper with air ducts and 24-inch side-extenders on the back of the cab, again to reduce drag.
There are three engine options. The 12.8L Detroit DD13 Gen 5 provides 370–525hp (276–391kW) with a torque range of 1,250-1,850 lb-ft. (1,695–2,508Nm) and has been redesigned with a new aftertreatment system that extends the diesel particular filter service interval by 16 per cent, new turbochargers, improved thermal management, a four per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and increased downspeeding.
The 14.8L Detroit DD15 Gen 5 covers 425–505hp (317–377kW) with a torque range of 1,550–1,850 lb-ft. (2,102–2,508Nm) and also has the redesigned aftertreatment system, increased downspeeding and new swirl piston design, with a three per cent improvement in fuel efficiency.
The 15.6L Detroit DD16 covers 500–600hp (373–447kW) with a torque range of
1,850-2,050 lb-ft. (2,508–2,779Nm) and is the largest on-highway engine built by Detroit. Turbo compounding recovers heat from the exhaust and a Next Generation Amplified Common Rail System optimises combustion control. A Jacob brake offers three levels of quieter engine braking.
The Integrated Detroit Powertrain, also available in the Freightliner Cascadia, uses Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM) predictive technology and the Detroit DT12 transmission as well as axle lubrication management. The DT12 has ‘super-finished’ gears to improve low-speed manoeuvrability while the transmission and the IPM work together using GPS information to map engine and transmission functions to suit the topography the truck is travelling over. Three DT12 versions are available, the HE, H and HL, as well as the Eaton Fuller, all of which are manual.
The lightweight steel-reinforced aluminium cab has been designed to reduce noise and increase comfort, but a huge visual difference is the cab space behind the seats, which Daimler has turned into a driver’s lounge with foldaway seats and a table that it says can be customised to different customer preferences.
Cab options include a 60-inch Mid Roof, 72-inch Mid Roof or 72-inch Stratosphere High Roof, a double-bunk with ladder, LED ambient lighting and a dimmer switch on the 72-inch models, a TV bracket, larger microwave cabinet, larger fridge, a four-inch taller wardrobe, and multiple DC power outlets. A 12-inch A-panel display and 10-inch B-panel display provide access to data and entertainment.
Both the daycab and sleeper cabs have a single rear window as standard with the option of a three-piece window or solid wall.
On the tech side, Detroit Connect provides vehicle diagnostic, fuel efficiency and performance data in real time. A Virtual Technician notifies the vehicle owner of any faults, the severity of the fault and how to fix it, and if the fault is driver-fixable it sends instructions across. Remote updates also reduces the time spent in a service centre with engine parameter and firmware updates handled online via a portal.
A suite of safety systems is brought together under the title of Detroit Assurance which includes: active speed intervention to prevent speeding (with the DT12); side guard assist to monitor blind spots and active side guard assist that, at speeds under 12mph (19km/h), prevents the truck from turning into a moving cyclist or pedestrian; active brake assist 5 that automatically brakes if it senses objects in the truck’s path; brake hold mode that allows the driver to remove their foot from the brake when stopped in traffic, etc. (with DT12); and adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts the truck’s speed to maintain distance from other road users (with DT12).
Other features include intelligent high beams, automatic wipers and headlamps setting, tailgate warning, lane departure warning and traffic sign display (with DT12), with optional features of forward-facing video capture and a driver-facing camera.
“We are thrilled to see the brand new Western Star platform unveiled today in the United States,” Randall Seymore, president of Western Star distributor Penske Australia & New Zealand, said last year.
“Here in Australia and New Zealand, Western Star has amassed a loyal customer base over the decades and we are confident our customers will be just as excited by today’s launch.
“We will be rolling out a testing program next year ensuring the new trucks are a perfect fit for our local conditions and applications.
“We will continue to support our current Western Star truck portfolio, which has been proven to thrive in our tough and unique conditions, and Penske is committed to continuing to provide our customers with the service excellence they have come to expect.
“Our launch plans for the new trucks will be revealed in due course, however we expect to see the trucks enter our local markets in late 2022 or early 2023.”
Check out the launch trailer here.