Australian debut for streamlined and fuel-efficient day cab-sleeper concept truck at Melbourne Truck Show.
Freightliner is marking its 25th anniversary in Australia by displaying its Revolution Innovation Truck at the Melbourne Truck Show in April.
The super-streamlined truck has all sorts of aerodynamic and other fuel-saving technologies, combined with a ‘crossover’ day cab and sleeper, matched with a conventional Detroit DD13 engine.
The Revolution Innovation was a star attraction at the Mid-America Trucking Show last year.
“We are extremely excited to bring the future of trucking to the visitors of the Freightliner stand at the Melbourne Truck Show,” Freightliner Australia Senior Manager Rod West says.
The Revolution Innovation Truck builds on an original design in 2009 and features a tightly packaged sloping hood, a low-mounted grille and integrated raised roof.
Freightliner says this is the first time a day cab-sized truck has included such an integrated raised roof.
“Not only does this configuration provide a more expansive interior, but the seamless integration removes air gaps and improves airflow management between the tractor and trailer to reduce overall drag and improve fuel economy,” Freightliner says.
“Additional aerodynamic features on the Revolution Innovation Truck include front vents that release air pressure coming across the front grille and a brand-new rear wheel cover concept that keeps air flowing smoothly from the chassis fairing to the trailer.”
To further reduce drag, a top step is hidden behind the door and the door handles have been removed from the cab. Side-view cameras transmit a wide-angle view of the road into the cab via monitors mounted inside, replacing cab-mounted mirrors.
Freightliner says the crossover cab serves as a workspace during the day, with a convertible jump-seat that transforms into a sleeper for rest.
“A sliding rear door opens to a large rear deck, and sidesteps give drivers a new way to easily access their trailer connections.”
A smaller side baggage door in lieu of a full-sized passenger door allows drivers to load the truck from the ground level.
Another interesting feature of the truck is its Detroit long haul tandem rear axle configuration.
“The new fuel efficient design de-clutches the rear axle from the driveline at highway speeds, enabling it to act as a tag axle and reduce fuel sipping friction losses,” Freightliner says.
“If the truck detects slip conditions, it immediately re-engages the rear axle and switches back to the standard 6×4 drive configuration.”