Iveco confident the new ProStar will live up to the hype
As it lays to rest speculations about what International ProStar’s Australian version will include, Iveco Australia has revealed that it will not simply be a right-hand drive variant of the North American model.
While the Australian version will include “key strengths” of the North American vehicle, there have been extensive changes made to meet the local operating conditions following a “comprehensive” product development process, International local engineering manager Adrian Wright says.
“We began by working out the key requirements for this market,” he says.
“Obviously, one was right-hand drive (RHD) – fortunately the cab was designed from the outset to accommodate either LHD or RHD, so we had a solid place to start from, we also wanted a short bumper to back of cab for B-double applications, and a 15 litre 550 horsepower engine.”
The company had earlier confirmed that the Aussie version will be powered by Cummins’ X15 SCR engine, include a day cab, extended cab and integrated full-size sleeper cab variants and a choice of five wheelbases.
It now confirms that the day cab has been designed to fit in front of any Australian trailer set and will suit the need for work involving high GCM work.
The new vehicle could be used as a truck and dog and will be suitable for 34 pallet B-double, 36 pallet B-double and B-triple and two trailer road train work.
With improved aerodynamics compared to other bonneted vehicles, the new model will result in a 10 per cent drag reduction, the company states.
The sloping hood has been designed to offer better forward visibility.
Wright says “optimised ergonomics” in the interior cabin will improve driver comfort and reduce fatigue.
The company is confident that the new ProStar will be able to live up to market expectations.
“We’re excited to introduce ProStar into the market as part of the Iveco range and we’re also very pleased to get back to the roots of International in Australia as an economical, efficient truck for fleet operators and owner drivers, something perhaps that has been missing from the market in recent years,” Wright says.