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Mack Anthem range attractions for Australia

Stand up sleeper cab, redesigned interior and new transmission options feature

 

Australia’s new, locally engineered Mack Anthem range is now placed firmly the spotlight, with design elements to the fore.

Being built at parent company Volvo’s Wacol plant, the range aims to provide flexibility in heavy-duty roles, “from vocational rigid roles to B-double highway hauler”.

Powered by the 13-litre Euro 5 MP8 engine, the ratings spread is 435-535hp (324-399kW) ranging and 1,655-1,920lb-ft (2,243-2,603Nm) of torque.

Aerodynamic gains have been aided by closing gaps between panels and minimising seams, Volvo Group Australia (VGA) says.

“Even the tow hooks in the 3-piece bumper have been covered to assist with air flow,” it adds.

A single point bonnet latch aims to make daily checks safer and easier reducing the effort needed to tilt the bonnet.

All exterior lighting is now LEDs, said to boost headlight output by 66 pre cent over previous incandescent bulbs.

The Mack Anthem will be available as a sleeper or day cab and will be available in 6×4 and 8×4 rigid guise or as a 6×4 prime mover.

A 36-inch (91cm) integrated stand up sleeper cab is now an option for Anthem, Trident and Super-Liner models.

For drivers, this means 1.8 metres of headroom in the cockpit and 2.1 metres of headroom in the sleeper compartment.

The extra overhead space allows for additional storage in the driver’s compartment.

Further back, overhead storage cupboards sit  above the standard inner-spring mattress features.

LED courtesy lighting, 12-volt power outlets as well as USB charging ports are included and there is also the option of a slide out under-bunk fridge. Exterior locker boxes can also be accessed from the inside of the truck by lifting the bed.

A new interior design brings large, easy to read analogue gauges to bear along with tough, well-placed laser etched rocker switches.

The mDrive transmission controls remain on the dash panel, though a steering column-mounted multi-function stalk controls the Powerleash engine brake.

An integrated Bendix Wingman Fusion active safety system is standard equipment in the new Mack Anthem, providing adaptive cruise control, blind spot alerts, autonomous braking and roll stability.

A 5-inch (12.7cm) colour digital Co-Pilot display is designed to support navigating various digital menus and functions while on the move.

“The integration of the Bendix safety system now means that much of the system’s functionality can be accessed via the Co-Pilot display,” VGA says.

The mDrive automated manual transmission get some extra-low gearing with the arrival of the mDrive HD and mDrive XHD transmissions.

“By providing options of deep reduction gearing, these transmissions offer safer heavy hauling at high gross weights with excellent start ability/gradeability, eliminating the need for auxiliary transmissions,” VGA says.

The 13-speed mDrive HD offers a single reduction gear that not only helps for heavy lift offs, it also allows fuel conscious highway operators to specify taller final drive ratios to maximise fuel efficiency. The 14-speed mDrive XHD offers heavy haulage operators safe and flexible handling of big loads with peace of mind.


Read our exclusive report on Mack Anthem safety, here


“These new mDrive transmissions also bring new features such as a Rock Free mode to allow the driver to rock the truck back and forwards easily if needing to gain traction off-road.

“A Power Launch function for off-road low-traction starts as well as Heavy-Duty and Maxi-Duty transmission modes for high GCM operation.”

Both transmissions are available behind both the 13-litre MP8 and 16-litre MP10 engines.

New electrical architecture across the range not only provides a smarter truck it’s also more connected.

Optional Predictive Cruise Control allows the truck to record topographic data to optimise engine and transmission performance and, consequently, save fuel.

“I’m very excited to see these new trucks emerge from our Wacol factory,” Mack Trucks vice president Gary Bone says.

“The Anthem takes our brand in a bold new direction and our new stand up sleeper cab gives long haul operators a fantastic new environment to both work and rest in.

“The Mack brand has built up an enviable reputation over the last century for building tough uncompromising trucks that get the job done in some of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.

“The addition of the HD and XHD automated manual transmission only adds to that heavy haulage pedigree.”

Orders for the new range are due to be placed early next month.

 

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