All 2008 models for Freightliner, Mercedes-Benz and Sterling Trucks on display
Melbourne – Featuring heavily at this year’s inaugural International Trailer, Truck and Equipment Show will be the star-studded line-up of rigs from the Daimler Trucks stable.
Daimler, the world’s biggest truck manufacturer, will be showcasing models from its three starring brands - Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Sterling.
All three makes have recently benefited from significant product advances and show-goers will be able to get up-close to this impressive range of 2008 models.
Sterling – further optimised and ready for work
This year sees big changes to the Sterling Trucks range, further optimising the cost-effectiveness and performance of this ever-reliable worker and enhancing its suitability for an even greater number of roles.
On display at the show is the new 2008 Sterling range – comprising three work-ready models – the HX7500 and the larger HX9500 in three engine variants.
The outside may look different, but the smaller HX7500 is still the vocational workhorse. With a Cummins ISC engine producing 315 hp and 950 lb/ft of torque this model is perfect for an agitator, a vocational rigid or for pulling a single axle trailer. It can be configured as a 4x2, 6x4 or 8x4. On the stand the HX7500 is shown with a rigid tipper body – the perfect application for this tough truck.
The bigger HX9500 comes in two versions, both of which are on the show floor this year.
The HX9500- MBE4000 is powered by an up-rated MBE4000 power plant that boasts 450 hp at 1650 ft/lb of torque and has a GCM of 55 tonnes, ideal for pocket B-double or quad dog applications.
Then there’s the real heavy mover, the HX9500, powered by either a Detroit Series 60 EGR or the Cat C-15 ACERT, providing up to 625 hp and an impressive 2050 ft/lb using an advanced ‘engine mounted’ cooling module. This means the HX9500 will handle 130 tonnes GCM with ease, making B-double or B-triple applications a highly cost-effective reality.
Mercedes-Benz – more power, cleaner emissions and leading-edge safety
Recently launched at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, the new Actros V8 makes its showroom debut on the event’s show floor. A state-of-the-art machine for long distance haulage, the ’08 Actros 2660LS has a 15.9-litre Mercedes-Benz turbocharged V8 which produces a massive 598hp in the top-of-the-line 2660LS, while the 2655LS and 2651LS boast 551hp and 510hp respectively. On show from the V8 Range this year is the 2660LS and 2651LS.
The new Actros has a 7.5-tonne front axle with FUPS, is 26-metre B-double compliant and can handle up to130-tonnes GCM.
Put through its paces over the Blue Mountains, the Actros V8 range displayed the unrivalled Mercedes-Benz range of safety systems including the Telligent® Braking System with ABS and ASR, a Voith retarder, Active Brake Assist, Telligent® Proximity Control, Telligent® Lane Assist and Roll-Back Prevention.
Telligent® Proximity Control monitors the distance between the truck and the vehicle in front and helps keep the truck at a safe distance. This feature is enhanced by Active Brake Assist which warns the driver if the distance falls below a minimum level and then applies the brakes – 30% at first and then if there is no driver response, at maximum.
The truck’s Telligent® Lane Assist uses a small camera behind the windscreen to monitor the road ahead. If the driver unintentionally leaves the driving lane, it emits a typical “rumble-strip” sound from the radio speaker on the truck's danger side, prompting the driver to intuitively steer the other way.
Also on display is the diligent Atego 1629L, featuring comfort for short-haul distribution, with the extra space cabin bunks equipped to seat up to 6. The affordable Atego will be on show with a curtainsider – the perfect application for this versatile truck.
Freightliner – Delivers the Lot
2008 is a big year for Freightliner. All three models – Columbia, Century Class and Argosy Evolution – are now available with either the Detroit Series 60 EGR or CAT Acert engines. These impressive power plants are exclusive to Australian customers, meeting all ADR 80/02 emission requirements while providing excellent fuel economy and reliable performance.
Arguably the best US styled cab-over on the road, the Freightliner Argosy Evolution has been outselling the market at a staggering rate of two-to-one and now comes with even greater levels of standard equipment. Able to handle up to 140 tonnes GCM, the ’08 Evolution comes with a newly-designed taller grille to improve engine cooling efficiency, that doesn’t compromise the original cabin safety design objectives. On show this year the new Argosy has the fuel-efficient Detroit Series 60 EGR, with 525 hp and 1,850 lb/ft, and is certainly not one to miss.
The Freightliner display will also showcase the Columbia CL112 and CL120, both models showcasing Caterpillar ACERT engines with advanced engine-mounted cooling modules for supreme cooling efficiency. The Columbia is perfect for any application, from tipper to on-highway, and with the aerodynamic cab it can really help you run smart.