New 5700XE will begin production next year, but no word on whether it will be coming to Australia.
Western Star has launched a new, more fuel-efficient highway hauler in the United States.
The aerodynamic prime mover has been dubbed the 5700XE. The XE stands for “extreme efficiency”, with fuel economy standards becoming a big issue in the US.
Western Star says the 5700XE builds on proven aerodynamic technologies from parent company Daimler Trucks North America, and adds “edgy styling”.
Like its Daimler stablemate the Freightliner Cascadia, the 5700XE offers the choice of an integrated driveline of Detroit engine, transmission and axles.
“By blending legendary Western Star ruggedness together with aerodynamic innovations, and the most fuel efficient powertrain available, we have built a powerful solution that is the best of both worlds,” Western Star US general manager Michael Jackson says.
It can be specified with the Detroit DD13 (13 litre), DD15 or DD16 engines – the latter offering up to 600hp (441kW).
The truck comes standard with the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission (AMT).
The 5700XE also comes with the ‘Detroit Virtual Technician’ remote diagnostic service, which is part of a suite of telematics solutions on offer.
The new Western Star features an impressive array of safety technologies, some of which may be unfamiliar to Australian operators of American trucks.
These include:
- A steering wheel with integrated controls for the stereo and cruise control.
- A new transmission control stalk on the right side of the steering column, allowing finger-tip control of the engine brake and Detroit AMT transmission.
- Meritor WABCO lane departure warning system – an audible warning lets the driver know if they are veering off course.
- Meritor WABCO adaptive cruise control, automatically adjusting vehicle speed to maintain the set cruise speed and a safe distance from vehicles in front.
- Meritor WABCO radar-based collision mitigation system. If the driver doesn’t take action to avoid a rear-end collision, the system automatically de-throttles the engine and activates the service brakes.
- ABS brakes with electronic stability and roll stability control.
Full production of the 5700XE will begin in 2015.
There is no word from the distributor of Western Star in Australia – Penske Commercial Vehicles – on whether the 5700XE will be coming to Australia.