Penske launches baby Western Star

Popular American model appears at the Brisbane Truck Show ahead of Australian release

The Brisbane Truck Show has seen the arrival in Australia of a bonneted medium duty Western Star.

The conventional 2800SS was revealed in Brisbane, ahead of going on sale in Australia in late 2015. It will occupy the 15-22.5 tonne segment of the market.

The 2800 features a six cylinder Euro 6 equivalent Cummins ISBE6 which pushes out 260hp (191 kW) and 895 Nm of torque, with the ability to option increased horsepower to 325hp (242 kW)

The Euro 6 emissions gear caters for future standards and includes diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

Coupled to the Cummins is an Allison 3000 RDS fully automatic six-speed transmission.

The Western Star 2800 is based on the Freightliner M2 which has nearly a quarter market share in the US, and 45,000 units were built last year.

“A key factor in the success of the 2800SS is its versatility that supports a variety of body styles, and chassis mounted equipment, to suit almost every application,” says Western Star.

The company claims “segment leading” cabin space, cabin entry and egress, and turning circle.

There is a tall windscreen and downward sloping bonnet for improved aerodynamic efficiency and “outstanding” visibility.

The front guards with rolled corners feature large rectangular, wraparound LED headlamps and above that, LED turn indicators.

Overall length is 10.8 metres with a wheelbase of 6.4m. The truck will be available in 10 pallet and 12 pallet configurations.

Front and rear axles are Detroit with Airliner rear suspension.

The new Star will be distributed in Australia by the Penske Commercial Vehicles group.

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