PORTLAND, Ore. –Freightliner has introduced a new severe-service version of its Coronado truck.

The Coronado Severe Duty (SD) is aimed at the toughest vocational applications, the company announced when unveiling the new model at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exhibition.

“The flagship vocational product for Freightliner Trucks, the Coronado SD encompasses Freightliner’s most advanced technological innovations, resulting in a versatile product that is built to perform and work,” said Richard Shearing, director of product strategy for Freightliner Trucks.

The Coronado SD is available in set-back and set-forward axle configurations. Features include a durable fiberglass hood and fenders made of impact-absorbing material to minimize the risk of damage and cracking. A one-piece stainless steel grille surround is accented with chrome steel horizontal bars.

New headlights feature single, high-tech reflectors for improved lighting. The new truck also has new doors that the truck maker says are built lighter yet sturdier, to minimize mirror vibration.

“We created a truck strong enough to tackle the most extreme elements,” said Shearing. “Everything about the Coronado SD was carefully developed and built to keep it running and earning revenue in any environment.”

“We understand that every minute counts, so we developed the Coronado SD to keep customers out of the shop and on the job longer,” added Melissa Clausen, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. “Our new design elements enable drivers to easily make adjustments on their own, keeping repair costs and downtime to a minimum.”

The Coronado SD retains the Coronado’s distinctive chrome steel intakes on either side of the hood, however the intakes are aerodynamically-designed, the company points out. The Coronado SD also features a new single air filter with improved filtration capabilities. An optional pre-cleaner creates a vortex effect to spin dust and heavy water particles out of the air and away from the engine.

User-friendly features include a 90-degree hood tilt for easy access to engine components and easily-replaceable headlight bulbs.

“We focused on and have delivered what is needed to get the job done -a resilient and sturdy truck that is easily maintained out of the shop,” said Clausen.

Inside the cab, the Coronado SD boasts a new dash design with well-lit gauges and controls and switches strategically placed within easy reach of the driver, Freightliner claims. It also reduced the number of joints in the dash to cut down on squeaks and rattles.

“Vocational applications are often loud, dirty and distracting at job sites, so we created a quiet interior for drivers,” said Shearing.

The new Coronado SD will be available with Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines as well as the Cummins ISX.