LOUISVILLE, Ky. – New cab and sleeper insulation, an all-wheel drive option and a restyled hood topped the list of enhancements to Western Star’s line of trucks announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Later this year, all Western Star models are to be manufactured with new insulation in the cab and sleeper. The insulation will be installed on the walls, ceiling and along the alcove by the exhaust cutout in the sleeper and cab. Reflective film on the insulation will also help improve the thermal control properties.

For applications demanding additional traction and power, such as maneuvering through deep mud and climbing up and down slick ramps while dismantling oil rigs in oilfield applications, Western Star has designed an all-wheel drive option for its 6900 XD Twin-Steer.

Similar to the 8×6 Twin-Steer, the all-wheel drive Twin-Steer is larger and more powerful. It includes a dual circuit steering system to provide increased capacity to steer the oversize flotation tires in deep mud. The front suspension uses four asymmetrical taper-leaf slipper springs with four parallel torque rods to control each front steer axle through the 12 inches of suspension travel.

This should make for superior mobility, according to Western Star.

The truck maker also announced a restyling of its 109-inch BBC 4900 SA to reflect the same family look as the 123-inch BBC 4900 SA.

With its new stainless steel side intakes, improved visibility and increased aerodynamics, Western Star is tagging this truck as an ideal choice for vocational applications requiring a shorter BBC with a set-back axle.

“It works well for small dump trucks and mixers and in urban settings where maneuverability is crucial,” the company claims.

Finally, the company announced that all Western Star models will now offer Hendrickson’s HAULMAXX rear suspension and the PRIMAXX rear air suspension.