Western Star Expands Engine Offerings, Unveils New Badging

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Western Star has revamped its grille bezel and side-of-hood logo, giving them a 3-D appearance for a richer, jewel-like look.

The side-mounted Western Star text has also been given a more modern font for a cleaner look and richer reflection, TJ Reed, product manager for Western Star Trucks, told Truck News. Also at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Western Star announced some product upgrades for vocational customers.

Among the enhancements are: An upgraded MBE 4000 engine option; a Detroit Diesel Tier III off-highway engine emission ratings for 100% off-road trucks; a high-strength, reduced-weight frame rail; and a body-builder-friendly aftertreatment device packaging.

“We’re excited to present an updated exterior badge that reinforces the strength of Western Star and its image as a serious truck for serious truckers,” said Reed. “Plus, the product improvements targeted towards the vocational market reflect our initiative to grow our off-highway business.”

Western Star’s full line-up of Stratosphere sleepers was on display at the show for the first time. The new trucks also featured larger radiators to help cool the new 2007 engines. Rad sizes now range from 1,375 sq.-in. to 1,875 sq.-in. The bigger rads offer increased cooling capacity for high horsepower applications and also reduce fan-on time, said Reed.

The truck maker added a drop front frame casting for the axle configurations on the 4900 FA, 4900 SA and 4900 ES to accommodate the bigger rads. Also new on the 2008 model year Western Stars is a 56-inch asymmetric spring that Reed said improves roll stiffness providing better handling in turns. New steering gears and optimized geometry also improve road feel, overall wheel cut and turning radius, he added.

The upgraded MBE 4000 now boasts a torque rating of 1,650 ft.-lb. The lightweight engine is ideal for weight-sensitive operations, Reed said. The engine brake on the MBE 4000 has received an additional 42 braking horsepower, which Reed said gives it the most bhp in its class.

Western Star’s 6900XD can now be spec’d with an off-highway rated Detroit Diesel Series 60 powerplant ideal for mining, quarry and off-highway construction applications.

“One of the key benefits of Tier III engines is that they don’t require the aftertreatment devices that are associated with the on-highway EPA 07 emissions regulations,” Reed pointed out. “Therefore, they require less ongoing maintenance than comparable severe-duty vehicles.”

Western Star’s new lightweight, single-channel frame rail is now available for weight-sensitive operations. It has a thickness of 7/16″ and can save as much as 500 lbs compared to double-channel rails.

Finally, Western Star has introduced a body-builder-friendly afttertreatment device package for its 4900 FA, 4900 SA and 4900 EX models. The system allows for a clean back of cab and features a cab-mounted vertical tailpipe. It is situated under the passenger side cab access steps. Reed said the package is ideal for vocational applications requiring a right-hand transmission PTO and auxiliary transmissions.

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Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


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