PORTLAND, Ore. — Freightliner has introduced a number of enhancements to its Classic and Classic XL models, which it says improves ride, maneuverability, handling and performance.

The Class 8 trucks feature a new chassis design that is already in production at the truck maker’s Portland truck plant.

“Customers are going to love what we’ve done with the new Classic and Classic XL,” says Mark Lampert, senior vice-president of sales and marketing with Freightliner. “We’ve made major improvements in ride and handling while retaining the trucks’ rugged, traditional looks. With their modern chassis design and traditional styling, the new Classic and Classic XL trucks truly give heavy-duty truck operators the best of both worlds.”

The popular owner/operator models incorporate dual exhaust stacks and other traditional styling elements. The XL features a long hood, 132-inch BBC measurement and a variety of additional interior and exterior perks. The Classic, meanwhile, offer similar styling in a 120-inch BBC configuration.

The company says the new chassis design offers performance enhancements thanks to a new leaf-and-a-half front suspension with a lower dynamic rate, resulting in a smoother ride. As well, the Freightliner AirLiner front air suspension is available on the Classic XL. The cab suspension features larger rear air springs, also contributing to an improved ride, according to Freightliner.

Improved exhaust system damping capabilities and a quieter clutch linkage design contribute to the overall quieter ride the new chassis offers, while front cab mounts dampen vibration. Also making for a quieter ride are sound-dampening materials, which have been added to the cab floor and firewall.

Maneuverability has also been improved, says Lampert, due largely to new narrow high-pressure steering gears giving the tires more room to turn. Both the Classic and Classic XL are available with set-forward front axles in varying wheelbases.

Customers of the new Classic and Classic XL models can choose between a number of Detroit Diesel and Caterpillar powerplants and the trucks have also been modified to accommodate the new engine designs.

“The new Classic and Classic XL models put the latest chassis technological advances to work for owner/operator truckers,” Lampert said. “A great truck is getting even better.”