LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Peterbilt has announced it will begin offering Cummins 475-hp. N14 engine as well as several other options, later this spring.

The options were unveil at a lunch-hour news conference at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. yesterday.

Peterbilt general manager Nick Panza noted that the N14 engine offers, “the superb balance between power and economy.”

The motor is upgradeable to 525 hp. and, “adds a new dimension of economy to what is already a truck with best-in-class low-operating costs,” says Panza.

The company noted that the engine upgrade is available as a “cost-effective powertrain alternative” on its model 387.

In addition to the N14 roll-out, Peterbilt also introduced its new proprietary Flex Air tandem air suspension. The suspension will be available for on-highway Class 8 tractors and features an installed weight rated at 38,000 lbs., an amount, “that is 400 lbs. lighter” than the company’s Low Air Leaf, explains Panza.

The company notes that the Flex Air uses a weight-efficient structure, “consisting of a very stiff, lightweight aluminum beam with a small semi-elliptic taper leaf spring mounted at one and, and an air spring at the other end. Aluminum suspension brackets, shock brackets and extruded air spring support beams result in a unique and extremely lightweight design.”

The suspension is marketed at applications such as tankers, flatbeds, reefers, vans and car carriers.

Declining to provide an exact figure, Panza says the suspension will be “competitively priced” in relation to similar products on the market.

Sticking with undercarriages, Peterbilt unveiled the new option of Dana Spicer’s Premium-40 tandem-drive axle. Beginning in early May, the axle will be available for the company’s Class 8 over-the-road trucks, especially for tractors with engines of 1,850 lbs. ft. of torque with up to 600 hp.

The Premium-40 features a Micro-Lip XL seal-and-sling system designed to retain lubricants and reduce the risk of outside contamination; strong hypoid primary gearing with premium processing in a full range of axle ratios, and with a ring gear thrust bolt that helps reduce the possibility of damage caused by abusive events and impact loads.

Optional Premium-40 features include a LMS Hub System that reduces wheel seal failures and eliminates wheel-bearing adjustments; a “gerotor” style lube pump system for added protection in severe service operations; and wide-track widths of up to 78 in.

The company also pulled back the curtain on a new Custom Chrome Appearance Package for the model 387. It includes stainless steel aluminum clad bumper and chromed mirror housings. It will be available this summer as a factory-installed option.

New as well are options to increase the driver friendliness of the model 330, which is available in Class 6 and Class 7 configurations. They include an extended rear window, an air seat, an easy-to-reach, floor-mounted cup holder and a driver-side manifest pouch.

Further to improving driver comfort, Peterbilt has redesigned its UltraRide seat. The new design elements include a more comfortably shaped seat cushion and backrest, a ratcheting armrest adjustment and updated seat fabrics and textures. Another feature is a new base design which improves stability and redesigned air adjustment values for easier adjustment and use.

TruckCare Maintenance Manager is a new Web-based service offering from Peterbilt, designed to ease the burden of maintenance record keeping, service reminders, and comparative parts and cost analyses.

Peterbilt says the secure, password-protected area of www.peterbilt.com, under the Parts & Service section.

And finally, thanks to an agreement with Delphi Automotive Systems, Peterbilt is offering the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service, through the ConcertClass audio system.

The satellite transmission offers around-the-clock, commercial-free, digital-quality sound in up to 100 different formats, “virtually anywhere in North America.”

The radio service is available on premium level models 387 and 379, the company notes.