PORTLAND, Ore. — In 2009, Western Star received a vote of confidence from parent company Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) in the form of some autonomy, including development of its own engineering division and an organization focused exclusively on the Western Star brand.

The new arrangement is beginning to be yield results, including product upgrades and enhancements revealed during a recent press visit to the company’s Portland truck plant.

Fuel efficiency package

Western Star has introduced a fuel efficiency package for its 4900 set-back truck model.

The new offering includes fuel-efficient components and packaging while staying true to the truck’s traditional look and feel, the company announced. Offered as the 4900FE, the truck features: a 123-inch BBC; an aerodynamic, high-visibility hood; chrome wrap-around bumper; underhood air cleaners; and horizontal or back-of-sleeper exhaust. Other fuel-efficiency options are also available, Western Star announced. The truck can be spec’ed with either the Detroit Diesel DD13 or DD15 engine with BlueTec SCR.

“The new 4900FE helps heavy haul and bulk operators gain aerodynamic benefits without sacrificing many of the suspension and powertrain ratings they need for their applications,” said Guy Lemieux, marketing segment manager, Western Star. “The new package not only enhances fuel efficiency, but provides options without being overly restrictive on component requirements.”

New auto hauler

Also available from Western Star is a new auto hauler package featuring EPA2010 technology. The new auto hauler is available in a 123- and 132-inch BBC configuration. The truck features specialized front and rear suspensions combined with a lower cab mounting system, providing a 101.4-inch cab-to-ground height. The interior, meanwhile, features full-height headroom and convenient sleeper access.

“Our custom-built, specialized chassis components provide auto hauler customers with the exacting specifications they require, and combined with the power and reliability of 2010 engine technology, we’re providing our customers with the complete solution for the job,” said Ann Demitruk, director of marketing, Western Star.

The auto hauler comes with the Cummins ISX engine with SCR and power ratings from 400 to 600 hp with up to 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s available for order as a day cab or with multiple sleeper sizes ranging from 40 to 68 inches.

Off-road engine options

On the off-highway side of the business, Western Star announced two new options for the Detroit Diesel Series 60 Tier-3-equipped models 4900 and 6900.

The Allison 4700 with retarder option promises additional braking power while maximizing service brake life. It features a hydraulic brake release system to slow the truck or maintain speed on declines, allowing the driver to maintain control of heavy loads while reducing wear and tear on the braking system.

Also available is a new 1480 Front Engine Power Take-Off for Series 60 Tier 3-equipped 4900 set-back configured applications requiring front-mounted equipment. The new PTO provides higher torque, generating more power and efficient operation, especially ideal for feedlots, the company announced.

“The availability of the Series 60 Tier 3 package to our off-highway customers not only reduces acquisition and operating costs, but also provides flexibility in vehicle packaging to satisfy a wide variety of vocational application configurations, allowing our customers to optimize productivity on the job,” said Randy DeBortoli, director of engineering, Western Star.

Body-builder options

The entire Western Star product line has also received new body-builder friendly options aimed at easing body upfit, providing a cleaner back of cab and increasing efficiency between the chassis and body.

New options include: a 13-gallon diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank for increased frame rail space and reduced truck weight; a single man in-cab three-battery box seat with three absorbed glass mat batteries mounted under the single passenger seat, providing additional in-cab storage space and room for larger controls; and end-of-frame controls and wiring for Allison 4500 and 4700 automatic oil field series (OFS) transmissions.

“By offering these new options, we’re making it easier for body builders to install their equipment using factory direct installations designed for trouble-free performance,” said Western Star’s DeBortoli. “Body builders play a vital role in the success of our vocational customers, and we continue to look for ways to improve the efficiency and simplicity of body integration on our full line of products.”

New Web site

The new offerings are all detailed on Western Star’s new Web site at www.WesternStar.com. The new site also features an improved design and tools designed to better help customers find the information they require.

“We wanted to create an interactive resource that would help our customers and fans experience our complete family of trucks and customization options, from the most extreme vocational to premium on-highway applications and everything in between,” said Demitruk. “The new website includes tools specifically designed to help our customers choose the best solution for their job.”

Look for more on Western Star in the November issues of Truck News and Truck West.