LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Western Star Trucks put on display its EPA 2007 chassis and latest product enhancements at the 2006 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky.

Debuting at the show was the company’s 2007 chassis by featuring a 4900 EX with a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine and 82-inch Stratosphere sleeper.

The chassis’ design changes include updated cooling packages and new exhaust systems. In order to accommodate the larger radiators, Western Star added a drop front frame casting for the axle configurations on all models to allow for increased cooling capacity without having to make exterior modifications to the traditional Western Star hood and grille, the company says. Raised radiator configurations with integral front frame extensions and a front engine power takeoff are also available for vocational applications.

A 56-inch asymmetric spring provides improved roll stiffness and better handling in turns due to a shortened front length while maintaining the soft ride characteristics from the longer rear length. Plus, new steering gears and optimized geometry improve road feel, overall wheel cut, and turning radius. Western Star will also add the AF-18.0-5 18,000-pound steer axle to the family of axle offerings in combination with the EPA 2007 suspension updates.

Aftertreatment systems, a new EPA 2007 requirement, offer both horizontal and vertical frame mounting with vertical tailpipes. The aftertreatment system packaging allows for easy periodic filter maintenance while providing for vocationally-friendly exhaust packaging.

Lightweight Western Star:

The 4900 SA comes in under 14,999 pounds tare weight and is ideal for bulk
hauling applications. Outfitted with several lightweight components,
including a 48-inch high roof sleeper, MBE 4000 engine, aluminum front
and rear disc wheels, an Airliner front suspension, and aluminum
crossmembers, this Western Star is spec’d out for weight-sensitive
applications.

The 4900 SA with 123-inch BBC is now available with a butterfly hood, which was developed with hinged, removable side panels that fold up like butterfly wings for easy engine access without having to tilt the hood forward.

The 4900 FA, the set-forward axle model ideal for premium on-highway and vocational applications, has also been updated with an optional single-piece hood.