A STAR IS BORN

The Western Star X-Series is set to extend the brand’s hard won reputation for durability in combination with the finesse of the latest technologies.

The X-Series is the first allnew Western Star range in a generation and the engineers in Portland, Oregon, where the trucks intended for the Australian market are manufactured, started with a clean sheet almost six years ago with the intention to produce a range of trucks which accommodated the four key pillars of durability, safety, driver comfort, and weight reduction. A significant investment, which is claimed to be in excess of $100 million, has been injected into the development of the X-Series and underlines that this is not a handful of tweaks performed on existing models. These are the most tested Western Star trucks in history with 15 years of simulated operation in the US and, thus far, 200,000 kilometres of Australian testing by local major fleet operators. Running parallel with existing product the fuel performance is reportedly “extremely impressive.” The new design retains enough heritage to accommodate traditional Western Star buyers at the same time as offering trucks with the sophisticated advanced safety features and driver supports to suit the requirements of current market demands. The X-Series shouldn’t be judged by any predecessors, as essentially everything has been redesigned. As a member of the global Daimler Trucks family, Western Star has the benefits of access to the Daimler component arsenal as well as shared aims in design and engineering.

There are three models in the X-Series starting with the versatile 47X with its short, sloped bonnet, set back front axle and choice of Cummins L9 engines up to 380hp or the Detroit DD13 Gen 5 rated up to 525hp. Designed specifically and exclusively for the Australian market, the 48X models are powered by the 450-525hp Detroit DD13 Gen 5 or the 500-600hp Detroit DD16. The set forward front axle and bumper to back of cab (BBC) dimension of 113.5 inches provides plenty of flexibility for fleet work.

The ‘hero’ of the X-Series is undoubtedly the 49X, particularly when paired with the 72-inch Stratosphere sleeper which is the largest cab on the Australian market.

Powered by Detroit DD16 engines delivering between 500hp and 600hp, the 49-X can be rated with GCMs in excess of 200 tonnes. The DD13 Gen 5 delivers 1,550-1,850 lb-ft of torque and is designed to provide exceptional fuel economy and high performance while offering a weight advantage of 185kgs over the previous generation DD15 in the legacy Western Stars. Both Detroit engines also offer vastly reduced downtime due to diesel particulate filter regenerations now having intervals more than six times longer than on ADR80/03 (Euro V) engines. Meeting the latest GHG-21 fuel economy standards, both Detroit engines are among the cleanest in the world, conforming to the US EPA10 emissions standard, as well as being ready for the pending Australian ADR80/04 (Euro VI) regulation. The DD16 has retained the turbo-compounding technology which captures otherwise wasted heat energy and delivers it to the crankshaft.

The new range will also include 47X models in 8x4 and 10x4 configurations which will suit the agitator sector. In addition to the proven Eaton Fuller 18-speed manual transmissions, Western Stars now have the option to be equipped with Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission. Available in DT12-OV and DT12-OVX variants, the 12-speed transmission has rock-free and off-road functions in addition to the on-highway focused economy and performance modes. It also includes a power launch feature and has side and rear power take-off (PTO) capabilities. An Allison full automatic is available in 47X models.

The new cabs are constructed mostly of steel-reinforced aluminium with composite roof panels and are eight per cent lighter than the legacy Western Star 4900. The doors are manufactured using galvanised steel and are mounted on forged steel hinges. The resin hoods are up to 49kgs lighter than previous versions yet are more impact resistant. The hoods feature a unique coil suspension system which reduces vibration and with the aid of gas struts makes operation a one-handed exercise. Easy access to maintenance checks for fluid levels and fuel filters is provided on the kerbside of the engine bay. The cabs are mounted high on the chassis to improve air flow in the space between the cab floors and the chassis rails. Cabin entry and exit are made easy for drivers of all physiques, thanks to well-placed non-slip steps and the doors opening 70 degrees. The inside door handles operate at a very natural angle and place no strain on the wrist. ISRI drivers’ seats with integrated belts are standard and there is the additional option of a Rolltek seat with a side curtain airbag. The Detroit Assurance suite of advanced safety systems utilises a combination of radar and high-definition camera technologies to activate its stateof-the-art features, and includes side guard assist, Active Brake Assist 5, adaptive cruise control, tailgate warning, and lane departure warning.

The one-piece windscreen is 28 per cent larger than the previous split screens, providing a panoramic view and also improving the swept area for the wipers. The wiper motor itself has been relocated from under the dash to be mounted on the firewall under the hood. Electrics are 12volt and the LED headlamps are protected with polycarbonate lenses. Rear vision is also important and the new Western Star’s feature door mounted C-shaped mirror arms with a reduced profile for improved forward visibility. The door and mirror structures are engineered to minimise mirror vibration and have a breakaway design to limit damage should they get impacted.

Improved insulation and features such as the triple door seals contribute to a significantly lower level of noise intrusion which assists driver comfort and fatigue as well as conversation levels when using the Bluetooth phone connection. The revised HVAC system maintains temperature and air flow at comfortable levels. The dash layout is intuitive with an automotive style feel and, at first experience, provides a clear understanding of how everything works. Multiplex wiring behind the dash permits flexible switch functions and locations to suit driver preferences and applications, and the ‘flex panel’ on the dash can be configured with additional gauges or a screen.

The familiar smart steering wheel comes from the Daimler parts inventory and sound system, cruise controls, and easy to use scroll controls for the driver information system menus. The new Western Stars feature downhill speed control, which is activated by engaging the engine brake and tapping the Cruise Control button which sets and maintains the desired speed. The Adaptive Cruise Control is effective in enhancing safety and driver confidence. Daycabs can be specified with a solid rear wall or a single or three rear windows which will appeal to many applications. Sleepers come in a variety of lengths and heights with plenty of options for versatile interior configurations including a lounge/dining suite. Several sizes of coil or memory foam mattresses are available. The X-Series cabs are mounted using isolators to provide cab stability and deliver the comfortable ride which has been always associated with Western Star. The “Quiet Steel” engine tunnel contributes to reducing driveline noise intrusion into the cab. The distinctive, stainless steel grille is mounted directly to the aluminium radiator which has larger tubes to enhance cooling efficiency. The new integral air maintain, although some buyers will opt for the familiar external air scoops. The X-Series utilises high tensile steel for the single chassis rails matched with cast alloy cross members to reduce weight. The trucks can be specified with steel cross members and with chassis liners for ultrahigh GCM applications. The chassis rails have a splayed design at the front which accommodates the engine and cooling system cradle package and enhances access for maintenance as well as contributing to vehicle stability due to the suspension mounts being set wider apart. Higher capacity rectangular fuel tanks are optional and AdBlue tanks of up to 200 litres are available.

Overall, the X-Series provides Western Star opportunities to become involved in an expanded range of applications and the standard suite of safety features will assist in adding the brand to the lists of trucks worthy of consideration by major fleets. At the media launch of the Western Star X-Series the international and local Penske people were justifiably bullish about the comprehensive new offering and were confident of double-digit Heavy Duty