Daimler Truck will display the most advanced models available across its Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Freightliner and Fuso brands – plus a hint at the future!
Daimler Truck will be displaying the best and most advanced trucks available in Australia across its Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Fuso brands at the 2023 show.
There will also be a hint of the future, but you will have to visit the show to find out what that looks like.
Freightliner
Freightliner will present its remarkable Cascadia range at the event, with attendees able to see for themselves how a 60-inch raised roof 126 Cascadia is truly a home-away-from-home.
This truck sits at the top of the Cascadia range for good reason, and a big part of the appeal is the cavernous cab with more than enough space to swing a cat (if that’s your thing).
Creature comforts, apart from the spacious bed, include microwave, TV, a fridge, a generous amount of storage space, and enough vertical space to stand up straight to stretch.
The interior, which Boeing designers helped develop, is more like a premium hotel than a truck cab. Freightliner also features the optional high-definition digital dashboard screens, two large tablet-style screens that can be used to access a wide range of controls and information displays.
A 12.3-inch display replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a digital tacho and speedo as well as gauges, trip data, and adaptive cruise control system information.
The 10-inch display features a touch screen for ease of use, allowing access to a raft of information and settings, but also features a row of traditional buttons for features a driver may want to control in a hurry, such as audio.
The driver can still operate climate controls with easy-to-use dials to the left of the screen.
Information on both screens can be accessed through controls on the steering wheel, which features intuitive thumb control pads.
There is plenty of muscle too thanks to some genuine American metal providing ample power and torque. The Cascadia 126 features the range-topping 16-litre six-cylinder Detroit DD16 producing 600hp and 2,050ft/lb of torque.
Customers can choose from the fully integrated DT12 12-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), which is smart enough to know when to hold a gear or when to coast thanks to GPS data and topographic mapping.
Old-school truckers are also welcome to order an 18-speed Eaton manual, which means buyers can have all the comforts that come from the most advanced conventional American truck, together with familiarity of a manual gearbox.
Freightliner will also have the surprise packet of the Cascadia range on display in Brisbane, a 116 with a 13-litre Detroit DD13 that pumps out 505hp and 1,850lb-ft of torque. This short-nose model is proving that new engine technology and the low-down torque means a smaller engine can get much more work done than you might expect.
Fuso
The Brisbane show represents the first time the Fuso Shogun 510 will be featured at a public event. The Shogun 510 is the most powerful Japanese truck in Australia and also has a significant torque advantage over its rivals.
The 510 was developed following a request from Australian customers for a Japanese truck with over 500hp. The muscular machine is only available in the Australian and NZ markets.
The 510’s 13-litre Daimler Truck OM471 six-cylinder engine hits its maximum power output at 1,600rpm while its maximum torque of 2,500Nm is available from just 1,100rpm.
Optimal drivability is assured with 86 per cent of maximum torque available from just 800rpm, while 84 per cent of maximum torque is still available at 1,700rpm.
The advanced engine features an asymmetric turbocharger and the latest generation common rail system with variable pressure boosting for ultimate fuel efficiency.
A 12-speed AMT features the clever EcoRoll system, while a powerful three-stage engine braking system gives the driver more control.
The 510 boasts a distinctive front-end paint scheme that is exclusive to the 13-litre model. It features distinctive black panels and grille, which also has wider openings for optimum cooling.
The Fuso Shogun range offers eight-litre, 11-litre and 13-litre engines, with 360, 400, 460 and now 510hp. Configurations include 6×4 and 4×2 prime movers and tippers and 8×4, 6×4 and 6×2 rigids, including the 14-pallet Shogun 360.
Like all models, the 510 comes with a full-suite of latest-generation active safety features.
Fuso will also cover the medium- and light-duty segments with Fighter and Canter. It will also demonstrate its electric truck leadership.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Trucks will show a range of advancements and the mighty heavy-duty Actros.
A range-topping 2663 version of the Actros will take pride of place on the stand. It features a premium cabin with two crisp tablet-screen dashboard displays.
The 2663 sits at the top of the Actros tree, featuring the 630hp 16-litre engine that also produces a hefty 3,000Nm of torque. It is linked to a 12-speed AMT with creep mode.
It is also the first truck in Australia with the innovative SAE Level 2 partial autonomous driving capability. The optional Active Drive Assist function helps to actively steer the truck and keep it in the centre of its lane, although the driver is still required to hold the steering wheel.
The Lane Keeping Assist system is proactive rather than reactive. It does this by using cameras to monitor lane markings, and uses that data to help operate the electro-hydraulic steering system. The driver can overrule the system at any time.
The ADA function will even pull up the truck within the lane markings, turn on the hazard lights, apply the park brake and unlock the doors for emergency services in the event the driver suffers a medical event and is non-responsive to multiple visual and audible warnings.
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