Road Noise – Industry news
Mack Trucks Australia has revealed a revamped model line-up that centres on the Mack Anthem, originally launched in North America during 2018. The new righthand drive model is built and engineered in Australia. The all-new model line-up offers a new stand-up sleeper cab, redesigned interior and new transmission options.
The Mack Anthem will be available as a sleeper or day cab and will be offered in 6x4 and 8x4 rigid guise or as a 6x4 prime mover. Powering the Anthem is the proven 13-litre Euro 5 MP8 engine with power ratings ranging from 324–400kW (435–535hp) and torque of 2243–2603Nm (1655–1920lb/ft).
The mDrive automated manual transmission gets some extra-low gearing with the arrival of the 13-speed mDrive HD and 14-speed mDrive XHD transmissions. By providing options of deep reduction gearing, these transmissions offer safer heavy hauling at high gross weights with excellent start ability/gradeability, eliminating the need for auxiliary transmissions, said the company.
Both transmissions are available behind the 13-litre MP8 and 16-litre MP10 engines in the Anthem, Trident and Super Liner models.
Design
The Anthem has quite a different look to Mack’s other Australian offerings. Aerodynamic gains have been aided by closing gaps between panels and minimising seams. Even the tow hooks in the three-piece bumper have been covered to assist with airflow. A singlepoint bonnet latch makes daily checks safer and easier, reducing the effort needed to tilt the bonnet.
All exterior lighting is now handled by LEDs, boosting headlight output by 66% over previous incandescent bulbs.
New sleeper
A 36” integrated standup sleeper cab is now an option for Anthem, Trident and Super Liner models.
The new cab features 1.8m of headroom in the cockpit and 2.1m of headroom in the sleeper compartment. The extra overhead space allows for storage in the driver’s compartment, with overhead storage cupboards in the bunk above the standard inner-spring mattress.
LED courtesy lighting, 12V outlets and USB charging ports are also featured in the new sleeper cab.
There’s also the option of a slide-out under-bunk fridge. Exterior locker boxes can also be accessed from the inside of the truck by lifting the bed.
A new interior design offers large, easy-to-read analogue gauges. A 5” colour digital Co-Pilot display lets drivers navigate various digital menus and functions while on the move.
Safety and connectivity
An integrated Bendix Wingman Fusion active safety system is standard in the new Mack Anthem, providing adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alerts, autonomous braking and roll stability. Much of the system’s functionality can be accessed via the Co-Pilot display.
A new electrical architecture across the range means Mack’s new generation of trucks is smarter and more connected. Optional predictive cruise control allows the truck to record topographic data to optimise engine and transmission performance and, consequently, save fuel.
New Zealand sales start at the same time as Australia, early February 2021.