Star attraction

THE NEW WESTERN STAR 57X LONG HAUL TRUCK for North America isn’t likely to be seen on New Zealand highways.

But the newcomer, announced in August, is worthy of a launch mention for its striking front-end design and status as the most efficient truck yet from the iconic US brand.

The new 57X is about 6% more efficient than its predecessor, the 5700XE, making it the most efficient Western Star truck ever. Customers can choose from Detroit DD13 Gen 5, DD15 Gen 5 and DD16 engines options and the 57X is available with Detroit DT12 Direct or High-speed AMT transmissions, which reduce fuel consumption while improving shifting and reducing wear.

Intelligent Powertrain Management anticipates terrain and adjusts to road conditions and optimisations to the chassis and cab further reduce the fuel consumption figures of the new 57X. These include the aerodynamic hood and air ducts in the bumpers, as well as flexible skirts between the cab and chassis.

The Western Star 57X offers customers the Detroit Assurance 5.0 Safety System with Active Brake Assist 5 which includes the camera/radar “always-on” system, Adaptive Cruise Control and optional Active Lane Assist. All-new to the 57X is Active Side Guard Assist, an industry-first technology designed to mitigate blind side issues during right-hand turns.

The 57X is the first Western Star truck to have a digital display in the cockpit that allows instrument configuration and simplifies control of entertainment functions (via Apple Car Play and Android Auto) and vehicle information. Steering wheel controls let drivers control most entertainment and information functions without taking their hands off the wheel.

The all-new 57X is designed primarily for customers on long-distance routes, especially in the small-fleets segment or as owner operators.

Production at the Daimler Truck North America production plant in Cleveland, North Carolina, will begin in Q1 of 2023.

T&D

The new Western Star 57X built for North American long-haul customers.