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they do make them like that any more!

14th December 2000
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Page 14, 14th December 2000 — they do make them like that any more!
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• Just when you thought US truck operators had finally embraced the idea of an aerodynamic artic-50% of all bonneted tractors said there are "aerodynamic" fleet models—Freightliner launches its Coronado, an unashamedly retro ownerdriver machine. But beneath all the chrome there's Still plenty of innovation, CM was at the Great American Truck Show in Dallas to see its coronation.

Retrospection

With fuel prices up by 57%, you'd think American truck buyers (and makers) would have turned their backs on the bonneted behemoths of old. Not a bit of it. Freightliner's new heavy-duty tractor, the Coronado, boasts a look that's 'both decidedly retro and distinctly modern". While we'd question the "modern" bit, Coronado is Freightliner's bid to woo those US owner-drivers who still like their trucks to look like something out of Duel.

According to Jim Hebe, president of DaimlerChrysler's Freightliner, Stirling and, now, Western Star operations: "For many years the art of owner-driver truck design has really been stagnant. The industry has concentrated on aerodynamics, safety and ride and noise; the traditionally styled truck hasn't taken part in this technology revolution." However, he reckons there are plenty of US operators who don't care about this trend. 'Tor them it's about image and personal expression, and that's what motivates them to buy our Classic XL."

The Coronado is Freightliner's tradi

tional owner-driver machine, but for the 21st century. Its styling leans undeniably to past decades, from the long bonnet and large aluminium grille right down to the chromed bumper, air intakes and vertical exhausts, windscreen visor and "sculpted hood ornament". it fairly bristles with running lights and assorted chequer-plate, while its integrated running boards "serve to streamline the

appearance"—even if they don't actually do anything for its drag co-efficient (C0). At the launch Freightliner declined to say how Coronado's CD compared to that of its more aerodynamic Century Class range.

Although from the outside the Coronado's cab might look dated to European eyes, its interior is voluminous, if not downright luxurious, compared to the average UK cab. And that individual owner-driver theme is reinforced with "Oregon burl woodgrain accents" on the dash, doors, consoles and 'modular cabinetry in the huge sleeper compartment. There's even a "Chaparral' padded leather trim package with "a rugged 'distressed leather' cloth on the walls, headliner and door panels".

Coronado's massive 9,677cm2 radiator is designed to cool the biggest diesels

on offer in the US, up to Cummins' 15-litre 600hp Signature or the C16 from Caterpillar. The standard power unit is the latest Detroit Diesel 60 Series, which has a "mere" 500hp. And that's for a truck running at the relatively light GCW of 80,000lb (36.2 tonnes), which is the US maximum interstate limit.

Looking at the 6x4 Coronado, it would be easy to dismiss it as just another indulgence for American owner-drivers. In fact it boasts a number of innovations, one of which will undoubtedly claw back some of the fuel lost to its uncompromising aerodynamics.

Innovations Freightliner has struck an exclusive 30month "first user" deal with Michelin to fit its X-One wide-single drive-axle tyre on Freightliner, Stirling and Western Star models from the beginning of next year The 445/50 R22.5 radials have a maxi

mum 7,747kg rating and feature what

Michelin describes as unique continuous stabilising belt" which provides better ground contact and tread stability. Michelin claims that by shifting from a conventional XDA-equipped twin-wheel set-up to wide single X-Ones, a 6x4 operator can save up to 2.5% on fuel because of the reduced rolling resistance; the saving doubles when X-Ones are fitted across an entire 3+2 US tractor-trailer combination. There are weight savings, too. Using wide-single X-One tyres on Michelin's own Accuride DupleX steel wheels saves about 208kg on a tandem drive-axle tractor compared to a conventional twin-wheel set-up, and up to 417kg when X-Ones are fitted to a complete rig.

Other high-tech options on Coronado include SmartShift, Freightfiner's steering-column-mounted electronic gearchanging system, which can be used with either Eaton or Mentor (7F) automated gearboxes. SmartShift electronically synchronises the Coronado's engine and gearspeed, allowing clutch-less changes by pulling up or pushing down on the change lever.

You can also spec your Coronado with full air suspension throughout— assuming the standard "EzyRider seat isn't comfortable enough for you.

What you won't find in Coronado is anything like an ergonomically designed dash, at least not by European standards. Ifs still a mish-mash of assorted chrome

dials and switches, but we doubt tha average Coronado owner will r According to the Freightliner blurb, other owner-drivers see a Coro owner -they'll wish they were you".

Except they won't be saying it here. Freightliner's senior vice-pros of engineering, Michael von Mayenl confirms that, barring some electrc there's little of Coronado that's ti ferrabie to Europe. Only don't be prised if it turns up on DaimlerChry; stand at the next Hanover Show crowd-puller.

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Locations: Dallas

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