Peterbilt presents new programming in grades 5-8
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FORT WORTH, Texas – The interior tracks of Texas Motor Speedway were the occasion for Peterbilt Motors Co. to introduce members of the media to its new line of Class 5-8 trucks.
The four new models include the Model 535 Class 5, the Model 6 Class 536, the Model 537 Class 7, and the Model 548 for Class 8 professional applications. All trucks will be equipped with Paccar PX-7 and PX engines. -9 and will be equipped with the new TX-8 Paccar eight-speed transmission. This transmission, which uses a torque converter, delivers 5% fuel savings over previous models, with similar specifications, Peterbilt said.
Peterbilt is a trademark of Paccar Inc.
The new instrument panel has a digital speed display with conventional round dials. (Peterbilt Motors Co)
“These new trucks are pure and simple in design,” said Phil Hall, director of medium segment marketing for Peterbilt. “We understand that the market for mid-size vehicles – and our customers who use these trucks – is changing. To meet these changing expectations and ways of working, our team has opted for a “human-centered design”. “
Hall said he and his team spend a lot of time on interior design. “For this new mid-service line, I challenged our design team to think in terms of a ‘qualitative’ engineering process,” Hall explained. “It meant focusing on customer needs and understanding why they do things certain ways when using our trucks.”
The Paccar TX-8 transmission offers smooth gear changes, fuel economy and improved acceleration. (Peterbilt Motors Co)
In the cabin, that meant an additional 8-inch interior width over the outgoing model to accommodate three-sided seats, two cabin heights, and two hood lengths allowing for rear bumper lengths of the cabin of 107 and 109 inches. Hall said the different roof heights and frame lengths extend the versatility of the trucks.
There is also 4.6 cubic feet of storage space in the cabin, developed around driver feedback collected during real-world outings with customers so engineers and stylists can see how the trucks are actually being used. , said Peterbilt. Even the low-roof cabin – designed to accommodate above-cabin equipment such as buckets and cranes – has overhead storage, Hall noted during a walk down the track. Other interior storage features a slot large enough to accommodate a clipboard, door bins and cell phone storage that features a lip to help hold the device in place and allow drivers to use navigation by phone .
Safe entry and exit is activated with bright yellow handles. (Peterbilt Motors Co)
A flat cabin floor is designed for easy cleaning, even on the jobsite, while seating options include an optional air-suspended driver’s seat. Air suspension for the cab and rear axle is also available as an option.
The trucks digital instrument panel has selectable gauge options that drivers can select via a rotary finger control on the multi-control steering wheel. An additional screen is offered which can display a variety of information including infotainment and navigation.
From behind the wheel, sightlines to the road are enhanced by a new hood that sits 6.5 inches lower at the crown than the previous model. A key visual difference between new and previous trucks is a grille that fits more easily with the styling lines of the hood, with grille bars following the fold of the hood down and into the bumper area.
The truck on display at the media event featured a Model 535 with a blackened grille and black wheels. This look represents the standard trim package and offers a cut on a chrome grille.
A Model 535 with a blackened grille and black wheels. (Sturgess Associates)
The model 548 on display featured a crane and lift axle.
The truck doors are triple sealed to help reduce noise and drafts. Access to the cabin is via a staircase-shaped configuration that includes lighting when the doors are open. An exterior grab bar has knurled fingers on the inside for easy grip, and two handrails on either side of the door are there to help drivers enter the cab.
Hall said five themes embody the new trucks: uptime, efficiency, versatility, technology and productivity. For uptime, he said the trucks are designed to encourage quick and easy maintenance, citing things like easy access for fluid checks. He also demonstrated how the inner fender liner could be released to allow access to change a headlight bulb, a job he said could be accomplished in under five minutes. Hall said the varying roof heights and frame lengths facilitate versatility, while the technology is highlighted by the new dashboard and common diagnostics found on all of Peterbilt’s product dash displays. The emphasis on cabin design and access can help improve productivity, Hall said.
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