All-new Western Star 47X coming to Aus

This week, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) unveiled the new Western Star 47X in the United States.

After launching the 49X a year ago, the 47X is the second truck in Western Star’s entirely new X-Series platform.

As the official distributor of Western Star Trucks across Australia and New Zealand, Penske says it is working closely with DTNA in the adaptation of the new X-Series to local on- and off-highway markets.

Penske said in a press statement that building on a long legacy of manufacturing durable, hard-working trucks, the new platform combines the tough American heritage that Australian and New Zealand customers have come to expect with the latest in engineering advancements.

“It’s very exciting to see the 47X unveiled today in the United States following on from the launch of the 49X last year,” said Craig Lee, general manager – on-highway, Penske Australia.

“We are thrilled to be launching the new Western Star range in late 2022 in Australia, and shortly after that in New Zealand.

“Our local teams here in Australia and New Zealand have worked closely with the Western Star team in the US on the development of the new trucks to tailor them for our local markets in both Australia and New Zealand and will continue to do so.

“Boasting lighter yet tougher cabin frames and steel-reinforced cabins, and with features including wrap-around dashboards, our customers will surely be impressed when they see the trucks in person and step foot into the cabin.

“We will continue to work with our dealer network to ensure the highest level of support is delivered to our existing and our new customers,” Mr Lee said.

At the US launch, David Carson, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) said: “With the 47X and the 49X, we can offer our vocational customers different options that will give them the right tool for their specific job need.

“The vocational segment is a broad segment, covering many different applications, and our Western Star X-Series reflects that reality. Whether their work be heavy-haul, logging and timber operations, or construction, we have the right Star for our customers,” Mr Carson added.

The X-Series steel-reinforced aluminium cab further reduces mass by up to eight per cent while offering greater driver comfort with 13 per cent more space than competitors, we were told at the launch.

An optional two-person bench seat is available for applications demanding a large on-site crew, and a new space-optimised, in-cab battery box affords additional legroom to the operator.

All X-Series models come standard with operator-centric features such as a wrap-around dash that provides easy access to the driver command centre and B-panel.

On the B-panel, a flex panel can be prepped for a tablet or configured for an additional 12 switches or 10 gauges. The truck’s interior also includes upscale appointments such as metal accents, while all-metal exterior brightwork is distinctive as well as durable.

The 47X comes standard with the Detroit DD13 Gen 5 engine, which features higher compression ratios and a new swirl piston design to further improve combustion and efficiency. ThermoCoasting in the DD13 Gen 5 prevents after-treatment cool-down during a driving regen to keep the system at its optimum temperature and significantly reduce the need for parked regens.

For weight-sensitive applications, the Cummins L9 and X12 engines are available for the 47X.

The 47X is also offered with the all-new DT12-V transmission, which is built on the proven DT12 and has more than 35 million miles of vocational-specific testing. The DT12 includes three work-ready mode applications: Rock-free mode, Off-road mode, and Paver mode for the challenges of specific applications.

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Standard for any 47X equipped with the DD13 Gen 5, the Detroit Assurance suite of active safety systems brings industry-leading active safety solutions to the vocational segment, including active brake assist, side guard assist, adaptive cruise control and more to keep operators, workers at the job site, pedestrians, and other motorists safe.

“With the addition of the 47X to the X-Series line-up, Western Star is offering fresh, modern trucks with purposeful technologies to enable all vocational customer’s success. The wide breadth of segment coverage means that there’s a Star for every need,” Mr Carson concluded.