Freightliner launches new Cascadia

All-new cab and upgraded technology push Cascadia to new heights – and it's coming here!

Freightliner says that the new Cascadia which was unveiled in the US this week, is the most advanced truck that the company has ever designed, and will further lower what the American manufacturer calls the Real Cost of Ownership (RCO) for customers.

We understand that the new truck will be coming to Australia with a right-hand drive version already in development. However, due to our different operating conditions and the changes that will need to be made to the truck, the Aussie launch could be some time away.

The new truck sits on a new chassis, has a fully redesigned cab and although it has carry-over engines, the transmission has been tweaked to reduce friction and improve fuel economy.

In addition, the Cascadia will offer state-of-art technology to enhance both economy and safety.

"The original Freightliner Cascadia set unprecedented standards for aerodynamic, lightweight and maintenance-reducing features," said Richard Howard, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing for Daimler Trucks North America. “Then, the debut of the Cascadia Evolution unleashed powerful fuel-efficiency enhancements for Freightliner customers.

"With the new Cascadia, every aspect of the truck has been re-imagined. We are raising fuel efficiency, connectivity, safety, quality and uptime performance to even greater levels, and also introducing a premium driver experience as a powerful customer benefit and driver retention tool," he added.

When developing the new Cascadia, the engineers said they set a goal of achieving significant fuel savings over the Cascadia Evolution by conducting robust testing, research and development.

The new Cascadia is available with the integrated Detroit Powertrain, which combines the fuel-efficient 400hp/2370Nm Detroit DD15 or Detroit DD13 engines with the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission, Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM4) and corresponding Detroit steer and rear tandem axles. The new Detroit rear axles have features such as lower sump volume, gear-set coating, friction reducing gear cutting and optional Axle Lubrication Management that reduces parasitic loss and improves fuel economy.

The new DT12 has also been updated to improve fuel efficiency and reduce friction by using super-finished gears and low viscosity transmission oil. It also features the latest generation of intelligent powertrain management (IPM4), which uses a GPS-based system to anticipate upcoming road terrain and maximise the powertrain’s ability to use fuel most effectively.

"By combining advanced aerodynamics of the new Cascadia with the power of the high-performance, high-efficiency integrated Detroit Powertrain we will help customers get the most out of every gallon,” said Howard. “We have provided an optimised, one-stop fuel efficiency solution."

Aerodynamic design

The new Cascadia has a new, aerodynamic shape designed to push fuel efficiency to the next level.

"When you take a look at the new Cascadia, you’ll first note its modern lines and refined styling,” said Howard. “But take a closer look, and you’ll see the attention that was given to every detail of the truck to create an aerodynamic vehicle that will reap bottom-line benefits for our customers."

Enhancements such as an upper door seal, elliptical-shaped mirrors, sloped bonnet, bumper with integrated air deflector and integrated antennas all minimise drag. The optional Aero and AeroX packages provide additional aerodynamic benefits to manage airflow, including longer side extenders, lower chassis fairings, drive wheel covers and wheel fairings.

Frieghtliner says that the interior of the new Cascadia has received more attention than any of its previous trucks.

The new Cascadia offers improvements ranging from the layout of the gauges and switches to features inside the sleeper area, including a new Driver’s Loft configuration.

Steering and handling have also been improved. A new front suspension provides a smoother ride and improved roll stiffness, and the steering gear is now located further forward to help improve steering precision and ultimately lead to less driver fatigue.

The ergonomically designed wraparound dashboard includes switches and steering wheel controls which allow drivers to work without leaning and stretching. In the instrument cluster, digital smart gauges and information displays keep drivers informed as they drive.

To improve the truck’s interior sound level, Freightliner engineers have developed an optional insulation package using 3M Thinsulate technology. Additionally, a new engine mount design provides better vibration isolation and the engine tunnel cover is now constructed using Quiet Steel technology.

The sleeper area has been redesigned to include more cabinets, as well as larger spaces that can accommodate standard appliances. For entertainment, a television swivel bracket can hold up to a 26” flat screen TV. Double-bunk and Driver Loft options are also available. If an upper bunk is spec’d, it will come standard with an easily released telescoping ladder, making getting into the upper bunk a breeze.

Freightliner says its Driver‘s Loft features a dinette table/work table and opposing seating with seat belts. These can be folded down flat quickly to allow for a bed to swing down.

Safety

"Safety is built into the fibre of everything we do," said Howard. "It’s a critical concern for us, for our customers, and our trucks are designed to help drivers and other motorists on the road."

Using a full LED system, the Cascadia’s new headlights incorporate LEDs in the low beam, high beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals.

The new, one-piece windscreen design increases wiper coverage by 12 per cent over the current Cascadia, and is constructed to provide increased resistance to breakage. Both the one-piece windscreen and one-piece door glass provide an unobstructed view to the mirror and road.

The optional Detroit Assurance 4.0 suite of safety systems includes Active Brake Assist that now provides full braking on stationary objects, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning with optional video capture. This safety suite includes driver-friendly controls and is integrated into the truck’s dashboard, engine and transmission electronics.

Detroit Assurance safety event reporting can be accessed using Detroit Connect Analytics, which will be available to customers starting in Q1 2017. Safety event reporting available through Analytics can be viewed using the new Detroit Connect portal, informing fleet managers and further enhancing driver safety performance.

Connectivity

"A connected vehicle is the gateway to accessing and understanding the full performance potential of the vehicle and improving daily operations,” said Howard. “The ability to capture, transmit and analyse data directly from vehicles empowers our customers and can help them dramatically improve efficiency and have an immediate impact on the bottom line."

Customers will benefit from the connectivity platform introduced by Detroit exclusively for the new Cascadia. The new platform will facilitate the delivery of current Detroit Connect features, such as Virtual Technician remote diagnostic service, as well as new features designed to provide deeper insights on fuel efficiency and safety performance.

Noted Howard: “We focused on the priorities identified by drivers, fleet managers and technicians. The new Cascadia was inspired by science and driven by passion, ultimately creating a new standard for on-highway vehicles.”

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Freightliner launches new Cascadia

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