New Macks ready to hit the road

Mack Trucks Australia has revealed a revamped model line-up offering a new stand-up sleeper cab, redesigned interior, new transmission options and an all-new model line-up.

We first saw the Mack Anthem at the 2019 Brisbane Truck Show where we were told it was "a re-engineered, redesigned and reimagined interpretation of what today's highway truck should be".

The new, locally engineered and Australian built Mack Anthem makes a striking new statement in exterior and interior design. Powered by the 13-litre Euro 5 MP8 engine with horsepower ratings ranging from 435 to 535hp and 1655 to 1920lb-ft (2244 to 2603NM) of torque, we're told the Anthem is set to tackle all manner of transport applications, from vocational rigid roles to B-double highway hauler.

The bold new look is designed for aerodynamic efficiency while still retaining a hard-edged profile. Mack says aerodynamic gains have been aided by closing gaps between panels and minimising seams. Even the tow hooks in the three-piece bumper have been covered to assist with air flow.

A single-point bonnet latch makes daily checks safer and easier reducing the effort needed to tilt the cab. All exterior lighting is now handled by reliable LEDs, boosting headlight output by 66 per cent over previous incandescent bulbs.

The Mack Anthem will be available as a sleeper or day cab and will be available in 6x4 and 8x4 rigid guise or as a 6x4 prime mover.

An integrated Bendix Wingman Fusion active safety system is standard equipment in the new Mack Anthem providing adaptive cruise control, blind spot alerts, autonomous braking and roll stability.

A 36-inch integrated stand-up sleeper cab is now an option for Anthem, Trident and Super-Liner models. The new cab features 1.8 metres of headroom in the cockpit and 2.1 metres of headroom in the sleeper compartment.

The extra overhead space allows for additional storage in the driver’s compartment; while in the bunk, above the standard inner-spring mattress features sturdy overhead storage cupboards. LED courtesy lighting, 12-volt power outlets as well as USB charging ports are also featured in the new sleeper cab.

There’s also the option of a slide out under-bunk fridge.

Exterior locker boxes can also be accessed from the inside of the truck by lifting the bed.

A new interior design brings large, easy-to-read analogue gauges along with tough, well-placed rocker switches. The mDrive transmission controls remain on the dash panel, however controlling the Powerleash engine brake is now done via a steering column mounted multi-function stalk.

A five-inch colour digital ‘Co-Pilot’ display makes navigating various digital menus and functions a breeze while on the move. The integration of the Bendix safety system now means that much of the system’s functionality can be accessed via the Co-Pilot display.

The mDrive automated manual transmission gets some extra-low gearing with the arrival of the mDrive HD and mDrive XHD transmissions. By providing options of deep reduction gearing, these transmissions offer safer heavy hauling at high gross weights with excellent start ability and gradeability, eliminating the need for auxiliary transmissions.

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The 13-speed mDrive HD offers a single reduction gear that not only helps for heavy lift offs, it also allows fuel conscious highway operators to specify taller final drive ratios to maximise fuel efficiency.

The 14-speed mDrive XHD offers heavy haulage operators safe and flexible handling of big loads with peace of mind. These new mDrive transmissions also bring new features such as a ‘Rock Free’ mode to allow the driver to rock the truck back and forwards easily if needing to gain traction off-road. A Power Launch function for off-road low-traction starts as well as Heavy-Duty and Maxi-Duty transmission modes for high GCM operation.

Both transmissions are available behind both the 13 litre MP8 and 16 litre MP10 engines.

New electrical architecture across the range not only provides a smarter truck, it’s also more connected. Optional Predictive Cruise control allow the truck to record topographic data to optimise engine and transmission performance and, consequently, save fuel.

“I’m very excited to see these new trucks emerge from our Wacol factory,” says Vice President Mack Trucks, Gary Bone. “The Anthem takes our brand in a bold new direction and our new stand-up sleeper cab gives long-haul operators a fantastic new environment to both work and rest in.”

“The Mack brand has built up an enviable reputation over the last century for building tough uncompromising trucks that get the job done in some of the most inhospitable environments on the planet,” he added.

“The addition of the HD and XHD automated manual transmission only adds to that heavy haulage pedigree,” Mr Bone concluded.

Orders for the new range can be placed early February 2021.