The local market has gotten its first glimpse of the brand new Western Star Trucks X-Series including the 48X — an Australian-exclusive.
Penske Australia this week unveiled the new truck at customer and media events in Brisbane. Touted as the most tested Western Star ever, the X-Series has been designed from the ground up and comprises the 47X, 49X, and 48X, which is powered by the 450-525hp Detroit DD13 Gen 5 or 500-600 hp DD16 engine, and features a set-forward front axle, with a bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement of 113.5 inches.
“We are thrilled to unveil the brand new X-Series to our Australian customers,” said Craig Lee, Penske Australia Executive General Manager On-highway.
“Our team has worked closely with Daimler Trucks North America on the design of these three models, including the 48X which is a global exclusive, to deliver a product that is bespoke to our local needs,” he said.
“We’re excited by what the X-Series means for Australian customers. We have passionate Western Star enthusiasts who will want a 49X 6×4 with the 600 hp Detroit DD16, drum brakes, spring suspension, and an Eaton Fuller manual transmission – a space in which we are renowned – and we can deliver that.”
For fleet operators after a 47X or 48X to haul B-doubles with Detroit’s DT12 transmission and all the advanced telematics that comes with that, Penske Australia, according to Lee, can deliver that too.
“The Detroit DD13 13 litre engine in the 47X and 48X also open up new markets for Western Star, such as local distribution or B-double intrastate,” he said.
The 47X has a short, sloped bonnet that yields payload flexibility, a set-back front axle, and choice of power with the Cummins L9 or the Detroit DD13 Gen 5, either the Detroit DT12, Allison fully automatic, or Eaton Fuller manual transmission, and various sleeper options.
The 49X is powered by the 500-600 hp DD16, has up to 200+ tonnes GCM capability, and is available with multiple cabin options, including the largest cab on the Australian market, the 72” Stratosphere sleeper.
Featuring a powerful integrated driveline, an advanced safety package, and superior comfort, even in the most rugged applications, the X-Series is underpinned, according to Penske Australia, by the legendary durability that customers expect from a Western Star.
“The new X-Series is lighter, safer, stronger, and more spacious than any Western Star before,” said Kurt Dein, Penske Australia, Head of Western Star Trucks. “Ingrained with the tough Western Star DNA for which we are renowned, the X-Series-specific cab is reinforced with steel for added strength ensuring customers can continue to depend on Western Star in the most challenging of applications – whether that is heavy haulage on-highway or heavy haulage off-road,” he said.
“Inside the cab, premium noise and temperature insulation and triple door seals deliver a quiet and comfortable environment, and the multi-function steering wheel and primary instrument cluster result in a highly intuitive workspace. “From the 36” mid and trench sleeper options to the market-leading 72” Stratosphere sleeper, the cabin options are unbeatable said Dein.
“The 72” Stratosphere is seriously spacious and includes a 65-litre fridge, generous storage solutions with microwave prep, and either a Murphy-style bed – with a foldaway dinette/work table – or a double bunk option,” he said.
“With Active Brake Assist 5, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, side guard assist, tailgate warning, brake hold mode, an improved visibility package, and a RollTek driver’s seat with rollover restraint and a seat-mounted airbag, drivers and fleet operators can have complete peace of mind that their Western Star will protect their most important asset, the occupants.”