The very fact Freightliner’s M2 medium-duty and SD vocational fashions haven’t seen a severe revamp is a testomony to their reputation. However, stated officers when not too long ago unveiling their first main makeover, the time has come to alter that.
“A few of our suggestions has been, if it’s not broke, don’t repair it,” stated Aaron Scates, vice-president – vocational and medium-duty market improvement. “However extra not too long ago we received suggestions that we have to make a significant leap ahead by way of know-how and options.”
This comes as medium-duty and vocational truck patrons heat to energetic security options. Options reminiscent of energetic braking help, facet guard help, and energetic cruise management are actually being rolled out to M2 and SD truck house owners for the primary time through Detroit Assurance 5.0. The overhaul additionally marks the primary time Detroit Assurance has been made out there with Cummins engines, an vital improvement since Freightliner has introduced Cummins can be its medium-duty engine provider going ahead.
However it’s going to additionally provide the latest Gen 5 model of the Detroit DD13 within the M2 112 and 114SD, full with vocational-specific energy scores and the DT12V vocational 12-speed automated transmission. The vocational automated guide affords options for rugged job websites reminiscent of off-road mode and rock-free mode, and might be spec’d with a side-mounted energy take-off.
Upfit effectivity
Freightliner says physique builders may even recognize the updates, which introduce a quick-fit system that enables truck tools producers (TEMs) to extra rapidly and effectively combine their our bodies, controls and associated software program.
“The way in which they connect with the automobile by way of software program and electrical connections are frequent between our merchandise,” provides Scates. “This can be a large enchancment in upfit effectivity…The potential to associate with TEMs, and create a plug-and-play setup with them can’t be overstated.”
For the drivers, those who’ll spend essentially the most time with the vehicles, there’s a totally new inside that includes higher supplies and an improved match and end.
“We centered on the human-machine interface and operator expertise,” Scates defined. The tip results of this work is the brand new Plus collection of M2 and SD medium-duty and vocational vehicles.
Most M2 and SD drivers don’t consider themselves as truckers. They present as much as work of their F-150s and recognize some familiarity after they climb into their work truck for the day. That’s why Freightliner has relocated the door lock and window switches to the door, the place they’d be discovered on a pickup truck. It’s additionally why the truck maker up to date the inside supplies to supply a extra automotive really feel, and improved the insulation for a extra snug cab and quieter journey.
However Gret Treinen, head of vocational and medium-duty product advertising and marketing, added, “There are particular issues we haven’t modified; plenty of issues that made the M2 and SD product traces so widespread over the past couple a long time.”
Examples embody the two,500-square-inch windshield and sloped hood for optimum visibility, whether or not within the metropolis or on a development web site. The 55-degree wheel minimize maintains the turning radius drivers have come to anticipate. And the steel-reinforced aluminum cab with 26-inch prolonged and 48-inch crew cab choices stays. The low step peak has additionally been retained.
Cascadia cues
A brand new grille and air consumption cowl take their cues from their Class 8 cousin, the Cascadia.
“Plenty of clients run Cascadias, and field vehicles for final mile deliveries,” Treinen stated of the will to carry some commonality to the outside design. Clever excessive beam headlights that robotically revert to low beams when oncoming automobiles strategy are one other new characteristic, as are automated windshield wipers and headlights.
Engineers moved the PDC module from the fender so it’s going to expertise much less vibration. Different electrical elements together with the transmission management module have additionally been relocated for elevated safety.
The brand new inside supplies produce fewer squeaks and rattles, Treinen claimed, and the audio system have been moved from the sprint to the door for higher audio high quality. A brand new map pocket has been put in on the door and is rated as much as 300 lb., so most drivers can use it as an extra seize deal with when hefting themselves up into the cab.
Three trim packages can be found, starting from the Skilled Bundle with vinyl seats for cost-sensitive clients, to the Rugged Bundle with leather-wrapped steering wheel and material seats. The Elite Bundle provides shiny end bezels, further seat choices, and trendy wooden trim.
LED lighting is commonplace all through the cab, and extra lighting is out there within the footwell space. The seats now have extra journey back and front, and a higher recline. They’re additionally made of latest supplies for higher consolation.
Steering and switches
One other cue taken from the Cascadia is a extra useful steering wheel that provides drivers quick access to regularly used controls with out taking their fingers off the wheel. A five-inch driver show feeds drivers the knowledge they want with out diverting their eyes to the B panel. That show can present journey information, fault codes, Detroit Assurance security warnings, and extra.
Even the switches obtained some upgrades, manufactured from a extra tactile materials with dividers between them to keep away from unintentional fat-finger deployments. They’re LED-backlit for higher nighttime visibility.
The transmission management stalk has been additionally been borrowed from the Cascadia and may now even be spec’d in vehicles outfitted with Allison transmissions, releasing up area beforehand occupied by the push-button Allison management field. (The standard Allison push-button controls are nonetheless out there, for those who desire).
Drivers can get some assist with their pre-trips by activating an inspection button that may cycle by means of the lights. It may be reached from the bottom, due to its location beside the seat. And the steering wheel column is now infinitely adjustable.
The brand new Plus Sequence consists of the M2 106, M2 112, 108SD, and 114SD, and Plus Sequence manufacturing will start within the third quarter of 2023.
