PORTLAND, ORE. – Oct. 6, 2009 – Freightliner Trucks today introduced the new Coronado® Severe Duty (SD) at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition. Developed specifically for severe duty vocational applications, the Coronado SD features rugged, traditional styling with performance-enhancing new features that will positively impact the bottom line by maximizing the vehicle uptime.

Available in both set-back and set-forward axle configurations, the Coronado SD improves upon the durability and dependability of Freightliner’s already tough FLD SD with the driver comfort and style synonymous with the Coronado, while adding new elements specifically engineered for the vocational market.

Robust Styling, Innovative Design

The rugged Coronado SD was designed with strength and efficiency in mind. The Coronado SD’s fiberglass hood has been designed for maximum durability. The fenders come standard with impact absorbing material that helps eliminate damage and cracks common with vocational applications. The one-piece stainless steel grille surround is accented with chrome steel horizontal bars.

Further enhancing the truck’s performance, the Coronado SD’s new headlights feature single, high-tech reflectors for excellent lighting capability both forward and to the side.

The Coronado SD’s cab is also equipped with updated doors. The outer door frame and belt rail are made from aluminum and combined with a steel inner reinforcement, resulting in a lightweight, sturdy design that provides excellent door sealing and less mirror vibration. A standard courtesy light illuminates the entry steps, and the 70-degree door opening makes it easier for customers who get in and out of the truck often.

The Coronado SD is also equipped with a new single air filter with improved filtration capability. Also available are optional pre-cleaners that create a vortex effect to spin dust and heavy water particles out of the air and away from the engine. As a system, these components have the dust holding capacity equal to or better than traditional external dual cleaners – which not only lasts longer between changes, but saves money because only one filter is replaced instead of two.

Some of the key features on the truck – such as its 90-degree hood tilt for easy engine access for daily checks – were developed specifically with the vocational driver in mind. The truck’s headlight bulbs are readily available at any auto parts store, and are easily replaced without any special tools.

“We focused on and have delivered what is needed to get the job done – a resilient and sturdy truck that is easily maintained out of the shop,” said Clausen. “And when the Coronado SD does need to go into the shop for regular maintenance, we’ve made it easy to get it serviced and back on the job quickly.”

The Driver Experience: A Blend of Business and Comfort

An up to 50-degree wheel cut helps the Coronado SD easily maneuver in tight situations. The Coronado SD has a large cab, complete with double-sealed doors and well-sealed windows, keeping out noise, dust and other contaminants.

The stylish interior features an all new intricate dash with controls and switches located within easy reach, and gauges that are well-lit and easily seen. All switches and instruments are backlit by LED lights for non-glare nighttime viewing, and extra-large panels provide greater flexibility and convenience in gauge combinations, allowing for the installation of radios and navigation systems.

The dashboard was also designed with minimal joints to remove rattles and squeaks, making it one of the quietest dashboards Freightliner engineers have ever designed. To further reduce noise, the Coronado SD includes noise abatement materials such as noise panels in the floor, front wall, sides and back panel. “Vocational applications are often loud, dirty and distracting at jobsites, so we created a quiet interior for drivers,” said Shearing.

Coronado SD: Ready for 2010

Available with the Detroit Diesel® DD13™, DD15™, and DD16™ engines, as well as the Cummins® ISX, the Coronado SD is designed to meet the upcoming EPA 2010 standards.
Detroit Diesel engines are equipped with the revolutionary new BlueTec® emissions technology. BlueTec-equipped engines deliver a fuel economy improvement of up to 5 percent compared to EPA 2007 engines, and is an evolution of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology developed by Daimler.

The Coronado SD can be equipped with the Detroit Diesel BlueTec 1-Box™ configuration, which combines the diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter and SCR catalyst into one component. Not only does the 1-Box configuration improve fuel economy by reducing backpressure, its design allows for a clean back of cab, a critical element for many vocational applications. The 1-Box configuration also eliminates the protruding exhaust tail pipe, so bodies can be mounted close to the back of the cab, optimizing weight distribution and maximizing payload.

Acknowledgment:- Material used in this article is sourced from Daimler Trucks North America.