The first models in the Western Star X-Series have arrived in Australia.
Brisbane truckie Aaron sent us these sneak peek snaps below of one arriving at the Port of Brisbane yesterday.
“It seems to have a current-shape Freightliner windscreen with a safety camera (collision avoidance, etc) set up in the top middle part,” he noted on Facebook Messenger.
“Visually they look to have moved to the wider cab layout much like the 40h to 6/410 progression, same with the mirrors to a more aero style.”
Official distributor here Penske Australia, told media late last year that both X-Series models, the 49X and the 47X, were expected to be on the market in Australia in 2022.
“We are thrilled to be launching the new Western Star range in late 2022 in Australia, and shortly after that in New Zealand,” said Craig Lee, general manager – on-highway, Penske Australia.
“Our local teams here in Australia and New Zealand have worked closely with the Western Star team in the US on the development of the new trucks to tailor them for our local markets in both Australia and New Zealand and will continue to do so.
“Boasting lighter yet tougher cabin frames and steel-reinforced cabins, and with features including wrap-around dashboards, our customers will surely be impressed when they see the trucks in person and step foot into the cabin.”
While the 49X is aimed at applications such as logging, the 47X is pitched squarely at the larger construction market, with a shorter hood and a wheel cut up to 50 degrees.
The 47X is approximately 90kg lighter than the 49X in like-for-like spec and is best for weight-sensitive applications like mixers and bulk haul, say its designers.