Western Star made several announcements Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, including the availability of the Detroit Diesel DD15 engine, a new conversion kit to convert Stratosphere sleepers into day cabs, a new line of stainless steel accessories, and an agreement with TravelCenters of America to add repair services to Petro:Lube at Petro Stopping Center locations.
The DD15’s 6-cylinder in-line design is available in output and torque variants from 455 hp to 560 hp and 1,550 to 1,850 lb/ft, including dual torque ratings for special applications. The DD15 also delivers up to 5 percent better fuel economy than the Series 60 largely due to its turbo compounding technology and Amplified Common Rail Fuel System, Western Star says.
“The combination of Western Star trucks and the DD15 results in a long-lasting, tough and reliable tool that is ready to take on the most demanding applications,” says Rich Shearing, manager of product strategy for Redford, Mich.-based Western Star.
The DD15 is tailored to North America’s Environmental Protection Agency 2007 emissions regulations, and its advanced design means that with the addition of BlueTec SCR technology, it also is ready for upcoming EPA 2010 standards. The DD15 is the first of three all-new engines Detroit Diesel will be introducing between now and 2010; in time, engines sharing this design will be available globally in all Daimler Trucks heavy-duty models.
Included in each day cab conversion kit is a new overhead console, new roof cap with reinforcements, new headliner, new back wall and trim panel, new cantrails and new glass for the rear window. The fit and finish of the materials included in the kit, as well as all trim components, are engineered to provide the same look, feel and performance as an original factory-built Western Star day cab.
“Stratosphere sleeper owners are loyal to their trucks, so we wanted to make the trucks even more versatile,” Shearing says. “Now owners can enjoy their trucks for new uses, or take advantage of the increased resale value that converting the trucks can provide.”
Customers also can select accessories that have been etched with the Western Star or LowMax logo; other etching options include Constellation, the FireStorm series and Stars & Stripes. All accessories include a two-year limited warranty and will be available at any Western Star dealer beginning in mid-October.
Petro:Lube service centers — which provide lubrication, repair and maintenance services to heavy-duty trucks by certified technicians 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — will become authorized Western Star warranty service providers at a select number of locations beginning in September, with complete networkwide support by early 2009.
