Freightliner Trucks on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 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 designed to maximize vehicle uptime.
“The flagship vocational product for Freightliner Trucks, the Coronado SD encompasses Freightliner’s most advanced technological innovations, resulting in a versatile product that is built to perform and work,” says Richard Shearing, director of product strategy for Freightliner Trucks, based in Portland, Ore. “The Coronado SD delivers every step of the way.”
Freightliner says the Coronado SD — available in both set-back and set-forward axle configurations — improves upon the durability and dependability of its already-tough FLD SD with the driver comfort and style synonymous with the Coronado, while adding new elements specifically engineered for the vocational market.
According to the truck maker, the rugged Coronado SD was designed with strength and efficiency in mind; its 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, and 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 enhanced lighting capability both forward and to the side.
The Coronado SD’s cab also is 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 to provide added 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.
“We created a truck strong enough to tackle the most extreme elements,” Shearing says. “Everything about the Coronado SD was carefully developed and built to keep it running and earning revenue in any environment.”
The Coronado SD is not only durable enough for rugged terrain and tough challenges, but easy to repair, according to Freightliner. “We understand that every minute counts, so we developed the Coronado SD to keep customers out of the shop and on the job longer,” says Melissa Clausen, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. “Our new design elements enable drivers to easily make adjustments on their own, keeping repair costs and downtime to a minimum.”
Dual chrome steel intakes come standard on the Coronado SD. Air enters the system through two chromed steel grilles on either side of the hood, combining a stylish aerodynamic design with improved functionality, according to the company. The air intake’s air plenum is designed to minimize the infiltration of water, snow, road debris or dust.
The Coronado SD also is equipped with a new single air filter to facilitate 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, Freightliner says.
Some of the key features on the truck – such as its 90-degree hood tilt for easier engine access for daily checks – were developed specifically with the vocational driver in mind. The truck’s headlight bulbs are available at any auto parts store, and are replaced easily without any special tools, according to the company.
“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,” Clausen says. “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.”
With its lightweight high-strength construction, customers can increase revenue by hauling more aggregate or pulling larger payloads, Freightliner says, and an up to 50-degree wheel cut helps the Coronado SD maneuver easily in tight situations. But according to the company, it’s the Coronado SD’s interior that really shines: The truck 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 designed to be located within easy reach, and gauges that are well-lit and seen easily. All switches and instruments are backlit by LED lights for nonglare nighttime viewing, and extra-large panels are made to provide greater flexibility and convenience in gauge combinations, allowing for the installation of radios and navigation systems.
The dashboard also was designed with minimal joints to remove rattles and squeaks, and 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,” Shearing says.
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 Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 standards. Detroit Diesel engines are equipped with the company’s selective catalytic reduction (SCR) BlueTec emissions technology. 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 help improve fuel economy by reducing backpressure, its design allows for a clean back of cab, a critical element for many vocational applications, Freightliner says; 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.
“With its thoughtful design elements and rugged construction, the Coronado SD is not only ready to take on EPA 2010, it is ready to tackle any challenge,” says Michael D. Jackson, general manager of marketing for Daimler Trucks North America. “The Coronado SD truly is Freightliner’s premium vocational truck.”
