Officially called the 5 700XE, but better known to Optimus Prime to fans of the Transformer movies, Western Star said the truck is the first of its “next generation” horses, combining the brand’s all-American attitude with a new, refined technology focus.
At the launch event, Western Star said “XE” would stand for Extreme Efficiency, placing the truck in the most aggressive greenhouse gas emissions regulation category in North America.
In a statement, the company said it set out to create something different, “with the tough, traditional look of a classic truck, but built for the modern age … a truck that’s a little less jelly bean shaped and a lot more truck shaped”.
Motor Authority’s journalist Jack Roberts reported from the launch the 5700XE was shaped in over 20 000 hours of performance and functionality testing on road and in wind tunnels before its release — by far the most intensive development effort in Western Star’s history.
It will be built in Cleveland, North Carolina.
In North America, the 5700XE can be ordered with the Detroit DD15 engine or the 600 hp strong DD16.
The DD13 engine will also be available “for regional and weight-conscious customers”, as Western Star put it, and the DD12 might also be an option. A direct drive DT12 transmission and specific rear axle ratios are mated to the DD15 engine.
The rugged Western Star brand enjoys a solid customer base in South Africa, but the company has not announced its plans for the local market yet. — WR.
