Mack Trucks’ new Anthem highway tractor drew multinational press and plenty of fanfare at its launch Wednesday evening.
The launch included a video of the truck’s development, where designers and Mack execs touted the Anthem’s brawny look and aero-functional design as “bad ass” and destined to become a classic looking back in the years to come, as some of the Mack big trucks of decades past have.
“In terms of powertrain, in terms of connectivity, in terms of comfort, uptime, productivity, durability, and application excellence, it’s a platform that we provide all the things that we need in order to move forward,” said Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of Volvo Group, Mack’s parent.
He promised a “high pace and high frequency” of continued investment in Mack’s products, production facilities and service network, acknowledging Mack dealers’ own investments in facilities and technician training.
Denny Slagle, executive vice president of Volvo Group and president of Mack trucks, highlighted Mack’s latest powertrains featuring engines compliant with 2017 fuel efficiency/ greenhouse gas emissions requirements and mDRIVE automated manual transmission as “frankly, producing a drive that can’t be matched by the competition.”
The Anthem โ which features an engraved American flag in its badging โ is “the right highway truck for North America” and “captures everything that has made Mack great,” contended John Walsh, Mack’s vice president of global marketing and brand management. He said the new truck was designed to be “unmistakably Mack,” offer superior aerodynamics and fuel efficiency without looking “like a jelly bean,” and deliver “revolutionary” driver comfort.
“We are proud to be the only heavy-duty truck manufacturer who can still say that every truck we sell in America is built here in America,” Walsh added. He highlighted a list of new exterior, driver environment and sleeper/ living environment features and options.
EXTERIOR
โNew grille, with a bridge across the front bearing the “big, bold” Mack word moniker;
โThree configurations: day cab, 48-in. flat-top sleeper, and 70-in. stand-up sleeper designed to allow even taller drivers ample room to stand freely in the rear;
โAvailable aero-enhancing roof fairing;
โBetter visibility than current Pinnacle highway models;
โImproved aerodynamics that provide up to a 3% fuel efficiency gain with the 70-in. stand-up sleeper model and 1.5% gain with the day cab model in addition to 2017 powertrain fuel efficiency gains;
โTwo trim packages, “Bold Black” and “Mirror Chrome Bright,” incorporated into the grille, bumper, headlamp and fog lamp bezels, and air intakes;
โThree-piece bumper designed for improved serviceability and lower repair costs in case of damage;
โLED headlamps, turn signals, fog lights and marker lights are longer-lasting, use less energy and are up to 66% brighter than incandescents;
โNew three-piece hood that can be replaced in sections if damaged, features an automotive-style release latch in the grille, and requires 50% less effort to tilt open;
โAerodynamic hood mirrors that reduce drag, deliver an improved field of view/ reduced blind spots, and fold away on impact;
โBreakaway side mirrors feature stronger materials, hinges and spring-loaded mounts; and
โGrab handles made of thick, extruded aluminum and tactile, contoured surface.
INTERIOR
โThree available trim levels: standard, premium and ultra;
โNew driver environment featuring automotive-inspired controls in the instrument panel, digitally displayed analog gauges, and 5.5-in. color Copilot display;
โFlat-bottom steering wheel designed for solid grip and easier entry and exit;
โSteering wheel can be spec’d with “smart’ features including illuminated controls for cruise, Bluetooth and infotainment;
โRedesigned steering column stalks: right manages engine brake and Copilot display, left manages high beams, turn signals and windshield wipers;
โOptional 7-in. infotainment display in console can display tools like Sirius XM, truck navigation, Apple Carplay and backup cameras;
โNew rocker switches in dash with laser-etched labels that won’t fade or rub off, with standardized key switch placements across models but additional slots available for customization;
โNon-slip-surfaced mobile phone charging station on top of dash;
โPower windows, locks and mirrors;
โLights managed through automotive-inspired control module;
โSeats designed in partnership with Sears for comfort and durability, offering 30 feature-function combinations; and
โRedesigned “doghouse” over the engine to provide easier access/ serviceability.
SLEEPER
โ70-in. stand-up model allows driver to stand up next to driver’s seat and walk into sleeper, which provides 35% more space;
โImproved accommodation for driver’s gear with up to 27 cu. ft. of space in 70-in. sleeper model, with more work surfaces, wardrobes and shelving;
โAll-LED interior lighting, including “ambient,” “task” and “background” lights;
โPrep kits available with wiring for refrigerator, flat-screen TV and microwave;
โMultiple electrical and USB outlets;
โTilt-open sleeper windows with built-in shades and screens that allow ventilation but keep rain out;
โSleeper curtain that darkens living space; and
โAvailable single or double bunk beds.
