Extended Cabs for Business Class M2
As Freightliner's new Business Class M2 in its 106-in BBC configuration went into production at its Mt. Holly, N.C. plant, the company announced that the rollout of the new model will see an extended cab and a crewcab from the state-of-the-art plant early in the fourth quarter this year.
The extended and crew cabs will appear first on the base 106-in. BBC trucks. The extended cab adds 26 and the crew compartment adds 48 inches to give the upcoming Business Class M2 models a BBC of 132 and 154 inches. The extended cab can be configured with additional storage, with two forward-facing, folding seats or with a DOT-legal 24-inch bunk to make the M2 a truck that a driver can legally rest in. Thus, the extended cab M2 could legitimately be used from the factory as an expedited or hot-shot unit.
The extended cab has windows set behind the B-pillar for light and visibility over the shoulder. These can be bonded in or, optionally, tip out for additional ventilation. There is a big 882 sq-in rear window that features tinted glass. Curtains are available for the bunk area and there is a 12-in. deep under-bunk storage area. The crewcab features four full sized doors and seating for up to six, including the driver. Potential uses for this cab include fire, rescue and ambulance, as well as vehicle recovery, utility, moving van and recreational applications.
Like the M2 day cab, these extended cabins are manufactured using the latest techniques, including using aluminum with steel stiffening in the bulkhead area and in the doors. Using Henrob fasteners, the cabs are particularly strong, says Freightliner. They can survive crash testing with the windshield either bonded in for maximum strength or roped in for maintenance convenience.
The new trucks feature the same cabover-like visibility as standard M2s through the huge windshield, and feature maneuverability comparable to a Mercedes-Benz European cabover with equivalent wheelbase.
Engine options include the Mercedes-Benz 900 series six-cylinder, which is currently taking close to a quarter of the Business Class production. Optional is the Caterpillar 3126 rated 175-300 hp. Transmissions are Eaton, Mercedes-Benz and Allison. Nominally in Class 6 and 7, the Business Class can be optioned with tandem axles and pushers and tag axles for higher weight applications.
Products & Services continued...
