Truck Model Roundup: Class 8
Freightliner
Century Class in S/T and Columbia versions are top sellers to over-the-road truckers. Freightliner also offers Classic, Coronado, FLD-SD and M2 conventionals, Argosy high cabovers and Condor low cabovers to various Class 8 segments. Most models come with Detroit Series 60, Mercedes-Benz or Caterpillar diesels, and a few can be ordered with the Cummins ISC. Freightliner emphasizes “family” components from corporate relatives but allows choices in most component lines.
General Motors
GM remains the only builder still offering gasoline engines in Class 8 trucks, with the 8.1-liter Vortec V-8 as standard power in single-rear-axle Chevrolet and GMC C8500 models.
But most single- and all tandem-axle C series conventionals get Duramax 7800 or Caterpillar C7 diesels (almost two-thirds of buyers choose the Cat), while the T series low cab forwards get the Duramax only.
International
The 9200 conventional with 11- or 13-liter Cat or Cummins diesels is a big seller to regional and over-the-road fleets. International also offers long-nose aero and traditionally styled 9000 series with big-block power, the 8000 series with medium-block diesels for regional hauling, and 7000 series vocational trucks and tractors. International is working with MAN of Germany to get its own 11- to 13-liter engines to lower its costs and better compete for fleet business.
Kenworth
It’s been 20 years since the original T600 aero tractor was introduced, and the current T600 is still a good seller. Kenworth also offers the aero T2000; traditionally styled W900 and T800 conventionals in highway and vocational variants; the T300 with midrange power; and C500 conventional and high cabover on- and off-road trucks and tractors. KWs come with Cat or Cummins power.
Mack
Rawhide edition of the CH conventional carries premium trim and a mid-roof sleeper for regional hauling, and is among Mack’s initiatives to recapture highway business lost during previous market focuses. Vision variants of the CH can be equipped with long-haul amenities, and all are now built on an advanced Advantage chassis. The CL long conventional is a heavy vocational model. Granite vocational trucks and tractors now come in three versions that have replaced most old R-based models, and the MR low cabover continues strong in vocational markets.
Peterbilt
Smooth-nosed model 386 with 370-type cab and detachable sleeper is Pete’s latest highway model, and replaces most versions of the 385. Model 379, looking like an ’87 but with modern power and sleeper advances, continues as the quintessential owner-operator tractor. The aero 387 has commodious cab and sleeper accommodations, the 335 has Class 8 chassis components with midrange power, and the 320 low cabover continues in the trash business. Peterbilts get Cat or Cummins power.
Sterling
New A-Line and L-Line conventionals serve the on-highway and vocational markets, while the Acterra is also available with Class 8 chassis components and midrange diesels. Sterling recently expanded its vocational equipment offerings and is emphasizing its Freightliner “family” components, but offers other popular choices from vendors. Sterlings are standard with Detroit and Mercedes diesels and available with Cat power.
Western Star
LowMax versions of the 4900 conventional are increasingly popular where their nearly foot-lower stance helps accommodate bulky cargoes or just for their low-rider looks. The 4900 also comes as an extra-long-hooded EX and long-hood FA (with forward-set steer axle) and SA (setback axle), and with twin-steer front axles, and can be set up for highway, vocational or military duties. A 6900 XD (extreme duty) is built with a variety of extra-heavy duty components for off-highway service. Buyers choose big-bore Cat or Detroit engines
Volvo
The 16-liter D16 diesel, which is the heart of the big-hooded, owner-operator-oriented VT880 tractor, is currently the strongest truck engine now available, with up to 650 hp and 2,250 lbs.-ft. of torque. Cummins’ 15-liter ISX is optional in the VT and Volvo’s VN highway tractors, while lower-power versions of the D16 are newly available. The 12-liter D12 goes into the majority of VNs and is the only engine available in the VHD vocational model.
Truck Model Roundup continued...
