Mack Trucks Australia today announced it would be offering a revamped model line-up with the pending arrival of the Mack Anthem its headline act.
The new, locally engineered and Australian built Mack Anthem will be powered by a 13-litre Euro 5 MP8 engine offering horsepower ratings that range between 435hp to 535hp and 1655-1920lb-ft of torque.
New electrical architecture affords the vehicle Predictive Cruise Control, one of a bevy of improvements, that serves to record topographic data to optimise driveline performance and reduce fuel consumption.
Intended to excel with a broader range of applications including B-double linehaul operations, the Mack Anthem features a striking exterior designed for aerodynamic efficiency by having less seams and closed gaps between the panels. The tow hooks in the three-piece bumper are even covered to assist with air flow.
A single point bonnet latch makes daily checks safer and easier reducing the effort needed to tilt the bonnet.
All exterior lighting is now handled by ultrareliable LEDs, boosting headlight output by 66 per cent over previous incandescent
bulbs.
The Mack Anthem will be available in a new 36-inch integrated sleeper cab or day cab and will be available in 6×4 and 8×4 rigid guise or as a
6×4 prime mover.
With 1.8 metres of headroom in the cockpit and 2.1 metres of headroom in the sleeper compartment, the new sleeper will also be an option for Trident and Super-Liner models.
An integrated Bendix Wingman Fusion active safety system is standard equipment in the new Mack Anthem providing adaptive cruise control, blind spot alerts, autonomous braking and roll stability.
The mDrive transmission controls remain on the dash panel, however controlling the Powerleash engine brake is now done via a steering column mounted multi-function stalk.
mDrive HD and mDrive XHD transmissions receive some extra low gearing that offers operators safer heavy hauling at high gross weights.
The 13-speed mDrive automated manual HD offers a single reduction gear allowing fuel conscious highway operators to specify taller final drive ratios to maximise fuel efficiency.
These new mDrive transmissions also bring new features such as a ‘Rock Free’ mode to enable the driver to rock the truck back and
forwards easily should they need to find more traction when off-road.
There’s a ‘Power Launch’ function for off-road low-traction starts as well as a Heavy-Duty and Maxi-Duty transmission modes for high GCM operation.
Both transmissions are available behind both the 13-litre MP8 and 16-litre MP10 engines.
The Anthem according to Gary Bone, Vice President Mack Trucks, takes the Mack brand in a bold new direction with the new stand up sleeper cab offering long haul operators a new environment to work and rest in.
“I’m very excited to see these new trucks emerge from our Wacol factory,” he said.
“The Mack brand has built up an enviable reputation over the last century for building tough uncompromising trucks
that get the job done in some of the most inhospitable environments on the planet,” continued Bone.
“The addition of the HD and XHD automated manual transmission only adds to that heavy haulage pedigree.”
Orders for the new range can be placed early February 2021.