Penske Australia has unveiled the new Western Star Trucks X-Series for the Australian market. The X-Series was designed from the ground up and comprises the 47X (grey), 49X (red), and Australian-exclusive 48X (green).
The 47X has a short, sloped bonnet and a set-back front axle. Power comes from the Cummins L9 or Detroit DD13 Gen 5, coupled to either the Detroit DT12, Allison fully automatic, or Eaton Fuller manual transmission. Various sleeper options are available.
Designed specifically for Australia, the 48X is powered by the Detroit DD13 Gen 5 offering (450hp to 525hp), or the DD16 offering (500hp to 600hp). It features a set-forward front axle and has a bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement of 2883mm, yielding a flexible solution.
Moving up to the 49X, power comes by the DD16 and up to 200-tonne GCM capability is on offer. The 49X offers multiple cabin options, including the largest cab on the Australian market 1829mm (72-inch) Stratosphere sleeper.
“We are thrilled to unveil the brand-new X-Series to our Australian customers,” said Craig Lee, executive general manager of on-highway, Penske Australia.
“Our team has worked closely with Daimler Trucks North America on the design of these three models, including the 48X which is a global exclusive, to deliver a product that is bespoke to our local needs.
“We’re excited by what the X-Series means for Australian customers. We have passionate Western Star enthusiasts who will want a 49X 6×4 with the 600hp Detroit DD16, drum brakes, spring suspension, and an Eaton Fuller manual transmission – a space in which we are renowned – and we can deliver that.
“On the other side of that, for a fleet operator after a 47X or 48X to haul B-doubles with Detroit’s DT12 transmission and all the advanced telematics that comes with that, we can deliver that too.
“The Detroit DD13 13-litre engine in the 47X and 48X also opens up new markets for Western Star, such as local distribution or B-double intrastate.”
The X-Series offers an advanced safety package and high levels of comfort, without losing sight of the durability customers expect from the brand. Safety includes Active Brake Assist 5, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, side guard assist, tailgate warning, brake hold mode, an improved visibility package, and a RollTek driver’s seat with rollover restraint and a seat-mounted airbag.
“The new X-Series is lighter, safer, stronger, and more spacious than any Western Star before,” said Kurt Dein, head of Western Star Trucks, Penske Australia.
“The X-Series-specific cab is reinforced with steel for added strength ensuring customers can continue to depend on Western Star in the most challenging of applications.
“Inside the cab, premium noise and temperature insulation and triple door seals deliver a quiet and comfortable environment, and the multi-function steering wheel and primary instrument cluster result in a highly intuitive workspace.
“From the 36” mid and trench sleeper options to the market-leading 72” Stratosphere sleeper, the cabin options are unbeatable. The 72” Stratosphere is seriously spacious and includes a 65-litre fridge, generous storage solutions with microwave prep, and either a Murphy-style bed – with a foldaway dinette/work table – or a double bunk option.”
Penske New Zealand anticipates the Western Star X-Series will arrive in New Zealand in mid to late 2023.
