Freightliner introduces the Coronado severe-duty truck

Freightliner Trucks introduced the new Coronado Severe Duty (SD) truck at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition. Developed specifically for severe-duty vocational applications, the Coronado SD features rugged, traditional styling with performance-enhancing new features that will positively impact the bottom line by maximizing the vehicle uptime, according to the company.

“The flagship vocational product for Freightliner Trucks, the Coronado SD encompasses Freightliner’s most advanced technological innovations, resulting in a versatile product that is built to perform and work,” said Richard Shearing, director of product strategy for Freightliner Trucks.

The truck’s fiberglass hood has been designed for maximum durability. The fenders come standard with impact-absorbing material that helps eliminate damage and cracks common with vocational applications. The one-piece stainless steel grille surround is accented with chrome steel horizontal bars.

The Coronado SD’s new headlights feature single, high-tech reflectors, which are said to provide excellent lighting both forward and to the side.

The cab also is equipped with updated doors. The outer door frame and belt rail are made from aluminum combined with a steel inner reinforcement. A standard courtesy light illuminates the entry steps, and the 70-degree door opening makes it easier for drivers who get in and out of the truck often.

Dual chrome steel intakes come standard on the Coronado SD. Air enters the system through two chromed steel grilles on either side of the hood, combining an aerodynamic design with improved functionality. The air intake’s air plenum is designed to minimize the infiltration of water, snow, road debris or dust.

The Coronado SD also is equipped with a single air filter, which is said to offer improved filtration capability. Also available are optional pre-cleaners that create a vortex effect to spin dust and heavy water particles out of the air and away from the engine.

Some of the key features on the truck – such as its 90-degree hood tilt for easy engine access for daily checks – were developed specifically with the vocational driver in mind, according to the company.

With its lightweight, high-strength construction, customers can increase revenue by hauling more aggregate or pulling larger payloads, Freightliner said. An up to 50-degree wheel cut helps the Coronado SD maneuver in tight situations.

The interior features an all new intricate dash with controls and switches located within easy reach, and gauges that are well-lit and easily seen, according to the company. All switches and instruments are backlit by LED lights and extra-large panels provide greater flexibility and convenience in gauge combinations, allowing for the installation of radios and navigation systems.

The dashboard also was designed with minimal joints to remove rattles and squeaks, making it one of the quietest dashboards Freightliner engineers have ever designed. To further reduce noise, the Coronado SD includes noise abatement materials such as noise panels in the floor, front wall, sides and back panel.

Available with the Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines, as well as the Cummins ISX, the Coronado SD is designed to meet the upcoming EPA 2010 standards. It can be equipped with the Detroit Diesel BlueTec 1-Box configuration, which combines the diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter and SCR catalyst into one component.