Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/698304
Gear Guide July 2016 | Overdrive | 67 Western Star Trucks will offer Eaton's UltraShift Plus transmission in its aerodynamic 5700XE this fall, allowing the truck to operate with an automat- ed manual transmission in new applications that require PTOs and higher gross combination ratings. The new Eaton Advan- tage 10-speed AMT will be available for the 5700XE in early 2017, with multiple PTO locations. This trans- mission model lineup lets customers spec a 10-speed transmission up to 110,000 pounds gross combination vehicle weight rating, a 13-speed transmission up to 140,000 pounds GCVWR and an 18-speed transmission with no pub- lished GCVWR limit. The Eaton announce- ment was part of a press event Western Star held at Michelin's proving grounds in Laurens, S.C. There, I was able to drive three mod- els of the 5700XE – a day cab, a 68-inch high-roof and an 82-inch sleeper. The DD15 engine (14.8 liters, 505 hp) in the two larger units provided ample power for the two maxed- out trailers, and the DT12 AMT was more than re- sponsive. Cabin noise was shockingly low, even with the DD15's three-stage engine brake helping to aggressively slow the truck ahead of a turn. Western Star Trucks Sales Inc., westernstar.com, 866-850-7827 — Jason Cannon UltraShift Plus expands 5700XE's utility Western Star's Mike Guarino says designers strove to retain the company's trademark boxy look while still achieving an aerodynamic design that often results in more than 7 mpg. Peterbilt's latest vocational truck, the special-edition Model 567 Heritage, is available as a day cab or with a 72- or 80-inch sleeper and is configured with a 121-inch BBC set-forward front axle to optimize payloads and weight distribution. The Model 567 Heritage is available now for order, with production set for September. The truck's exterior features include bright bum- pers, grille bars, exhaust stacks, mirrors and sun visor; chromed air intake bezels and metal hood latches; polished rocker panels, quarter-fender close- out panels, fender braces and brackets, battery boxes and fuel tanks; and special Heritage badging. The interior features Heritage Brown with a black dash top and wood-finish trim; brown leather seats with ac- cent stitching; and door pads with brown wood trim. Trucks equipped with a sleeper include wood trim accents on the cabinets and storage spaces. Peterbilt, peterbilt.com, 800-473-8372 Peterbilt's Model 567 Heritage vocational Peterbilt's special-edition Model 567 Heritage vocational truck is available now for order, with production set for September. Jason Cannon is equipment editor for Overdrive.