As the Western Star 47X joins the new X-Series range, both last year’s 49X and the new 47X from Western Star are headed for Australia in right-hand-drive in around a year, reckons PowerTorque’s US Correspondent, Steve Sturgess. He has been checking the new models out.
Not only are the latest Western Star models heading our way from the US, but Steve asked the question at the launch and was told Australia also is likely to get a unique Australian model for B-double operations, featuring snorkels for dusty on and off-highway operations and top power from the Detroit DD16.
In the US, Western Star introduced the slightly, smaller new model for its X-line that kicked off a year ago with the big-bore powered 49X highway truck and prime mover. The new introduction is the 47X and is targeted at vocational markets.
For the North American markets, the 47X is 90kg lighter spec-for-spec than a 49X, it also has a shorter bumper-to-back-of-cab with a standard 2.83m BBC and a 2.61m option. With the shorter hood and a wheel cut up to 50 degrees, the 47X optimises manoeuvrability for work on construction sites or operation in congested urban environments, said Western Star in the launch release.
Meanwhile in Australia…
“It’s very exciting to see the 47X unveiled in the United States following on from the launch of the 49X last year,” said Craig Lee, General Manager On-Highway, Penske Australia. “We are thrilled to be launching the new Western Star range in late 2022 in Australia, and shortly after that in New Zealand.
“Our local teams here in Australia and New Zealand have worked closely with the Western Star team in the US on the development of the new trucks to tailor them for our local markets in both Australia and New Zealand and will continue to do so.
“Boasting lighter yet tougher cabin frames and steel-reinforced cabins, and with features including wrap-around dashboards, our customers will surely be impressed when they see the trucks in person and step foot into the cabin.”
