Freightliner plans enhancements to its M2 and SD trucks, designing new driver-pleasing interiors and advanced electrical systems, and making Detroit Assurance safety systems newly optional on the medium- and medium/heavy-duty vocational models. The changes, collectively called “Plus,” affect the M2 106, M2 112, 108SD and 114SD, which will enter production in the third quarter of 2023.
Early introduction of the Plus series allows customers time to choose between the new or current models, said Mary Aufdemberg, general manager for product planning and strategic marketing at Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), Freightliner’s parent. Truck production is now stretched out and customers need to order soon to get reasonable delivery dates.
“The Plus series provides Freightliner customers the same reliable workhorses they have counted on to add dollars to their bottom line for years, now packed with additional features to further benefit their operators and increase productivity even more,” said David Carson, senior vice president, sales and marketing.
Existing aluminum-over-steel cabs will continue in the Plus series, but will be fitted with new, more comfortable and safer interiors, including improved ergonomics and increased storage, Freightliner executives said at a press introduction earlier in the summer. Enhancements include:
- New trim levels with improved insulation that muffles exterior noise and provides greater thermal efficiency;
- Driver-centric dash with an easy-to-read driver information center;
- Fully customizable switch layout;
- Comfortable steering wheel with integrated controls;
- Easy-to-use transmission control stalk that allows automated manual and automatic shifting and engine braking functions close to the steering wheel;
- Configurable dash panel with 2.5 times more space for equipment manufacturers and upfitters to utilize.
- Ergonomic seats with precise adjustability for improved driver comfort and reduced fatigue.
Freightliner Plus Series technology
The Detroit Assurance 5.0 suite of safety and connectivity systems, which have been features of Class 8 Freightliners, will be available across the builder’s entire vocational and medium-duty truck lineup. Already optional with Detroit engines, the safety systems will be available with Cummins engines, as well, executives said.
Standard selected safety features including Active Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and optional Side Guard Assist allow for increased safety on the road or jobsite. Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts cruising speed to maintain a safe following distance, will become available when the Plus series enters production.
Outfitted with Detroit Connect Connectivity Systems, Plus series fleets will receive key information about vehicle performance that empowers better decision-making and reduces downtime. For example:
- Within minutes of a fault event, Virtual Technician remote diagnostic service informs fleets of the severity of the fault, and when, where and how to best fix the issue.
- Remote Updates uses secure, over-the-air programming capabilities to make engine parameter and other updates.
- Detroit Connect Analytics provide users with on-demand, automated analysis, identifying behaviors and trends, and providing actionable insights on fuel consumption and safety performance data.
- Safety Event Viewer enables visibility into driver safety performance, notifying fleets of collision mitigation events. It will show the time, date and location of an event, plus the vehicle speed at the time of the event and duration of the event. This record keeping allows Detroit Connect users to monitor and track all critical events and take action to increase the safety of trucks on the road and job site (standard with Detroit Assurance with Active Brake Assist 5).
Freightliner Plus Series specs
The Plus series will feature Detroit Gen 5 engines, with Detroit’s own DT12 automated manual transmissions, and Cummins diesels with Eaton automated gearboxes. Manual transmissions will also be available. The 114SD Plus can be ordered with the DD13 Gen 5 with new vocational power ratings, as well as enhanced performance, uptime and reliability. Its rapid torque feature gets payloads moving quickly.
Additionally, ThermoCoasting in the DD13 Gen 5 prevents aftertreatment cool down during a driving regen to keep the system at its optimum temperature and significantly reduces the need for parked regens.
Built for vocational performance, durability and low-speed maneuverability, the DT12-V transmission is an alternative to more costly fully automatic transmissions. DT12-V has Off-Road Mode with aggressive shifting for sustained momentum and higher performance on any terrain; Hill Start Aid to keep a truck from rolling back on steep grades; and Rock-Free Mode to get a truck unstuck. Paver Mode allows a dump truck’s driver to shift from neutral to drive without pressing the brake pedal, allowing continued movement of a paving machine.
Several Plus series models will also offer the Cummins B6.7, L9 and X12 diesel engine options as well as L9N and ISX12N natural gas-fueled engines. Eaton manual and automated manual transmissions, and Allison automatic transmissions are also available in Plus series trucks.
A QuickFit electrical system using a new multiplexed architecture, combined with a CHEC Tool interface, integrates truck equipment to the vehicle easily and quickly, executives said. QuickFit offers easy access to critical connection points, additional power sources, programmable switches, customizable parameters, and interlock features, making upfits more flexible, more reliable, and more durable, all in less time, Freightliner representatives said. Key electrical components will be located inside Plus series’ cabs to provide improved isolation from external variables and road debris.
Plus series M2 and SD vehicles will be assembled at DTNA’s Mount Holly (N.C.) and Santiago Tianguistenco (Mexico) Truck Manufacturing Plants.
