With fitting fanfare and panache, Freightliner Trucks introduced its new Class8 truck in Charlotte , N.C.
One must say “fitting” to describethis event, since its glitter did not in any way obscure the new Cascadia. Itis a truck that lives up to the instant reputation created by its introduction.
I had been prepared for a test drive in an earlier spin two months ago, thattime in a Century. This drive proved the mettle of the new rack-and-pinionsteering. The Cascadia, sporting more value features and creature ergonomicsthan others, proved as tight in all aspects as the rack and pinion makes itshandling. In a 35-mile drive, perhaps the most obvious indication ofFreightliner’s effort to make an entirely revolutionary vehicle, the overallfeeling was driving for the fun of it. The moans and rattles of yesterday havebeen replaced with solidity, increased comfort and drivability. Thisopinion has nothing to do with the fact that I was driving a brand-new truck.It was different. It was much more about the feeling the truck gives that itwill stand by you, comfort you and work for you for a very long time.
It will have to. The Cascadia will replace the now-standard Century and
In appearance, the Cascadia blends style changes with aerodynamics in apleasing way, making the truck‘s hood look a bit longer and more rakish fromthe outside, without raising it into the view of the driver. That, and thelarge windshield, provide a deep and wide forward perspective from the driver’sseat. To the rear, a collection of excellent mirrors does the same. They areincredibly sturdy, heated on both sides, and give copious views over yourdonkey. Blind spots bleed into oblivion.
The seats have been made larger – 2 in. wider and taller – but the space intothe sleeper is a full 24 in. – magic. So, the driver, whether extra large orsize 30, has a more comfortable, more productive environment.
And, while ergonomics is significant for driver retention and productivity,fleets and owner-operators don’t want sweetheart interiors set atop a dog. Thistruck is definitely not of the canine persuasion. It is more cat like. It isagile and easy to drive, responsive and willing. Yes, I know, cats are notnecessarily willing. This one is. All metaphors break down somewhere. At anyrate, you’re not going to keep this feline down. The Cascadia hasexcellent wheel cut and overall maneuverability, which along with the mirrors,turns the art of backing into a skill. And, the wide range of motors,drivetrains and wheel ends remains in place.
My truck had a 455DD and an Eaton Fuller 10 speed and weighed in at 62,000 lb.If you think of drivers as drivetrain managers, the source of all energy, itmakes sense to keep him/her happy, despite ridiculous government HOS andthe painted-on jeans of productivity. The biofeedback loop, as it returns frompavement to the driver, seems to have been taken into consideration in theCascadia and will be pleasing to everyone from owner, to tech to driver. Thismeans the other half of the loop will be “efficientized,” if that’s a word.Anyway, my 35-mile drive only whet the appetite of this driver. This truck isdefinitely at the top of the food chain.
