The other day Biglorryblog posted a story and 'Scoop!' pictures of the new International 'Lone Star' tractor which was spotted in a local dealer's workshop well before its official launch in March. It seems you liked these early glimpses as the general response was: "More BLB! More!"
Well OK then...and although I've dragged my heels a bit it's about time I posted up these 'Scoop!' pictures of the new Mercedes Axor and Actros prototypes which were featured recently in Commercial Motor just before Christmas. And as CM Editor Andy Salter has kindly handed them to yours truly away we go.
The white one is the smaller Axor while the all-black beast in the Actros--although in true prototype testing tradition they're very heavily disguised with extra plastic panels and what looks like bin liners! According to the story Andy wrote in CM what does seem clear is that Merc is re-aligning its heavy truck range to have a more modular range with narrow and full-width cabs using similar styling.
Now click through here for more information and pictures!
The Germans also appear to have made both new cabs more aerodynamic (though it's hard to tell with all that plastic sheeting on them!) and looking at the side shot of the white Axor it appears that Merc has addressed criticisms aimed at the current range by making the cab deeper which will mean more living room inside the already-popular fleet tractor when it finally arrives.
Meanwhile, the full-width, high-roof Actros prototype has new doors and closer inspection suggests it has a flat dash too. The current Actros MegaSpace already has more than enough room to swing a cat in so the new model should have as much, if not more.
When will we see them? The smart money is on 2010, ahead of Euro-6 when the new range will have the recently announced Daimler Heavy Duty Engine Platform (HDEP) which was unveiled in October '07 in the US in 10.6, 12.8 and 14.8-litre versions. They're all straight sixes, the big vees will finally go when HDEP arrives in Europe. Meanwhile, according to CM the smallest 10.6-litre motor would be the obvious choice for Axor leaving the 12.8 and 14.8-litre engines for full-width Actros models.
And here's an interesting footnote. You might be wondering how young Mr Salter came by such pictures. Considering how truck makers jealously guard their secrets you might think it would be impossible to catch sight of them without some cunning plan? Silent robot balloon camera disguised as a passing Owl? Secret Ninja snapper hiding in a hole? Actually the truth is far more mundane than that. The test track at Merc's massive Worth plant is next to a public footpath which (I understand) even crosses the test track at some point via a footbridge...so you could hardly miss them. What's German for 'DOH!' I wonder....?
Comments (6)
Excellent Brian.How about some scoops on the new Daf cab and the replacement Volvo FH and Renault Magnum.
Posted by Barney | January 15, 2008 7:31 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 19:31
I think Merc will bring the new Actros to the market earlier than suggested, later this year would be my guess, although maybe not with the new engines. From the pics of the test 'mule' it looks like the panel work has been done and dusted with just a cover sheet hiding its all-new face.
BTW, can't help thinking that it looks very much like the Iveco EuroStar with the alto roof (beloved truck of now extinct Murfitts Dutch operation)
Posted by Craig S | January 17, 2008 9:11 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 09:11
I don't think it will be this year because the existing actros is having a facelift.I have seen pictures on the internet.Daf must be next up for a all new cab launch.
Posted by Barney | January 17, 2008 7:29 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 19:29
Brian - I wonder how the dimensions of the scoop’ed Megaspace compare with the vehicle you and I saw in Germany… or the whole concept, in fact?
Barney - the new Magnum will be on the Renault stand at this year’s CV Show - international launch.
Posted by Tom Cunningham | January 17, 2008 8:02 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 20:02
i work as a merc fitter in the uk and the actros is having a facelift this year only and the completly new trucks for axor and actros will come out with the new straight six's in 2010 hope this helps
Posted by matt | May 11, 2008 12:56 PM
Posted on May 11, 2008 12:56
i love actros thank you from picture
the actros truck of the year 2010
Posted by emad | August 11, 2008 10:05 AM
Posted on August 11, 2008 10:05