Well here it is the 'new' Mercedes Actros...in all its glory which officially makes it debut today. But wait a minute Biglorryblog I hear you ask, surely this isn't the same tractor as the heavily-disguised prototypes you recently showed us on BLB? And the answer to that is no it isn't. It's an 'Third Generation' interim step with a facelifted-front end and some interior tweaks with the same V6 and V8 engines under the hood. So when will we see the REALLY new 'Fourth Generation' Mercedes Actros as featured here below undegoing pre-production trials at Merc's Worth test track ?
The smart money is still around a 2010 launch when it will have the new family of HDEP in-line six engines....but for the moment all that's in the future. What you want to know is what's different about the latest 'Third Generation' Actros? Well click through here to find out.
As mentioned already it keeps the current V6 with six rating between 320-476hp and three V8 ratings up to 598hp all available at Euro-5. In addition to the latest low emission engines Merc's PowerShift auto box also becomes standard on Actros. Although whether we see that happening in the UK has yet to be confirmed---but I'd be surprised if it wasn't made standard on right hookers.
On the oustide the grille and front has been given a facelift with new V-shaped grille, a bit more chrome, new spoiler and sun visors and improved aerodyamics plus (so I'm told by my Dutch colleague Iep Van der Meer) you can get LED lights to go behind the three-pointed star. Just right for Christmas I'd say.
Interior tweaks include a fold-down table, easier to operate night heater, better shaving mirror and a top bunk that you can level so that when you park up on a kerb you're not sleeping up or downhill! Given the choice I'd much rather have a single bunk but then I'm not travelling to the UK from Eastern Europe so a solo' layout in a top weight tractor is more to my taste...
No doubt you can read all about it in next week's Commercial Motor as CM's editor Andy salter, (and chairman of the International truck of the year Jury) knows all about it. So make sure you get your copy out next Thursday. Meanwhile, thanks to one of my regular contacts for tipping me off on it!
Comments (1)
Brian I sent you a picture I have found of the 2010 actros uncovered with no disguised panels did you get it ?
Posted by Barney | January 29, 2008 2:35 AM
Posted on January 29, 2008 02:35