For a few years now, Freightliner has been trotting out its truck-of-the-future prototypes. The big black truck was impressive to say the least. There hasn't been a show that it's been here that I haven't made at least one trip by it.Today, Mid-America Trucking Show Press Day 2012, we saw the finished product. Sure, it's still a prototype, but it's a working prototype. It rolled up on the stage under its own power.
Obviously aerodynamic, the truck is certainly an eye-catcher. Check out these photos.
There's something about a concept truck that they say is part daycab and part sleeper that made me mentally raise an eyebrow. How?
Pretty simple -- the truck is designed for one person. For starters, there's not even a passenger seat. Better than that, there's not even a passenger door.
The truck is optimized for the one-driver operations. The "work" area behind the driver's seat converts into a bunk area in case a driver is out of hours, or just wanting to grab a quick nap during the day.To add to its futuristic appeal, the truck's in-dash controls feature an iPad dock that can run all of the handy apps made just for drivers -- log book, route optimization, you name it.
Freightliner didn't announce a launch date for the truck, and I bet you have more questions. Maybe we should post them in the comments below and let Freightliner folks answer them.
As for me, tomorrow I'm climbing in that sucker and having a good long look around.
take pictures please and post them.
ReplyDeleteNo passegnger seat, so much for on the road training!
ReplyDeleteI'll post one.. when is the production date? Will we see this truck in production in 2014?
ReplyDeleteThere is no production date set. This is still a concept truck and it may even be possible that as a complete unit it never goes into production. But, I'll bet money that Freightliner will incorporate some of the new technology into their existing (and future)over-the-road models.
Deletehttp://www.freightlinertrucks.com/revolution?WT.mc_id=FTL_RevTrucknew
ReplyDeleteKenworth is supposed to premiere the "Most Aerodynamic Truck Ever" do you have pictures of that as well?
ReplyDeleteSure, we posted video of that earlier here on the Pork Chop Diaries. It's here: http://porkchopdiaries2012.blogspot.com/2012/03/big-reveals-from-kenworth-and-peterbilt.html
DeleteThis was your Granddaddy's truck.. see any resemblance?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.google.com/search?q=1953+COE+GMC+Truck&hl=en&rlz=1C1RNPN_enUS423US423&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=oKdqT9_zGYuDtgfm8tm5Bg&ved=0CIABELAE&biw=1024&bih=481
Yes I do . It reminds me of an old GMC .
DeleteI have safety concerns about one door only. If it ends up sideways, driver side down there is no exit.
ReplyDeleteI should have posted a picture of the back door... Yup. It has a full-size door out the back of the cab.
ReplyDeleteI do oversize loads (long/wide/high). is there any provisions made for the use of mirror extensions? I must have mirror extensions to see around 14 & 15 foot wide loads. this requirement is demanded by law.
ReplyDeleteThe truck does not look very big. Where's the sleeper for the driver who runs OTR?????
ReplyDeleteIm not crazy about all the technology. I dont need an ipad dock. Im not crazy about computer logs, and still like my atlas. Im not too impressed.
ReplyDeleteCONCEPT means prototype, development, Ideas, it doesnt mean FINISHED TRUCK, The Low grill looks cool but what about road debris, especially Gators thru that cool looking grill, its time truck companies started incorporating work areas, desks, built in PCs and Fuel/routing optimizations etc, Electronics dont have to be distracting but useful, the rear door is something that should have been done YEARS ago, its a back saver....Mirror extensions should be designed in as an option, electric mirrors that retract, are heated, and can be remote focused, this is all Useful stuff.
ReplyDelete