Since its 2020 pivot to become Daimler Truck North America's vocational brand, Western Star has launched its models 49X and 47X. Last week the Freightliner sibling shifted its focus from the jobsite to the road, trotting out its third new model in two years – the on-highway 57X.
The 57X will replace the 5700XE – Western Star's aero model that debuted in 2014 and starred as Optimus Prime in the Transformer franchise that same year. Following a run of just six years, Western Star shelved its model 5700XE at the end of last year. When the 5700XE debuted in the Fall of 2014, the sculpted and sleek 5700XE – XE is for Extreme Efficiency – was Western Star's official foray into the era of the aero-tractor following three years in development. The end result was a tractor heaped with airflow and a Detroit-exclusive powertrain.
Stay tuned. We'll have a detailed test drive recap of the 57X Wednesday afternoon.
Despite its position as Daimler Truck's vocational company, Western Star Brand Manager Anthony Pires said the on-highway 57X was conceived, designed and engineered specifically for owner-operators and small fleets.
"The only thing we saved from the previous truck was the steering wheel," said Ryan Major, Daimler Truck North America on-highway product marketing manager.
The 57X is the most fuel-efficient truck Western Star has ever built – 5.8% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. About half of those gains come from an aerodynamic retooling and the other half from a powertrain comprised exclusively of Detroit products.
The 57X offers a choice of Detroit engine models (the DD13 Gen 5, DD15 Gen 5 and DD16) and Detroit DT12 Direct or Overdrive AMT transmissions. Intelligent Powertrain Management anticipates terrain and adjusts to road conditions to further maximize efficiencies. Available Detroit front steer and high-speed ratio rear tandem axles also contribute to fuel efficiency.
