Peterbilt Motors Company unveiled the all-new medium-duty Model 535 and Model 536, for Class 5/6 non-CDL lease and rental markets. Peterbilt also unveiled the all-new medium-duty Model 537 and Model 548, designed for the Class 7/8 segment.
Working from a clean sheet of paper, Peterbilt designers and engineers developed a high-quality truck for maximum efficiency and versatility. The five-year project involved talking directly to customers to fully understand their needs. The all-new Model 535 and Model 536 deliver the highest level of quality customers have come to expect from Peterbilt. Peterbilt also worked heavily with customers to ensure the Model 537 and Model 548 provide maximum versatility and rugged performance.
SHARED FEATURES
Each new model in the medium-duty lineup has a few shared features. All four trucks feature a cab width of 2.1 meters, which is 8-inches wider than previous generation models. They also feature stair-style steps and knurled grab handles for easier ingress and egress.
The cabs also hold up to 4.6 cu-ft of storage space overhead and in the doors as well as three cup holders. A fully customizable dash layout has available space for optional gauges, switches, and ram mounts.
Drivers will also notice an all-new instrument cluster. An analog speedometer and tachometer rest on the left and right sides of a high-resolution 7-inch display. Drivers can toggle through menus using buttons on the steering wheel. The display is fully integrated with the ADAS system (collision mitigation, lane departure warning) as well as the TPMS system. Other functions include a system check and trip summary.
MODEL 535 & MODEL 536
The non-CDL trucks feature all-new self-closing doors with larger windows for increased visibility, three opening positions, and a triple seal. The BBC measurement can be 107 inches or 109 inches, and the trucks offer a turning radius of 51 ft.
Options available on the Model 535 and Model 536 include two hood lengths and two roof heights. Other options include composite and steel bumpers as well as multiple options of fuel and DEF tanks. Further, the cab interior has best-in-class fit and finish with high or low-back seats in cloth or vinyl.
“These trucks are a perfect fit for the growing lightweight lease, rental and pick-up and delivery markets with their versatility, excellent efficiency and uptime,” says Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president.
MODEL 537 & MODEL 548
The Model 537 and Model 548 are available with two hood options: a vocational three-piece Metton® hood featuring a stationary grille with full through rail, and a three-piece SMC aero hood for maximum visibility. Both hood options can use a variety of vocational and FEPTO bumpers to fit different applications. The bumper is front mounted to the chassis with a drop-and-go feature for self-locating. Bumper options include chrome or painted finishes and three bumper light mounted options (headlight, daytime running lights, or fog). Choose between two radar options, two tow options (two tow loops or center tow), and two license plate mounting locations.
Rugged performance starts with the suspension on the new Model 537 and Model 548 with wide or standard track axles featuring superior wheel cut angles for a shorter turning radius and mono-leaf or taper-leaf front springs rated from 8,000 up to 20,000 lbs. The rear suspension is available with a taper-leaf or air leaf suspension rated from 12,500 to 40,000 lbs depending on a single or tandem drive configuration. The AWD option features a new offset bowl design to offer the lowest possible cab height.
“The new Model 537 and Model 548 are further proof that we listen to our customers and deliver on their needs,” Skoog says.
NEW TRANSMISSION
Along with the announcement of all-new medium-duty trucks, Peterbilt also announced an all-new medium-duty transmission and updated PACCAR PX engines.
Designed to be versatile, efficient, and reliable, the new 8-speed PACCAR TX-8 automatic transmission features the latest technology. It monitors changes in road grade, acceleration, torque demand, weight, and engine load to keep a fuel-efficient gear. Industry-leading shift performance delivers automotive-like shifting with up to 5% better fuel economy.
The PACCAR TX-8 automatic transmission incorporates several industry exclusives. The first is the Auto Park Lock system, a feature that automatically engages the park lock should a driver forget. Next, a Twin Torsional Damper enables early first gear lock-up for smoother shifts and faster acceleration. Finally, Peterbilt combined the Mechatronic unit and Transmission Control Unit (TCU) into one unit within the oil pan for ease of service.
The PACCAR TX-8 transmission improved uptime and total cost of ownership through best-in-class fuel efficiency and minimal maintenance required as a result of the new service-friendly design, which eliminates several integrated and external parts for a more streamlined design.
UPDATED ENGINE
Peterbilt equipped its new family of medium-duty trucks with PACCAR’s updated line of PX engines that will see longer oil and fuel filter service intervals and fuel economy improvements. The updated PX-9 also sees higher torque ratings in the 260, 350, and 360 hp versions as well as a lower torque drop-off speed.
In addition to the launch of the new PACCAR TX-8 automatic transmission and updated PACCAR PX engines, existing PACCAR powertrain components will be rebranded to align with the newest member of the family. All PACCAR transmissions will take on the TX designation with the 12-speed renamed as the TX-12. The PACCAR 40K drive axle will become the PACCAR DX-40, and the vocational 20K front steer axle becomes the FX-20.
All models are currently available for order with deliveries starting in July.
Find out more, visit www.peterbilt.com.
