Freightliner Unveils Coronado Severe Duty

Oct. 6, 2009
Freightliner Trucks today introduced the new Coronado Severe Duty (SD) at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition

Freightliner Trucks today introduced the new Coronado Severe Duty (SD) at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition.

"The flagship vocational product for Freightliner Trucks, the Coronado SD encompasses Freightliner's most advanced technological innovations, resulting in a versatile product that is built to perform and work," said Richard Shearing, director of product strategy for Freightliner Trucks. "The Coronado SD delivers every step of the way."

Available in both set-back and set-forward axle configurations, the Coronado SD improves upon the durability and dependability of Freightliner's FLD SD with the driver comfort and style synonymous with the Coronado, while adding new elements specifically engineered for the vocational market.

Freightliner Trucks received the "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Vocational Segment Class 8 Trucks" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Heavy Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study.

The Coronado SD's fiberglass hood has been designed for maximum durability. The fenders come standard with impact absorbing material that helps eliminate damage and cracks common with vocational applications. The one-piece stainless steel grille surround is accented with chrome steel horizontal bars.

Further enhancing the truck's performance, the Coronado SD's new headlights feature single, high-tech reflectors for excellent lighting capability both forward and to the side.

The Coronado SD's cab is also equipped with updated doors. The outer door frame and belt rail are made from aluminum and combined with a steel inner reinforcement, resulting in a lightweight, sturdy design that provides excellent door sealing and less mirror vibration. A standard courtesy light illuminates the entry steps, and the 70-degree door opening makes it easier for customers who get in and out of the truck often.

"We understand that every minute counts, so we developed the Coronado SD to keep customers out of the shop and on the job longer," said Melissa Clausen, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. "Our new design elements enable drivers to easily make adjustments on their own, keeping repair costs and downtime to a minimum."

The Coronado SD is also equipped with a new single air filter with improved filtration capability. Also available are optional pre-cleaners that create a vortex effect to spin dust and heavy water particles out of the air and away from the engine. As a system, these components have the dust holding capacity equal to or better than traditional external dual cleaners -- which not only lasts longer between changes, but saves money because only one filter is replaced instead of two.

Some of the key features on the truck - such as its 90-degree hood tilt for easy engine access for daily checks - were developed specifically with the vocational driver in mind. The truck's headlight bulbs are readily available at any auto parts store, and are easily replaced without any special tools.