Volvo introduces new Mack “Anthem” on-highway tractor

[kscarbel2]

Jim Park, Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT)  /  September 13, 2017

ALLENTOWN, PA. – Mack Trucks introduced its new, next-generation highway hero, the Mack Anthem, during the Mack Global Dealer Summit in Allentown Wednesday night. Mack calls the Anthem a re-engineered, redesigned and reimagined interpretation of what today’s highway truck should be – aerodynamic, comfortable, and connected, with a bold Mack look.

“As one of the most significant new trucks in Mack’s 117-year history, the Anthem combines our latest innovations with more than a century of truck-building know-how,” said Dennis Slagle, president, Mack Trucks. “The incredible result is a truck that’s been built for our customers’ business and designed for drivers, all while delivering the power and presence that only a Mack truck can deliver.”

The Mack Anthem features an all-new exterior design with optimized aerodynamics for improved fuel efficiency. New driving and sleeping environments were crafted with an emphasis on increasing driver comfort and productivity. The Anthem is available in several configurations, including a daycab, an all-new 48-inch flat top sleeper, and an all-new 70-inch stand-up sleeper.

“Every detail on the Anthem was designed with purpose,” said Jonathan Randall, senior vice president, sales, Mack Trucks North America. “We surveyed thousands of drivers and incorporated their feedback to deliver a functional, strong, efficient highway truck with an authentic design unlike anything on the road today.”

The Anthem is available with the 13L Mack MP8 engine with ratings as high as 505 hp and 1,860 lb.-ft. of torque. Several enhancements to improve efficiency and productivity are included, such as a patented wave piston design that enables more complete fuel combustion and a common-rail fuel system to more accurately control fuel injection. The 11L Mack MP7 is available as an option on the Anthem with ratings up 425 hp and 1,560 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mack’s SuperEconodyne downspeeding packages are available with both Mack MP7 and MP8 engines.

Available exclusively with SuperEconodyne is the Mack MP8-TC engine featuring turbo compounding. The Mack MP8-TC captures and converts waste energy from the exhaust into mechanical energy that is fed back to the engine. The turbo compounding system feeds up to 50 additional horsepower back to the crankshaft, enabling additional performance while improving fuel efficiency. Combined with the Anthem’s aerodynamic improvements, the Mack MP8-TC engines provide up to an 11.8% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with a baseline from previous Mack models equipped with GHG2014 engines.

“The MP8-TC is ideal for customers whose applications involve long, steady-state cruising on routes with terrain ranging from flat to rolling hills,” said Scott Barraclough, Mack technology product manager. “The turbo compound unit allows the MP8-TC to deliver full torque as low as 900 rpm, allowing for fewer downshifts and improved efficiency.”

Mack’s 12-speed mDrive automated manual transmission is standard on all Anthem models.

The Mack Anthem features an all-new driving environment that incorporates driver feedback for improved functionality, ergonomics and convenience. Gauges on the instrument panel have been positioned higher for better driver visibility, while HVAC controls and the Mack mDrive AMT shift pad have been relocated closer to the driver’s fingertips. All switches for additional truck functions like cruise control, PTOs and traction control now feature laser etching to help maintain markings over the long life of the vehicle.

Inspired by racecar controls, a new flat-bottom steering wheel is a Class 8 trucking industry first, providing improved dash visibility, as well as easier ingress and egress.

The all-new 70-inch sleeper now features stand-up height for even tall drivers to easily walk-through the cab into the living environment. The interior volume of the new sleeper is 35% larger than previous models. Anthem's 70-inch stand-up sleeper models are available in single or double bunk configuration.

During the unveiling ceremony, Walsh said the truck's name is a tribute the company and Mack's extended family. "The Anthem is the right highway truck for North America," said Walsh. “We are an American brand. We were born here. We were raised here, and we literally helped build this country. The name Anthem speaks to that American spirit."

We'll have more on the Anthem coming soon, following a detailed briefing from Mack engineers, designers and executives over the next couple of days. Equipment Editor Jim Park will be participating in an extended test drive later this week, driving an Anthem from Allentown to Atlanta.

.

[kscarbel2]

Volvo rolls out new Mack Anthem highway truck

Aaron Marsh, Fleet Owner  /  September 14, 2017

ALLENTOWN, PA. With a bold new grille sporting vertical accents like two fangs in a bulldog's underbite, Mack Trucks' new Anthem highway tractor drew multinational press and plenty of fanfare at its launch here Wednesday evening.

That included video of the truck's development, where designers and Mack execs touted the Anthem's brawny look and aero-functional design as "bad ass" and destined to become a classic looking back in the years to come, as the OEM's big trucks of decades past have.

"In terms of powertrain, in terms of connectivity, in terms of comfort, uptime, productivity, durability, and application excellence, it's a platform that we provide all the things that we need in order to move forward," said Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of Volvo Group, Mack's parent.

He promised a "high pace and high frequency" of continued investment in Mack's products, production facilities and service network, acknowledging Mack dealers' own investments in facilities and technician training.

Denny Slagle, executive vice president of Volvo Group and president of Mack trucks, highlighted Mack's latest powertrains featuring engines compliant with 2017 fuel efficiency/ greenhouse gas emissions requirements and mDRIVE automated manual transmission as "frankly, producing a drive that can't be matched by the competition."

The Anthem — which features an engraved American flag in its badging — is "the right highway truck for North America" and "captures everything that has made Mack great," contended John Walsh, Mack's vice president of global marketing and brand management. He said the new truck was designed to be "unmistakably Mack," offer superior aerodynamics and fuel efficiency without looking "like a jelly bean," and deliver "revolutionary" driver comfort.

"We are proud to be the only heavy-duty truck manufacturer who can still say that every truck we sell in America is built here in America," Walsh added. He highlighted a list of new exterior, driver environment and sleeper/ living environment features and options.  

EXTERIOR

—New grille, with a bridge across the front bearing the "big, bold" Mack word moniker;

—Three configurations: day cab, 48-in. flat-top sleeper, and 70-in. stand-up sleeper designed to allow even taller drivers ample room to stand freely in the rear;

—Available aero-enhancing roof fairing;

—Better visibility than current Pinnacle highway models;

—Improved aerodynamics that provide up to a 3% fuel efficiency gain with the 70-in. stand-up sleeper model and 1.5% gain with the day cab model in addition to 2017 powertrain fuel efficiency gains;

—Two trim packages, "Bold Black" and "Mirror Chrome Bright," incorporated into the grille, bumper, headlamp and fog lamp bezels, and air intakes;

—Three-piece bumper designed for improved serviceability and lower repair costs in case of damage;

—LED headlamps, turn signals, fog lights and marker lights are longer-lasting, use less energy and are up to 66% brighter than incandescents;

 —New three-piece hood that can be replaced in sections if damaged, features an automotive-style release latch in the grille, and requires 50% less effort to tilt open;

—Aerodynamic hood mirrors that reduce drag, deliver an improved field of view/ reduced blind spots, and fold away on impact;

—Breakaway side mirrors feature stronger materials, hinges and spring-loaded mounts; and

—Grab handles made of thick, extruded aluminum and tactile, contoured surface.

INTERIOR

—Three available trim levels: standard, premium and ultra;

—New driver environment featuring automotive-inspired controls in the instrument panel, digitally displayed analog gauges, and 5.5-in. color Copilot display;

—Flat-bottom steering wheel designed for solid grip and easier entry and exit;

—Steering wheel can be spec'd with "smart' features including illuminated controls for cruise, Bluetooth and infotainment;

—Redesigned steering column stalks: right manages engine brake and Copilot display, left manages high beams, turn signals and windshield wipers;

—Optional 7-in. infotainment display in console can display tools like Sirius XM, truck navigation, Apple Carplay and backup cameras;

—New rocker switches in dash with laser-etched labels that won't fade or rub off, with standardized key switch placements across models but additional slots available for customization;

—Non-slip-surfaced mobile phone charging station on top of dash;

—Power windows, locks and mirrors;

—Lights managed through automotive-inspired control module;

—Seats designed in partnership with Sears for comfort and durability, offering 30 feature-function combinations; and

—Redesigned "doghouse" over the engine to provide easier access/ serviceability.

SLEEPER

—70-in. stand-up model allows driver to stand up next to driver's seat and walk into sleeper, which provides 35% more space;

—Improved accommodation for driver's gear with up to 27 cu. ft. of space in 70-in. sleeper model, with more work surfaces, wardrobes and shelving;

—All-LED interior lighting, including "ambient," "task" and "background" lights;

—Prep kits available with wiring for refrigerator, flat-screen TV and microwave;

—Multiple electrical and USB outlets;

—Tilt-open sleeper windows with built-in shades and screens that allow ventilation but keep rain out;

—Sleeper curtain that darkens living space; and

—Available single or double bunk beds.

Photo gallery - http://fleetowner.com/trucks/mack-rolls-out-new-bad-ass-anthem-highway-truck#slide-0-field_images-226311

[kscarbel2]

Volvo introduces Mack Anthem highway model

James Menzies, Truck News  /  September 14, 2017

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – In designing its new Anthem highway tractor, Mack Trucks set out to challenge the idea that an efficient truck has to be shaped like a “jelly bean.”

And the Anthem, to be sure, will throw a different shadow on the ground than any of its competitors. The Anthem, according to Mack, will produce 3% better fuel economy than the Pinnacle in a 70-inch sleeper configuration, and a 1.5% improvement as a day cab. This despite its large square headlights, many sharp edges, and bold, angular design.

The much-anticipated truck was shown to dealers and truck press for the first time at an unveiling here Sept. 13. It looks nothing like the new models bro-brand Volvo introduced earlier this year, and has managed to capture the distinct styling befitting a Mack, in a package that the company says will be competitive in terms of fuel economy.

“Our main goal was to design something that looks like a Mack,” said Stu Russoli, on-highway product manager with Mack Trucks. “It’s gotta be bold, it’s gotta look like a Mack.”

The company spent five years designing the new Anthem, beginning the process with visits to truck stops, where designers traded meal vouchers for truck tours, to see exactly how drivers were living in and utilizing their trucks, regardless of make.

“We asked if we could go into their truck, look around, see how they lived,” Russoli recalled. “We needed to make it look like a Mack, that was our request to designers. It also needs to be aerodynamic, and then we go into driver comfort.”

Russoli noted the strong vertical and horizontal lines on the front end of the truck, designed to be “structural.” A bold MACK across the grille has been dubbed the bridge. “It’s very structural, very strong, very Mack,” explained Russoli.

But despite the departure from the traditional slippery truck design, Mack says the new truck is also fuel efficient. The hood has a different contour than the Pinnacle, to better direct airflow up and over the cab. Swept-back fenders direct air along the side of the trailer. And a new aerodynamic sun visor also helps direct airflow up over the cab.

Other aero improvements include a close-out flange between the bumper and hood, and new bumper air dams, as well as covered tow hooks – all designed to reduce wind resistance.

Optional hood-mounted mirrors are placed on top of the hood, so they’re higher up, and also align with the side mirrors to minimize the disruption to airflow. A one-piece composite roof protects against leaks, but doesn’t allow for a skylight, something Russoli said was a frequent complaint from drivers who found them prone to leakage and to let in too much light at nighttime.

The larger 70-inch stand-up sleeper provides more interior headroom and living space for drivers. All lights on, and inside, the new Mack Anthem are LED, requiring less power draw and providing a whiter light. The LED headlights, Russoli said, provide 66% better brightness.

The hood takes 50% less effort to open, and uses a single point hood latch so drivers no longer have to circle to both sides of the hood to release latches. A three-piece hood and bumper, as well as breakaway hood and side mirrors, were designed to reduce replacement and repair costs.

Inside the cab, the dash was redesigned to put controls within closer reach of the driver. Eight switches have been moved to the steering wheel – but a base steering wheel without buttons is also available. The steering wheel is the industry’s first with a race car-inspired flat bottom, which was done for styling, but also to afford more belly room and to make it easier to slide in and out of the driver seat.

As part of the design process, Mack designers also visited used truck lots to see first-hand how trucks aged. They found issues such as worn rocker switches, which had become difficult or impossible to read. In the Anthem, switches have been laser-etched so the markings last.

The interior has a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring TomTom truck navigation, Apple CarPlay, an optional backup cam, and satellite radio. The Mack CoPilot driver information center now features a five-inch, full-color screen.

The Anthem comes with a new line of Sears seats, which can be had in more than 30 feature and fabric combinations. The interior also boasts more storage – 27 cubic feet – which Mack says is the most in the industry. Pop-out side windows allow light and air into the bunk, and keep out rain due to the hinge-topped design.

The new Mack Anthem will go into production in the first quarter of 2018, and will replace the Mack Pinnacle axle back model. The Pinnacle axle-forward model will carry on, as the Mack Pinnacle.

Truck News editor James Menzies will be driving the Mack Anthem from Allentown, Pa., to Atlanta, Ga., this week, in advance of the North American Commercial Vehicle Show, where it will make its public debut. Check back soon for a more detailed, first-hand driving report.

.

[kscarbel2]

.

 

[kscarbel2]

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT)  /  September 19, 2017

“We have helped build America,” proclaimed Mack president Denny Slagle, referring to the company’s 117-year heritage. “We have arrived at an important milestone. This launch should be seen as a new day, a new start, a game changer for our beloved Mack brand.”

“The Anthem has been part of our product strategy for the past several years,” said Roy Horton, Mack’s director - product strategy. And it’s a key rollout for the manufacturer, which despite double-digit market shares in segments like vocational, refuse, and regional trucking, accounts for about 2% of on-highway truck sales.

The Anthem comes as a day cab, and with a 48-inch or 70-inch sleeper. Unlike the increasingly rounded shapes that have emerged in other designs, the Anthem’s profile features prominent edges and flat lines. But Mack stresses that the Anthem’s fuel economy is still 1.5% better than current Pinnacle axle-back tractors, and 3% better for those who spec’ the 70-inch stand-up sleeper. That’s on top of fuel economy gains realized with the company’s GHG17 engines.

,

 

[kscarbel2]

Mack Anthem: First drive and a look inside the cab

Aaron Marsh, Fleet Owner  /  September 18, 2017

When you get inside and saddle up in Mack Trucks' new Anthem highway tractor, the word that may come to mind is "friendly." And then you'll notice how smooth it pulls.

The Anthem's redesigned driver environment, which crosses over into the Pinnacle axle-forward and Granite models as well, puts controls within easy reach and provides more information at a glance to the operator. It does its intended job adeptly and it's an obvious refresh, actually making the Pinnacle and Granite feel like all-new trucks.

Mack's mDRIVE HD automated manual transmission — which the company said has made big strides in the market since its introduction in 2015 to achieve an 88% penetration rate — offers simple, push-button operation. Available in 12-, 13-, and 14-speed versions with one or two low-ratio creeper gears, the mDRIVE gives the Anthem and other Mack models carlike drivability.

Similarly capable are Mack's MP8 13L and MP7 11L diesel engines, which were included in Anthem models available for media test drives at Mack's Customer Center in Allentown, PA last week. With trailers loaded near weight limits in tow, it was easy almost to forget those trailers were there in drives around the test track (which we didn't do, of course). Speed around the test track is limited to 40 mph.

Here are some photos and some more detail on the tractor's design from that first drive in Allentown. 

Photo gallery - http://fleetowner.com/trucks/mack-anthem-first-drive-and-look-inside-cab#slide-0-field_images-226491

[kscarbel2]

Mack Anthem - the next-generation highway hero in US

Volvo Group Press Release  /  September 15, 2017

Mack Trucks today introduced its new, next-generation highway hero, the Mack Anthem. The Mack Anthem is a re-engineered, redesigned and reimagined interpretation of what today’s highway truck should be – aerodynamic, comfortable and connected, all with a distinctively bold Mack look.

“As one of the most significant new trucks in Mack’s 117-year history, the Anthem combines our latest innovations with more than a century of truck-building know-how,” says Dennis Slagle, president, Mack Trucks. “The incredible result is a truck that’s been built for our customers’ business and designed for drivers, all while delivering the power and presence that only a Mack truck can deliver.”

The Mack Anthem gives drivers and businesses the tools they need to command the road. The truck features an all-new exterior design with optimized aerodynamics for improved fuel efficiency by up to 3 percent. New driving and sleeping environments were crafted with an emphasis on increasing driver comfort and productivity.
Gauges on the instrument panel have been positioned higher for better driver visibility, the new steering wheel contains illuminated controls for cruise control, Bluetooth and the audio system and behind the steering wheel, Mack’s Co-Pilot display has been updated with a new full-color screen for improved visibility and more intuitive navigation.

“Every detail on the Anthem was designed with purpose,” says Jonathan Randall, senior vice president, sales, Mack Trucks North America. “We surveyed thousands of drivers and incorporated their feedback to deliver a functional, strong, efficient highway truck with an authentic design unlike anything on the road today.”

In addition to a new hood and grille, Mack engineers redesigned the roof and chassis fairings, mirror covers, and front bumper and air dam to more easily cut through the wind.

“Looking at the new Anthem for the first time, most people are struck by its strong, distinctively Mack design,” says John Walsh, Mack vice president of global marketing and brand management. “But it’s also incredibly aerodynamic.”

Mack also introduced Mack Connect. Mack Connect will serve as the reference for Mack’s growing connectivity and uptime service offers. With Mack Connect, current and future services will be structured under connected support, connected business and connected driving. When service is required, the closest dealer location is identified and service bay space and parts availability is confirmed, all while the truck is still on the road.  

Using predictive analytics and connective technologies, Mack Connect turns data produced by the truck, the driver and the service process into insights and actions, resulting in superior support and service to Mack customers.

The Mack Anthem is available for order now, with full production beginning in Q1 2018.

For more stories from the Volvo Group, please visit www.volvogroup.com/press .

The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs about 95,000 people, has production facilities in 18 countries and sells its products in more than 190 markets. In 2016 the Volvo Group’s sales amounted to about SEK 302 billion (EUR 31,9 billion). The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Göteborg, Sweden. Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. For more information, please visit www.volvogroup.com .  

[staxx]

I like it 👍🏁🇺🇸

[james j neiweem]

IMHO this makes it a little harder to bash Volvo after this introduction. There are a few loose ends to take care of though such as heavy haul and assurance of Mack components and vendor components remaining available.

[41180]

Welcome back ks. 

[mrsmackpaul]

I must confess now that I under stand the stupid mirrors hanging of the bonnet (hood for you yanks) are optional it has improved 
I also if with a little more thought could the same image be displayed to the driver thru a projected image on the windscreen from wide view cameras mounted discreetly
After seeing the internals of the sleeper and cab, the interior now has my vote except maybe for the steering wheel

I also wonder how it would look done up like a dunny truck as call it,  like the older New England trucks I have seen on here with scroll work etc as a lot if not not almost all owner drivers in Australia still seem to scroll work done 
It might look deep dark and mysterious in mat black  but what about some high gloss colours ???? KS got any photo's pf it in a customers custom paint job ??

I must be getting old Im warming up to it already, I wonder if it was like this when the R model was first released to replace the B model ?? 

Paul

[41chevy]

57 minutes ago, mrsmackpaul said:

After seeing the internals of the sleeper and cab, the interior now has my vote except maybe for the steering wheel

 

One of my units has a similar set up on the steering wheel, controlling Cruise functions , Radio and pre set mirror adjustments. Once I got used to having it being in a vehicle without it feels odd

[kscarbel2]

Driving the new Mack Anthem

James Menzies, Truck News  /  September 20, 2017

DULUTH, Ga. – The Black Dog led a convoy of 10 Mack trucks on an 850-mile journey through seven states after the launch of the new Mack Anthem highway tractor in mid-September. After a glitzy launch event in Allentown, Pa., Sept. 13-14, the trucks had to make their way to the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show in Atlanta, Ga., where they’ll make their public debut.

CDL-holding editors were allowed to participate in the convoy, driving a number of Mack Anthems of various configurations, as well as a Granite and Pinnacle sporting the new interiors. This was a unique opportunity, and one that I enjoyed from start to finish. We had a lot of fun along the way, but the real treat was getting some meaningful time behind the wheel of the all-new Mack Anthem.

The Anthem looks like nothing else on the highway, and its bold design commanded a lot of attention along our route. Every time we pulled into a truck stop, the trucks attracted a crowd – especially the Black Dog, an all-black Anthem with decked out interior that was in my mind the star of the show and deserving of the lead position. Drivers climbed around and inside the trucks when we were parked, and during a “truck stop takeover” at the Love’s travel plaza in Raphine, Va., Mack reps handed out free t-shirts and hats. There are undoubtedly more Mack Trucks fans today than when we started our trip.

The high interest in the new-look truck was obvious, among truck drivers and even the motoring public. We turned our share of heads on the highway, and that’s a pretty good feeling when cruising down the road in a rig that truckers and even four-wheelers deem worthy of a thumbs-up. The Anthem seems poised for success because it boasts a throwback design, while also improving fuel economy by up to 3% compared to the Mack Pinnacle with sleeper cab. Who says efficiency and bold traditional styling can’t co-exist?

From the oversized, boxy headlights, to the squared fenders and robust grille, this is a trucker’s truck. And it’s been built around a Mack powertrain that performs beautifully; the mDrive automated transmission and the MP-series engines have been dialed in to work in harmony. The mDrive shifts precisely when needed and the MP8 provides ample power to pull some significant grades at typical gross vehicle weights. The engine brake was quiet, yet effective, able to hold the truck back even down the long, intimidating Fancy Gap grade averaging 4.5% over six miles. I only tapped the brakes twice on the descent and never felt out of control. Here’s something you won’t see: a Mack with mDrive using one of those runaway truck lanes.

I spent most of my time driving two Mack Anthems with 70-inch sleepers, powered by MP8 engines spec’d with 505 hp and 1,860 lb.-ft. of torque. Both had the 12-speed mDrive overdrive automated transmission – a great combination capable of handling most on-highway applications, payloads, and routes you’ll encounter.

Both Anthems I drove were also equipped with Bendix Wingman Fusion, and I spent most of my driving time using the adaptive cruise control. This adjusted the truck’s speed to account for nearby traffic, maintaining a safe following distance but only intervening with engine and foundation brake applications when absolutely necessary. Some of the brake inputs were a little harsh, but it did the job. I was impressed that when the truck was okay to resume its cruise speed, it did so in an controlled, efficient manner, and didn’t charge back up to the set cruise speed with a complete disregard for fuel economy. It was a nice way to drive.

I appreciated the mDrive when we were in stop-and-go traffic due to construction; a tap of the throttle will prompt the truck to putter along at a slow, steady speed.

The 13-liter Mack MP8 was sufficiently powered to pass other trucks on uphill climbs and we were loaded to more than 60,000 lbs. At no time did I feel more power was needed. I did use the kickdown feature a few times for an extra boost of horsepower, which was handy when completing a pass.

Drivers who were drawn to the truck by its new exterior, were equally amazed when they poked their heads inside, and for good reason. The interior has also been completely revamped. The steering wheel has a racecar-inspired flat bottom. This is a unique attribute that’s also functional, as it provides a little extra belly room and makes it easier to climb inside the truck or into the sleeper. I like the look of the flat bottom steering wheel and it didn’t interfere with my preferred hand positions at any time or while backing.

The steering wheel has been kept relatively simple, with minimal buttons placed on it. The cruise control and radio can be adjusted on the steering wheel, but it’s not overwhelming. The gauges have been repositioned and are much more stylish. The rocker switch icons are etched in to prevent fading, and the entire dash lights up beautifully after dark. All interior and exterior lighting is LED, which provides better illumination while drawing less power.

Mack has modernized the instrument cluster while maintaining a truck look and feel. It’s not as car-like as other recently introduced interiors, and I suspect that’ll appeal to many truck drivers. But touch points have been enhanced and the dash and instrument panel are of better quality than those previously found in the Pinnacle.

The new interior has been given to the Mack Granite and Mack Pinnacle axle-forward models as well. The Anthem replaced the Pinnacle axle-back model, and will be its top seller, but the axle-forward Pinnacle will be retained and rechristened, simply, the Pinnacle. Pinnacle and Granite customers will appreciate the new interior, which completely revitalizes those models. I spent one leg of the trip driving the Granite, and the new interior makes this workhorse a nicer truck to drive. I can also attest to the quality of the new sound system – who can resist a little AC/DC while cruising down the open road?

Mack loaded the Anthem interior with storage. They claim to offer an industry-leading 27 cubic feet, and I wouldn’t dispute their calculation based on an exploratory inspection of the sleeper. They put storage bins and compartments everywhere possible.

The redesigned seats are comfortable and easy to position. The door must be closed by the handle, which struck me as odd, but it felt durable. The sightlines are much improved, thanks to a hood that slopes down, and both one- and two-piece windshields are available. The hood-mounted mirrors are perched atop the hood, which makes them look like space alien antennae, but this was done for a reason. They’re aligned with the side mirrors to improve airflow, and they do provide exceptional visibility alongside the truck and trailer.

I spent one leg of the trip sprawled out in the sleeper. It takes little effort to get comfy back there and I suspect the Anthem would make an excellent team truck. The sleeper curtain is now attached by magnet rather than Velcro, so a driver who needs to access the bunk while his or her partner is sleeping can do so quietly without tearing back a Velcro curtain. The new stand-up sleeper provides plenty of head room and the radio and temperature controls are well placed for easy access while lying down. The Anthem can be spec’d with single or double bunks. Numerous sleeper configurations are available.

Day one of our road trip saw us travel from Allentown, Pa., to Greensboro, N.C. It took about 12.5 hours with stops and gave me a real appreciation for what professional drivers do on a daily basis. Next morning, we were right back at it for the 300-mile run down to Nextran Truck Centers in Duluth, Ga., where the trucks would be put on display for a few days, staged, and then transported to the NACV show in downtown Atlanta. It was exhilarating to pull into the Nextran parking lot, all 10 trucks in formation, air horns blasting, as dealer reps shot video and took photos.

The new Mack Anthem is a sharp looking truck, loaded with storage, with a more modern, higher-end interior. The powertrain is dialed in and a pleasure to operate. The truck’s also efficient. What could make it better? Maybe a Canadian edition with our flag displayed on the Anthem badge, and a Maple Leaf tastefully stitched somewhere inside the cab. After all, national pride isn’t just an American thing; a Canadian Anthem would be a beautiful thing.

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[kscarbel2]

Volvo canceled the original YouTube "live reveal" video and re-edited it (Note the now blank video in my 4th post). Here is the new one.

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[BillyT]

Ksb, I have no knowledge of its mechanicals, but the plastic hood mounted spot mirrors are an atrocity!😁

[mrsmackpaul]

I wonder if they will have a RHD version of the stand up cab ???
I think that with the Trident bonnet would be a good seller out here but would need the shorter bunk for B double work maybe 

[james j neiweem]

I guess the mid roof sleeper is dropped on the Anthem. Will it continue on the CHU?

[Brian71583]

Somewhere I had read that other sleeper options will be introduced later.  For now its 48" and 70"

[kscarbel2]

The Mack brand “Anthem” was designed by Renault Trucks’ Design Director Hervé Bertrand, who designed the Renault Range T.

.

[james j neiweem]

Herve : Good job on the Mack Anthem. Not so much on the Renault IMHO. Does look slippery though.

[Frenchy Mack]

Very ugly trucks but very smooth to drive

[kscarbel2]

Scenes and notes: Out on the road with Mack's new top dog

Aaron Marsh, Fleet Owner  /  September 28, 2017

Mack Trucks showed off its new Anthem tractor at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show this week in Atlanta. But those trucks had to get there somehow, didn't they.

Fleet Owner joined in that expedition; join us for another look. Out on the road with the 10-truck convoy bringing Anthems and a few other trucks to display, there was more to notice about Mack's latest highway hauler. One thing is that taking some time to get to know the truck's controls — and those of the systems on it — will make you glad you did or frustrated you didn't.

We'll also say the truck's appearance works as designed: it gets looks, and from more than just the trucking crowd. Out in the Anthem, we got thumbs-ups and plenty of interest from people driving by, sometimes with a passenger leaning out the window with a phone to take a photo of the brawny-looking Macks.

Other truck drivers in Macks, of course, also showed their camaraderie. More than a few air horns sounded as older Macks crossed paths with the Anthem on the highway. Check out some photos and notes from hundreds of miles on the road from Allentown, PA to Atlanta.

Photo gallery - http://fleetowner.com/trucks/scenes-and-notes-out-road-macks-new-top-dog#slide-0-field_images-227491

[fxfymn]

Are they out there yet? I thought I saw one on I-95 in CT yesterday, but with traffic I couldn't tell for sure.

I did see a few of the new Cascadias on the road. They sure look like a Hino product with the three grill bars.

[bbigrig]

1 hour ago, fxfymn said:

Are they out there yet? I thought I saw one on I-95 in CT yesterday, but with traffic I couldn't tell for sure.

I did see a few of the new Cascadias on the road. They sure look like a Hino product with the three grill bars.

Production of the Anthem for customers doesn't start till the 3rd week of January from what I've been told.

[macks in nigeria]

This truck will eventually win a lot of people over.