New Engines Drive Mack Into the Future

Ginter reports that one of the biggest differences customers will notice is the driving position. "The seat back position was determined by having customers sit in it and adjust it to what they felt was the proper angle. Then we designed the cab around that," he explains. As a result, the seat can recline more than 20°. "We've also provided a full wrap-around, cockpit-style dash with a very truck-like appearance that includes space for up to 25 switches — all within arm's length."

Centrally located in the trucks' instrument cluster is a driver information display offered in two versions — standard and the interactive CoPilot. Customers who opt for CoPilot can access a variety of information in Mack's new Vehicle Management and Control System (V-MAC IV). It offers hundreds of programmable features, from setting the engine fan drive override to sophisticated PTO controls.

The steering column can be placed in virtually any position, and the accelerator and brake pedals are suspended above the cab floor and mounted in line to save driver energy when braking and accelerating. An air-assisted clutch pedal minimizes driver fatigue by reducing pedal effort and travel by 2 in.

In addition to the split windshield, customers now have the option of a one-piece windshield for enhanced visibility. Three interior trim levels are available —Purebred, Pedigreed and Champion.

Mack has also moved the exhaust mounting on the new models from the back of the cab to the frame, in part to accept future emissions reduction technology.

With the Granite MP trucks, Mack hopes to further increase its leadership position in the construction sector.