Mack Trucks unveils the first ever Mack Pioneer long-haul semi truck. They claim it’s the best new semi out there. Let’s take a look at the details, specs, and the technologies it offers. We have a complete Mack Pioneer first drive video coming up very soon. Please stay tuned to our channel for this.
Mack Trucks celebrates 125 years this year. It has been an U.S.A.-made truck and bus company all these years. It’s now a brother brand to the Volvo Commercial truck company. Volvo Group owns the Mack trucks company. The new Pioneer long-haul truck has a lot in common with the new Volvo VNL semi truck, but this Pioneer stands out in several areas of design and durability requirements.
The all-new Pioneer truck is powered by a lineup of MP13 (13-liter) turbo-diesel engines. The power ranges between 415 – 515 horsepower and the torque output is between 1,550 – 1,950 lb-ft. The engines are backed up by a selection of improved 12, 13, or 14-speed mDrive automated manual transmissions. Mack says that the new Pioneer can be upwards of 11% more fuel efficient than the current Mack Anthem trucks. This efficiency is achieved by combining many elements: aerodynamics, engine efficiencies, transmission efficiencies, selection of rear axle ratios, electronics (including the 24-volt chassis & powertrain circuits), and much more.
I got to check out the largest sleeper cab version of the Pioneer. It’s referred to as the 76-inch High Roof Sleeper. It’s one of the largest semi truck cabs I have been in. You can stand up right near the driver’s seat area, and you have a large sleeper cab section with HVAC vents, speakers, lights, beds, and provisions for a refrigerator, microwave, and more. It’s a very comfortable home away from home.
The new Pioneer has a selection of cab configurations, suspension designs, and axle manufacturers. You can configure this truck a regional hauler in a 4×2 configuration. You can also have it as a 6×2 or 6×4 drive configuration.
The new Command Steer system can vary the effort the driver needs to steer. The driver assistance system can help the alert the driver of nearby pedestrians or other vehicles. It can also provide corrective steering to keep the truck in its lane. Mack did not provide any further details about the future of semi-autonomous or autonomous semi truck driving technologies. The driver and the co-pilot are still at the core of the new Pioneer truck design. Every element of the design aims to make the driver’s jobs less stressful and less fatiguing.
What about the Mack Anthem semi truck lineup? Is it going away? The answer is – no. Mack Trucks says that the next-generation of Anthem trucks is coming and it will be unveiled at a later date.
What about an electric or electrified versions of the new Mack Pioneer trucks? These version are coming and will be unveiled at a later date.
Check out the new Mack Pioneer online configurator. Production of the new truck lineup will start with the next couple of months (according to the company). You can make a reservation or an order for these trucks starting now.
To learn much more about the Mack truck history and to see a classic Mack Super-Liner Magnum truck in action, please watch the TFL Talkin’ Trucks podcast video below.
