Mack enters production of all-new Anthem
Dry bulk haulers and other weight-conscious operators are among the fleets Mack Trucks is targeting for its all-new Mack Anthem, which now is in production at the Lehigh Valley Operations plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania.
Mack, which invested $405 million within the past decade to prepare for production of the Anthem and other Class 8 vehicles in its portfolio, redesigned the Anthem for regional-haul applications requiring maneuverability in tight spaces and urban environments. The truck also boasts improved fuel efficiency and “industry-leading” driver comfort, the manufacturer reports.
“The all-new Anthem represents more than a decade of engineering innovation, delivering practical solutions that address the real challenges facing today’s regional-haul operations,” Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks North America president, said in a news release. “From rising operational costs to driver recruitment challenges, we designed the Anthem from the ground up to help our customers succeed.”
Enhanced maneuverability
A key differentiator of the new Anthem is its enhanced maneuverability, achieved through a shorter bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) length of 113.5 in. This shorter BBC makes the Anthem ideal for navigating the situations commonly encountered in regional-haul operations.
The redesigned hood improves forward visibility, allowing drivers to see approximately 12% closer to the front bumper compared with previous designs. The shorter BBC also reduces weight, allowing for additional payload, an advantage for weight-conscious customers, Mack said.
Improved fuel efficiency
The new Anthem delivers up to 10% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the previous model, which can translate to approximately $5,000 in annual fuel savings per truck. This improvement comes from both powertrain enhancements and aerodynamic innovations.
At the heart of the Anthem’s new powertrain is the MP13 engine, which delivers up to 515 horsepower and 1,950 lb.-ft. of torque. The redesigned wave piston and combustion system contribute approximately 3% of the fuel economy improvement, while the remaining 7% comes from aerodynamic enhancements including the wedge-shaped cab design.
The upgraded mDRIVE automated manual transmission, available in 12-, 13- and 14-speed configurations, complements the MP13 engine with 30% faster shift speeds. The 13-speed Dynamic Overdrive features an innovative shifting system that toggles between Economy+, Economy, and Performance modes based on driving conditions.
Driver comfort and design
The Anthem is available in day cab, 44-in. sleeper and 64-in. sleeper configurations, featuring a completely redesigned cab interior that offers exceptional comfort. The cab is 9 in. wider than the previous model and features new wide-base seats with optional ventilation, heating, and massage functions. Stand-up sleeper options provide enough headroom for drivers to stand upright, while premium quality mattresses and blackout curtains enable improved rest.
The redesigned suspension delivers a smoother ride, providing a driving experience that feels more like a car than a traditional truck—an attractive feature for new drivers.
Advanced safety features
The Anthem features Mack Protect, Mack’s proprietary advanced driver assistance system. Standard Mack Protect includes forward collision warning on every truck, while Mack Protect Pro adds blind spot warning on both driver and passenger sides and side curtain airbags. Mack Protect Premier adds lane keep assist for enhanced safety.
The truck also features a standard front airbag and an optional Integrated Curtain Airbag (ICA) system mounted in the overhead compartment above the driver’s left shoulder, which deploys in rollover events to protect the driver from impact with side glass. An optional digital mirror system eliminates traditional blind spots while reducing aerodynamic drag.
Uptime and connectivity
The new Anthem joins the all-new Mack Pioneer as the most connected Mack ever, featuring the company’s Integrated Uptime bundle, which is complimentary for five years. This includes Mack Connect, the single source for performance data, location tracking, operational analytics and diagnostic insights; over-the-air programming for software updates without service appointments; and GuardDog Connect, which automatically sends service-related data to dealers to significantly reduce repair time.
The MyMack driver app allows drivers to check fluid levels, set the parking cooler, monitor tire pressures and perform pre-trip inspections from their phones.
“Starting production on the all-new Anthem marks a significant milestone for Mack and for the regional-haul segment,” Randall said. “This truck delivers improvements in every area that matters to our customers’ businesses: fuel efficiency, maneuverability, driver comfort, safety, connectivity, and uptime.
“The Anthem truly is the new standard in regional haul.”