Freightliner adds Digital Dash to 2027 Cascadia enhancements
Freightliner recently expanded its 2027 suite of enhancements for the Fifth Generation Cascadia with the availability of the Digital Dash with gateway to the Platform Science Virtual Vehicle. The Digital Dash builds on previously announced 2027 enhancements, including expanded standard safety features for Detroit Assurance with Active Brake Assist 6 and the Gen 6 Detroit engines.
As part of the comprehensive suite of enhancements focused on safety, efficiency and profitability, the Cascadia offers a new Digital Dash with gateway to Virtual Vehicle, Platform Science’s connected-vehicle platform that enables fleets to access vehicle data and drivers to access to connected applications directly from a factory-installed display. The Digital Dash features a12‑in. B-panel display designed to improve readability and ease of use, complemented by a digital instrument cluster in the A-panel. An upgraded processor delivers a more responsive user experience to touch inputs, providing access to gauges, applications, camera views, navigation, and in‑cab controls.
“Equipment investments have to deliver clear operational and economic value for fleets,” Greg Treinen, vice president of on-highway market development at Freightliner parent Daimler Truck North America, said in a news release. “For 2027, the Freightliner Cascadia reflects a more integrated approach to vehicle technology, bringing digital systems together with safety and powertrain advancements designed to support long-term operating efficiency.”
Digital Dash with gateway to Virtual Vehicle
For Cascadias built in 2027, Digital Dash can be spec’d with Virtual Vehicle by Platform Science, which integrates directly with the trucks connected telematics platform and in-dash display to connect drivers, vehicles, devices, and the fleet on a single open platform, DTNA reported. Through its marketplace, Virtual Vehicle enables fleets to deploy and manage a curated catalog of solutions, including telematics services and applications for navigation, workflow and compliance tools, messaging, and other connected apps. Fleets can configure those applications on an app-by-app and driver-by-driver basis to align with operational needs. With the Digital Dash, Virtual Vehicle applications are accessed directly through the B-panel display, eliminating the need to mount or manage separate aftermarket tablets or other devices, while still accommodating companion devices when needed.
Driver efficiency and in-cab operations
The Digital Dash is designed to reduce in‑cab complexity and streamline how drivers access vehicle information and controls. Voice commands allow drivers to control navigation, place calls, adjust media, and access key vehicle information while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. And pre‑wired and factory-installed camera displays can be viewed on the Digital Dash, helping to improve visibility when backing, coupling trailers, or monitoring blind spots around the vehicle. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow compatible devices to connect wirelessly, providing access to familiar apps and functions through the in-dash display.
Additional 2027 Cascadia enhancements
In addition to the Digital Dash, Freightliner recently announced updates to active safety and powertrain systems for the Fifth Generation Cascadia.
Detroit Assurance with Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA6) adds two new active safety features as standard. Cross Traffic Assist helps mitigate intersection accidents, while Active Side Guard Assist 2 monitors oncoming traffic during signaled left-hand turns, issuing visual and audio alerts before applying braking when necessary. Optional enhancements, including Active Lane Assist 2, are also available.
Also new for 2027 are the Detroit Gen 6 heavy‑duty engines. Designed to meet new emissions standards, the updated Detroit DD13 and DD15 engines build on the prior generation’s durability and reliability while maintaining familiar performance characteristics for fleets and incorporating updates to fuel and aftertreatment systems.