Caterpillar’s
new Class 8 vocational truck is rugged and designed for customization, low cost
of ownership and driver comfort, and will be at Cat dealers by this summer,
company executives said at its unveiling on Sunday at Caesar’s Palace.
The CT660 that
emerged from the ceremonial smoke was painted viper red to emphasize that it
can be painted in many other colors than machinery yellow.
The CT (for Cat
Truck) series will eventually encompass several models, but starts with the
CT660, with a setback steer axle and a choice of 11- and 13-liter diesels, with
a 15-liter engine coming later, said Gary Blood, product manager. Automatic,
automated and manual transmissions will be available; the automatic is Cat’s
own CX31 six-speed, based on transmissions used in off-road machinery.
CTs will be sold
and serviced only by Cat dealers. They are preparing to support the new trucks
by stocking parts and tools and backing up with sales people and technicians.
It will be premium priced, like Cat machinery, but customers will see the value
that it brings, dealer reps said.
The CT is based
on Navistar International’s PayStar severe-service model, will use Navistar diesels
and will be built at that company’s factory in Garland, Texas. However, Cat
specialists went to great pains to differentiate their new model.
CT660 has unique
and assertive nose styling, and the cab has its own instruments, dashboard and
interior panels. The aluminum cab structure is stronger with details like
redundant window regulators – two per window instead of one – to ensure
ruggedness and durability.
The
CT660 will initially be available as a 6x4, with 6x6 and 8x6 axle
configurations coming. In early 2013 a CT680 model with a forward-set steer
axle will be added, and a cabover is being discussed. Production begins in May
and CTs will begin arriving at Cat dealers in June.
