Penrite Racing has added a new Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin to its transport fleet, putting the latest generation of the heavy-duty truck to work hauling the Supercars team around Australia.
Supplied by team sponsor Velocity Truck Centres, the new transporter is a top-spec Actros 2663 fitted with the tall GigaSpace cab and powered by a 630hp 16-litre six-cylinder engine paired with a 12-speed automated manual transmission.
For a motorsport operation that spends much of the year travelling long distances between events, driver comfort, fuel efficiency and safety technology are important considerations — and the new truck has been specified accordingly.
Driver assistance added to the specification
Among the options selected by Penrite Racing is Mercedes-Benz Active Drive Assist, a partially automated driving assistance system.
Using an electric motor within the steering system, Active Drive Assist can help keep the truck centred in its lane rather than only intervening when the vehicle begins to drift. The driver remains responsible for the vehicle and is required to keep their hands on the steering wheel.
For fleet operators, the technology demonstrates how driver assistance systems traditionally associated with passenger vehicles are continuing to become more sophisticated in the heavy truck market.
The truck also features Predictive Powertrain Control, which combines GPS information with topographic map data to anticipate changes in terrain.
The system can then adjust transmission shift strategies or allow the truck to coast when appropriate, with the aim of improving fuel economy across long-distance operations.
New ProCabin targets aerodynamics
The latest Actros also introduces Mercedes-Benz’s new ProCabin design.
Mercedes-Benz extended the front of the cab by 80mm and adopted a more rounded profile to reduce aerodynamic drag. Gaps and joints have also been minimised, with airflow directed either around the cab or into the cooling system.
The changes are particularly relevant to long-distance heavy vehicle operators, where incremental improvements in aerodynamic efficiency can contribute to lower fuel consumption across high annual kilometre applications.
For Penrite Racing, the GigaSpace specification also provides additional space for the driver during the team’s extensive interstate travel schedule.
Truck driver Rob Davis praised the new model after its first journey to Perth.
“This is just a fantastic truck to drive,” Davis said.
“The last Actros was quiet, but this is even quieter again. It is just so comfortable, and there is a lot of space with the GigaSpace.”
Motorsport presentation meets working truck
While the new Actros has a serious transport job to perform, Penrite Racing has also given the truck a distinctive appearance to complement the race team.
It features a factory-approved black powder-coated DuraBar bullbar, a light bar carrying four LED lights, stainless-steel deck plates and tank sills.
Additional LED lighting has been installed underneath the vehicle and around the grille, with the lighting colour able to be changed from inside the cab.
The result combines the presentation expected from a front-line Supercars transporter with the technology, comfort and efficiency features required from a truck that will spend significant time travelling between race meetings.
For heavy vehicle fleets, the Penrite Racing transporter also provides a high-profile example of the latest generation of driver assistance, powertrain management and aerodynamic technology now available in the Australian heavy-duty truck market.
