Freightliner debuted its X-Ride suspension and S2C chassis at BusCon
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) unveiled its new 23,000-pound X-Ride commercial bus suspension at September’s BusCon in Chicago. FCCC manufactures premium chassis for the motorhome, delivery walk-in van, and school bus and shuttle bus markets. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.
Offering commercial bus builders an unparalleled combination of technology, functionality and performance, the new X-Ride suspension will be available on FCCC’s XB Series chassis, a rear-engine, straight rail diesel chassis. FCCC says X-Ride offers coach builders a new, unique combination of two superior design elements – a four-point link and four-bag suspension. Together, these design elements make the X-Ride commercial bus suspension an innovative new option for coach builders.
“By combining these two superior design elements, the X-Ride will offer the commercial bus industry a wealth of significant and exciting new features, benefits and competitive advantages,” said JP Davis, FCCC product manager for commercial bus, in a statement. “From improved ride comfort to increased safety to lower maintenance costs, the X-Ride offers notable improvements and innovation across the board.”
The X-Ride’s four-point link offers commercial bus builders ample axle control in even extreme driving conditions, increased ground clearance and a decrease in system weight. FCCC says the four-bag suspension also contributes to the X-Ride’s significant reduction in system weight, lessens suspension noise, offers a more stable ride and lowers maintenance costs.
In addition, the X-Ride utilizes fewer individual components, which streamlines and simplifies maintenance and lowers maintenance cost over the life of the suspension and chassis.
FCCC OEM partner ElDorado is developed its 2014 model, the Arrivo, on the XBS and its X-Ride suspension. ElDorado displayed the new coach at BusCon.
“FCCC is well known in the industry as the expert in designing and developing custom, application-specific chassis that get the job done,” said Davis. “That’s what we mean when we say ‘Driven by you.’”
The S2C chassis
The new S2C chassis showcased by FCCC at this year’s BusCon, powered by a Cummins ISB 6.7 engine with 660 ft-lbs. of torque, will offer 300hp – the first S2C model to reach that horsepower mark. Combined with the S2C’s innovative design emphasizing easy engine access, high driver visibility and outstanding operational efficiency, FCCC says the new S2C strengthens its position as the superior choice for a variety of bus applications, including public transportation, resort/hotel shuttles, day-tour operators and businesses with highly specialized transport needs.
“We are very excited about reaching this important milestone with the S2C and, as a result, increasing its already impressive power and performance,” said Davis. “The efficiency of the S2C has always set it apart from the crowd; this increase in power and performance will help it stand out even more for our build partners.”
The new Cummins ISB pushes the S2C’s horsepower to 300 for the first time and is the newest addition to a list of features focused on making the chassis as efficient and versatile as possible. In addition to being the first bus cab chassis designed specifically for cutaway bus bodies, some more of the S2C’s most important standard features include:
• 20-percent larger windshield, offering increased driver visibility of up to 50 percent
• 60- or 100-gallon fuel tanks, which reduce fuel stops
• 55-degree wheel cut for improved maneuverability
• Low-effort, easy-tilt hood for easy engine access
• Pin-slide disc brakes for reduced maintenance
• Optional full air disc brakes with 22.5-inch wheels
• Ergonomically designed dash for optimized driver experience
• Between-the-rail fuel tank for more opportunity for skirt-located features
In addition, the S2C can be equipped with optional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) wiring, which offers body builders interface connections. The chassis’ exhaust clearance can be configured to allow for an in-step wheelchair lift, giving builders more customization options.
“By increasing the S2C’s power and performance with this new ISB engine, the S2C solidifies its reputation as the chassis offering coach builders the most attractive and comprehensive suite of features and benefits,” said Davis. “When it comes to making the most of its time on the road, nothing compares to the S2C, which is why we are so excited about this latest model, as are our OEM partners.”
