[IMAGE]MET1daimler-opening-2.jpg[/IMAGE]Daimler Buses North America is set to unveil its new Setra model — the Setra ComfortClass S 407 — a new touring coach concept vehicle. Differing from the TopClass S 417, which was developed from the current generation of European Setra touring coaches to meet the requirements of the U.S. market, the new ComfortClass S 407 is a classic touring coach in accordance with North American design standards, representing an economical alternative for coach companies.

"The TopClass S 417 has been extremely successful in gaining market share in the luxury segment," says Patrick Scully, chief commercial officer for Daimler Buses North America. "Our new ComfortClass S 407 is built to deliver results to the operator's bottom line, which is extremely important in the current market."

Sneak Peek

Although the vehicle will make its debut at the United Motorcoach Association's EXPO in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 19 to 23, 2011, Daimler gave a sneak peek of the S 407 to a few lucky journalists last November at its facilities in Neu-Ulm, Germany.

Standing 79-inches high and 102-inches wide, the new 45-foot S 407 is identical in many ways to the S 417, including sharing the same classic "Setra Face," windows, steering system, doors, turn signal lamps, and nameplates and lettering; however it was designed to meet North American customer requirements, following a long and intensive customer survey process.

"The key message is that it is a tailor-made product based on the European market specifically for the U.S. market," says Lothar Holder, executive managing director, worldwide sales, for Setra Buses & Coaches.

Right at the beginning of the production process, Daimler's cataphoretic dip priming process provides for uniform coating of the metal surfaces and the cavities throughout the framework to guarantee optimum surface quality and protection against corrosion. The body frame also meets ECE R66 regulations, while the self-supporting space frame features a favorable weight-to-stability ratio.

Some of the differences to the TopClass exist because of its North American-specific design, such as the standard American mirror system, including lower-mounted exterior rear view mirrors, and energy absorbing safety bumpers (EASB) at the front and rear, which adds an extra foot to the vehicle.

The American-made bumper at the rear of the vehicle is sloped to prevent riders from standing and fixed to the frame-work body, while the front bumper can be folded down to allow access to the stowage compartment for the spare wheel. A solid framework structure in the front area and the EASB, which is designed to withstand an impact of 5 mph without incurring any damage, ensures full compliance with U.S. and American Public Transportation Association guidelines. The rear bumper, fitted underneath the LED rear light system developed especially for the ComfortClass S 407, also fulfils the relevant ­requirements.

Also at the rear of the vehicle is a solid rear wall with a closed window and a top-to-bottom LED lighting configuration consisting of a turn signal (yellow), stop/tail light (red), reverse light (white) and reflector (red). Rear-axle variants are also available to fit a customer's specific needs. 

Meanwhile, LED docking lights on either side of the vehicle, as well as better lighting in front of the flaps and luggage doors and auxiliary lighting for maneuvering at low speed, provide for good all-round illumination of the bus and an impressive combination of high output and a long service life.

2010 compliance

Of course, an important aspect of any new vehicle these days is complying with EPA 2010 emissions standards for nitrogen oxides and soot particles. With the unveiling of the revamped S 417 at last year's UMA Expo, Daimler Buses became the first manufacturer in the industry to introduce an EPA 2010-compliant coach to the market, and it used that know-how to ensure the Comfort-Class S 407 meets the necessary performance qualities.

"Our powertrain leadership and being first to the market results from Setra leveraging the experience and resources of our worldwide engineering team," says Scully. 

The new coach's reworked engine compartment is equipped with a Mercedes-Benz (MB) OM 471 engine with a power output of 410 hp and maximum torque of 1,450 lbft. It is paired with an Allison WTB 500R automatic transmission, standard. The S 407 is also optionally available with an MB OM 471 rated at 450hp and offering maximum torque of 1,550 lbft. This more powerful engine is paired with a either a 12-speed ZF-AS Tronic transmission or the Allison WTB 500R.

In conjunction with the environmentally friendly EPA 10 engine, an additional tank for the diesel exhaust fluid mixture (DEF) has been integrated in the existing tank compartment for the purposes of emission control (15 gallons). The tank capacity for the S 407 is 180 gallons.

Another notable difference from past Daimler bus models is that the wheelchair lift has moved from the back of the vehicle to the middle right-hand side, to make room for engine changes made to ensure EPA 2010 compliance. The vehicle is also optionally available with a cassette wheelchair lift.

"This vehicle offers a new concept and new ideas for the North American market," says Walter Schauz, head of product projects, EvoBus GmbH.

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[IMAGE]MET1daimler-interior-2.jpg[/IMAGE]A look inside

With a seven-foot interior standing height inside, the S 407 has many of the same features as the S 417 to provide passengers with the same smooth and comfortable ride.

Ceiling lamps of the new touring coach, which are in "tried and tested LED design" (apart from the main lighting), provide for a pleasant light setting, while special night lighting features a subtle green color. The service sets above the individual passenger seats also incorporates LED reading lamps as well as individual climate control and a stop-request button. The roof hatch can be opened manually, with a simple control that facilitates the mandatory safety check prior to setting off.

The integrated HVAC system in the ComfortClass S 407 has a standard European cooling capacity of 39 kW and, essentially, incorporates the same components as the ventilation and heating system in the TopClass S 417. The use of identical components such as filters and blowers guarantees operators substantial cost benefits with regard to servicing and maintenance, according to Daimler.

"Efficiency is a key component of the ComfortClass S 407," adds Scully. "We limited new components to the S 407 to help operators save money when operating Setra as a complete fleet."

The ComfortClass S 407 seats 56 passengers, using Setra's latest generation — "Route" — seating, which meets the European ECE Directive. First presented in 2010, these passenger seats combine superior travel comfort with low weight and exemplary functionality, according to Daimler officials.  The Route seat is available with either a three-point or two-point safety belt system.

Another seat option available for the North American market to meet FMVSS directives 208, 209 and 210 is IMMI's Premier seat with three-point lap-shoulder belts and the company's exclusive "Smart-Frame" technology, which offers full compartmentalization protection in frontal crashes, even for unbelted passengers.

Meanwhile for the drivers, the cockpit has been adopted from the modular system for the European Setra models and is fitted with a clearly laid out and ergonomic control console and a new color display.

The dashboard comes in two different designs, according to the installed type of transmission. The right-hand side of the cockpit comes in three variants - with a simple screen and a cabinet for one or two refuse containers. The left-hand side, in which the parking brake is also integrated, includes space for an additional stowage compartment.

The new vehicle will enter the business segment in the middle of the year, with series production beginning in Neu-Ulm, Germany, in April 2011.

"We are excited to launch the S 407 at the UMA Expo," says Bryan C. Allen, marketing and communications manager for Daimler Buses North America. "This world-premier event is the first of many other exciting launch events Setra has scheduled throughout 2011."