Freightliner debuts 2 products at BusCon

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) unveiled two new products at BusCon this week in Chicago — the 23,000-lb X-Ride commercial bus suspension and the newest version of the S2C commercial bus chassis.

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. The X-Ride offers coach builders a new, unique combination of two superior design elements — a four-point link and four-bag suspension.

The X-Ride’s 4-point link offers commercial bus builders ample axle control in even extreme driving conditions, increased ground clearance and a decrease in system weight. The 4-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 developing 2014 model, the Arrivo, on the XBS and its X-Ride suspension; Eldorado also displayed the new coach at BusCon.

Meanwhile, 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, offers 300hp — the first S2C model to reach that horsepower mark.

The S2C’s innovative design emphasizing easy engine access, high driver visibility and outstanding operational efficiency, the new chassis is ideal for a variety of bus applications, including public transportation, resort/hotel shuttles, day-tour operators and businesses with highly specialized transport needs.

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:

• Twenty percent larger windshield, offering increased driver visibility of up to 50%.

• Sixty- or 100-gallon fuel tanks, which reduce fuel stops.

• Fifty-five-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 wiring, which offers body builders interface connections, and the chassis’ exhaust clearance can be configured to allow for an in-step wheelchair lift, giving builders more customization options.