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"It's a very exciting time for Sterling. We are releasing a new model and updating our other models, changing our image and letting the transport industry know we are here for the long run." With those words, Sterling's Senior Executive, Frank LaSerra is letting the industry know that he and his team really do mean business.
'We began operations in 1999 with a range of proven trucks, a dedicated team and a highly experienced dealer network," LaSerra said. "In just over 12 months we have consolidated our position and now offer an expanded range of quality- built heavy trucks to cater for most areas of the demanding Australian transport market."
Bold And Beautiful
The four-model range of Sterling Trucks now sports a dramatic new look beginning with the brightly chromed new grille on the stunning SilverStar flagship, new styling and new features.
Each model now has clear Sterling identification together with aggressive and powerful grilles and front-end appearance.
Heading the line-up is the flagship SilverStar, a long-bonneted, 122" BBC, line haul truck with a capacity, in road train guise, of up to 130 tonnes. Powered by the 435hp Cat 0-15 engine, with the 0-16 600hp optional, the SilverStar has such standard features as the unique AirLiner suspension, ABS braking system, brilliant new cab interiors with leather-wrapped steering wheel and the heavily chromed 'Sterling look of authority' up front.
The AT9500 shares many similarities and standard features with the SilverStar but has a medium length bonnet, shorter Bumper to Back of Cab (113" BBC) length and has the versatility to handle maximum trailer lengths when overall length is a constraint. Introduced into this model are the same powerful Caterpillar 0-15 and 0-16 engines as are available in the SilverStar. The 113" BBC makes it perfect for B-Double work as well as single semi and dog trailer work.
The LT9500 comes with the Caterpillar C-12, 395hp or 430hp engines. Detroit S60 or Cummins ISM engines are also available. It's the ideal performer when extra high horsepower isn't required but lighter weight is essential.
Featuring Sterling's superb-riding AirLiner Extra Duty 40K suspension, 'Prestige' cloth trim, distinctive new front end treatment and a range of lightweight options, the LT9500 fits the bill for fuel haulage, single trailer operators and tipper applications.
Rounding out the new range is the LT7500, set to continue its dominant presence in the construction and short-haul markets. With a very short 101" BBC, the LT7500 has a short sloping hood and is designed for use in tight, crowded streets and those 'hard-to-get-to' sites, in fact, anywhere that manoeuvrability is a must and excellent all-round vision is essential.
The LT7500, with its large range of new features, is sure to continue to be the preferred conventional cab unit for construction work, concrete mixer applications and waste disposal.
"The new Sterling range has a real 'in-your-face', powerful stance," Frank LaSerra said. "You certainly won't mistake them for anything else but a Sterling on the roads and highways. Not only do we have a bold and impressive new range but we have the ideal mix of experience and enthusiasm in our organisation and Dealer network to provide expert advice and service."
New Sterling Heavy Duty Truck Range
Silverstar
The flagship of the range, the SilverStar features the dramatic new look of Sterling up front with new chromed grille, re-designed bonnet and guards and exciting new cab interior. Other exterior features are a body-colour bumper with bright polished inserts, chrome finish door handles, 8" bright finish exterior spotter mirrors, polished alloy road wheels and a 'SilverStar' logo on each door.
To compliment the superb ride of the all-new AirLiner 40K (AirLiner 46K optional) rear suspension and the long taper leaf or multileaf front suspension, Sterling has added new trim colours and materials plus a two-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel and extension sun visor. The 'Prestige' cloth trim is in the new Pewter colour and looks great on the National 2000 High-Back or optional Bostrum Talladega 915 seats that feature arm rests for both driver and passenger.
The long bonnet, 122" BBC SilverStar provides improved ride for greater driver comfort, wind-cheating aerodynamics for better economy and lower wind noise plus even better engine accessibility and serviceability.
The standard Caterpillar C-15 , long-life, fuel-efficient engine puts out 435hp and delivers an excellent 1 650lb/ft of torque and is also available in 550hp — I 850lb/ft torque ratings. The optional 0-16 has up to 600hp and 2050lb/ft of torque. Also optional is the Detroit Series 60,12.7-litre engine with up to 500hp and 1 650lb/ft of torque and the well-proven Cummins Ni 4 by special request.
Drive is through a choice of 13 or 18-speed Eaton transmissions.
The rear suspension is either the superb new AirLiner air suspension or from a range of Hendrickson or Neway air suspension systems. The new Airliner set up provides superior ride comfort and is of an ingenious, low-maintenance design that also saves weight. Front and rear axles are from Mentor's heavy duty range.
Behind the long bonnet and bold chrome grille with its stand-out 'Sterling' nameplate, is the spacious cab that now features soft but hard-wearing 'Prestige' cloth trim in new colours. Seats are premium National 2000 Series High-Back or Bostrum Talladega 915 High-Back (driver seat only) units. Dual Hadley air horns are standard.
Brakes are now standard ABS for greater safety and control.
AT9500
Similar in exterior appearance to the SilverStar, the AT9500 has a shorter, medium-length bonnet, (113" BBC) but with slightly less chromework. It retains the same drive train options as the SilverStar and uses the new Sterling AirLiner rear suspension and Mentor heavy-duty front and rear axles.
The cab interior is also similar to the SilverStar with the new Pewter 'Prestige' upholstery, dual Hadley air horns and 8" bright spotter mirrors.
LT9500
The main exterior feature of the new LT9500 is the introduction of a new chrome grille similar to the AT9500 fitted with a chrome swept back steel bumper. An aluminium bumper is available as an option.
The LT9500 has a standard Caterpillar C-12 engine with options that include Detroit's S60, 12.7-litre and Cummins ISM up to a maximum of 430hp and 1650lb/ft of torque. Drive is through a range of 10,13,15 and 18-speed transmissions from Eaton with steer and drive axles from Mentor.
Rear suspensions start with the new Sterling AirLiner air suspension or an air suspension from the Hendrickson range. Now also available is the new Sterling TufTrac 6-rod suspension for on/off highway applications.
Many new options are now available, including a dual exhaust outlet, aluminium clutch housing, centrif use front and rear brake drums, front tow hooks and 54" taper leaf, front suspension with stabiliser bar.
LT7500
The exterior of the new LT7500 is similar to the model it replaces with the exception of the new 'Sterling' nameplate across the front. The short sloping
bonnet provides excellent forward visibility in keeping with the LT7500's ability to go into tight spaces where manoeuvrability is restricted.
The LT7500 uses the class-leading Cummins ISC engine with manual transmissions from Eaton and automatic transmissions from Allison also available. Standard suspension is now the Sterling TufTrac 6-rod with drive axles from Mentor.
The interior trim is the new Custom Sahara with the 'Prestige' Pewter trim available as an option. The seats are the new Mid-back National 2000 units.
New options introduced include the 54" taper leaf front suspension for on highway application, centrif use brake drums front and rear, the new Sterling AirLiner 40K rear suspension, ABS braking, front tow hooks and dual 265 litre cylindrical aluminium fuel tanks.
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