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A Mack Pioneer glistens in the sun as the Brooklyn Bridge serves as a backdrop. (Michael Freeze/Transport Topics)

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Mack Trucks unveiled its newest Class 8 model, the Mack Pioneer, which officials touted as its most aerodynamic and driver-focused highway truck to date.

Against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge, Mack’s new vehicle was unveiled in front of media and special guests during its premiere event April 8.

“The Mack Pioneer represents our commitment to innovation and excellence in the highway segment,” Mack Trucks North America President Jonathan Randall said. “This truck tells the Mack story — it’s bold, iconic, strong and timeless, embodying our DNA and character while taking our customers into the future with advanced design that prioritizes both driver experience and operational efficiency.”

The Pioneer joins the Anthem, which made its debut in September 2017, in Mack's Class 8 lineup.

Lukas Yates, chief designer at Mack Trucks who fashioned the exterior of the Pioneer, highlighted the truck’s distinctive brand bridge as well as its headlight design that is integrated with the grille trim. He also noted a change to the iconic bulldog ornament design.

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“Rather than sitting on a pedestal, the bulldog hood ornament is now integrated with the truck’s design,” he said, “flanked by air intakes that help manage airflow under the hood, making it an integral part of the truck’s performance rather than just an emblem.”

The Pioneer also features an aggressive windshield angle, streamlined chassis design and an optional digital mirror system that replaces traditional mirrors with cameras. Yates said the design team built everything around the driver, including the windscreen and the door architecture.

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“This truck was designed for class-leading driver comfort and to maximize aerodynamic performance,” Yates said. “Every detail, from the lowered fenders to the continuous surface from the front grille to the back of the sleeper box, was engineered to reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency while maintaining the commanding presence for which Mack is known.”

Officials said the aerodynamics of the Pioneer, combined with engine and transmission upgrades, can deliver up to an 11% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the equivalent prior model from Mack.

The new Class 8 truck also includes a digital mirror system that replaces its traditional side mirrors with cameras housed in pods on top of the sleeper. This system provides better vantage points for drivers by eliminating blind spots while improving fuel efficiency. The digital mirror system could deliver about 1% in fuel savings for fleets.

Vince Lokers, specialist chief designer at Mack Trucks and designer of the interior of the Pioneer, noted the design was based on driver and dealer feedback that included a nonbranded driver clinic conducted at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The test drives consisted of 40 professional drivers who provided unbiased evaluations of the cab’s ergonomics and features.

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Commercial production of the Mack Pioneer will begin later this year. (Michael Freeze/Transport Topics)

“Professional drivers inspired every aspect of the Pioneer’s interior design,” he said. “We reached out to our dealer network to understand pain points and day-to-day nuances, which helped us develop unique features that make a real difference in driver comfort and productivity.”

Lokers also highlighted the Pioneer’s premium seating system, featuring a wider and taller frame with expanded shoulder and headrest areas. A major innovation for Mack Trucks was its inclusion of armrests on both sides of the seat, ensuring drivers’ arms travel with them on the suspension rather than resting on the fixed door panel, he said.

“Our seat design is a game changer for driver comfort,” Lokers said. “Not only is this a first for Mack, but we’re also the only OEM offering this type of seat with perforated material for both heating and cooling functions, plus an integrated massage system that provides relief during long hauls.”

Other driver features include a push-button start, Mack-first mDrive transmission stalk that moves gear selection to the steering column for improved safety and ergonomics, and flat-bottom steering wheel that allows for easier entry and exit. In addition, the Pioneer offers wireless charging options and a customizable switch layout that allows drivers to arrange switch banks according to their preferences.

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The Pioneer will be available in the U.S. and Canada in multiple configurations, including day cabs and short, medium and long sleeper options. Each sleeper configuration offers specific features, from basic flat bunks to premium options with reclining bunks and the versatile FlexSuite option, catering to various highway applications and driver preferences.

Orders for the Pioneer will start immediately, and production will begin later this year.

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