Freightliner Trucks has introduced a new look for its Century Class S/T heavy-duty truck, including a newly styled hood, grille and bumper.

Along with the styling changes, the newly enhanced Century Class S/T (Safety/Technology) incorporates additional performance benefits, like increased cooling capacity and better headlamp light distribution. Available in a 120-inch long conventional configuration (BBC), the truck is loaded with advanced systems, according to Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Freightliner Trucks.
He said the new chrome grille provides a fresh front to the Century Class S/T, enhancing the appearance of the truck. The bolder frontal view was achieved without altering the aerodynamics or visibility of the original Century Class S/T.
Additionally, the new grille allows for more cooling capacity to accommodate the new, hotter-running 2004 engines. The grille and lower panel increase the frontal opening to 55% of the total surface area. By opening up the grille, airflow has been improved, allowing for excellent cooling performance.
The Century S/T's three-piece bumper has been redesigned and restyled as well. The outside pieces are still manufactured with damage-tolerant plastic, but the center section now comes with an optional chrome package. Optional inset road lamps and amber accent lights are also available.
Freightliner has improved the headlamp design by replacing the 7-inch round, sealed beams with a new composite headlamp, providing better light distribution on the road and increasing nighttime visibility. The readily available, industry-standard bulbs are protected by a strong, polycarbonate lens.
Additionally, the inner fender splash shields are now mounted on the hood itself, rather than the chassis. Fender star cracking from rocks is also precluded by the inner fender shields. In addition, when the hood is tilted, the inner fenders move out of the way allowing for easy access to the engine.
Another update to the new Century Class S/T is the redesigned sun visor.
This aerodynamic exterior sun visor decreases drag for improved fuel economy. The one-piece visor also weighs several pounds less than the original three-piece design, which is still available as an option for the enhanced S/T. The sun visor is available for SleeperCab configurations only, beginning fourth quarter 2003.
The Century Class S/T is available with a choice of engines from Mercedes-Benz, Detroit Diesel and Caterpillar and in seven separate sleeper configurations.
The Century Class S/T is backed by a comprehensive warranty-three years and 350,000 miles.