Using this week’s Truck Show in Las Vegas as a venue, Mack Trucks unveiled its new chassis, called Advantage.

The new chassis will be used in all Mack Vision and CH models.
Company officials pointed to the variety of Advantage frame rail options, which give customers the ability to more precisely match rail size to their specific applications.
"With Advantage, customers can choose from four rail options -- 6mm, 7mm, 8mm and 9.5mm -- all with increased resistance bending moment, or RBM," said Tom Davis, Mack marketing manager for highway products. "The increased RBM provides greater strength. Weight-sensitive bulk haulers will be pleased with the addition of the 7 mm rail, which has a higher RBM than our current 8 mm but -- depending upon wheelbase -- is up to 100 pounds lighter. Less chassis weight means more payload."
"And for customers requiring a very heavy-duty rail, the new 9.5 mm is an excellent alternative. Not only is it lighter, but it also eliminates the need for an inner channel, which prevents potential corrosion from occurring in this area," Davis added.
Advantage also provides up to 50-degree outside wheel cuts, dramatically improving turning diameter. For example, an Advantage-equipped vehicle with a 185-inch wheelbase could have an improvement of up to 15 feet in turning diameter.
Advantage offers enhanced riding and handling as well, attributable to a variety of features. The standard front taper leaf suspension has new taper leaf springs spaced slightly apart to reduce friction. And the spring rate has been reduced to provide a softer ride. An optional Hendrickson AIRTEK air-ride front axle-suspension combination not only provides a smooth ride, but additional weight savings as well.
New Advantage rear engine mounts simplify transmission removal and greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to do so.
And the combination of the new engine mounts and new taper leaf front suspension allows the engine to sit lower in the frame, reducing overall center of gravity and improving handling.
Company said there will be no upcharge associated with Advantage, meaning customers can get all of the benefits at no additional cost.
The debut of Advantage comes on the heels of Mack’s recent introduction of a new addition to its highway line-up -- a 60-inch midrise sleeper suited for regional haul.
"Our success relies upon our ability to enhance the efficiency and profitability of customers’ operations," Tom Davis said. "Doing this requires a commitment to innovation. And we believe that our new Advantage chassis and midrise sleeper are indicative of our commitment in this regard."