*Editor’s note: The original title of this article was changed to avoid confusion surrounding vehicle capability. Acela calls the Staya the most capable class-5 cab-over truck in North America, according to their press release.
Truck classification takes into account GVWR as well as other factors which may include permit requirements, DOT number regulations, maintenance needs, license levels, and hours-of-service laws, to name a few. // Sources: Fullbay.com, Wikipedia, Fleet Equipment Mag, Energy.gov
Acela’s newest 4×4 cab-over truck for the North American market is called the Straya. It’s positioned at the intersection of commercial and military vehicles, with a handful of unique features that are exclusive to the segment. According to Acela, the Straya will deliver best-in-class visibility, maneuverability, and off-highway performance. Given these qualities, could it become the newest platform of choice for global expedition-grade vehicle builds in North America? Let’s dig a little deeper.
Acela Straya: Is it Overland-ready?
Will the new Acela Straya go overland? It certainly seems possible. The platform was primarily designed for use in high-demand environments for tasks like wildland firefighting, electrical transmission line work, mining operations, and border patrol, and its specifications reflect that. For instance, the Straya will be offered in multiple wheel-bases, from 109- to 176-inches , with 19.6-inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford 36-inch-deep water. It maximizes driver visibility and usable space thanks to its cab-over design, a quality that also allows the 12-foot-long 150-inch-wheelbase variant to maintain a relatively tight 49-foot turning radius.
The Straya features Meritor 3000 Series axles and US military-proven wheel ends: the same ones currently in use on the US Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Add to that, driver-controlled locking differentials and 41-inch tires, and it’s not hard to picture the Straya taking you just about anywhere you’d like to set up camp. Its wheels even feature a central tire inflation system (the only commercial vehicle in North America to do so), allowing drivers to adjust tire air pressure between 95- and 17-PSI at the push of the button, from the comfort of the cab.
“The Straya is by far the most capable Class 5 truck chassis available in North America, building out our portfolio and complementing the high-performance offering of our existing extreme-duty 4×4 and 6×6, Class 6 through 8 Acela Monterra models. Designed in concert with our wildland fire, utility, pipeline and mining clients, they are very excited to take first deliveries,” stated David Ronsen, president of Acela Truck Company. “We saw a huge gap in truck capabilities being offered for commercial use, and Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. shared our vision for new opportunities with a heavy-duty, on-/off-highway, four-wheel-drive vehicle in the Class 5 market. Isuzu trucks’ reliability is legendary in the U.S. market making it the ideal platform to modify. Isuzu has been extremely supportive, we’re very proud to be working closely with their talented team.”
According to Acela’s press release, the new Straya will be on display at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, March 8-11, 2022, in the Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. booth #4639.
The 109-inch wheelbase configuration cutaway starts at $134,520. Learn more at acelatruck.com.
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