One of the first significant answers to the market need for better fuel
economy with Class A (bus style) motorhomes will be launched at the
annual Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey, Pa., Sept. 10 to 14
(public days) at the HERSHEYPARK Entertainment Complex.
The show will introduce all-new Avanti (which means “forward”
in Italian) from Damon Motor Coach (Booth 513), the first motorhome to
be built on the W16D front-engine diesel platform from Workhorse Custom
Chassis. The W16D is a 16,000 lb. GVWR diesel powered platform that is
both lower and narrower than traditional class A motorhome chassis,
enabling lower, sleeker motorhome body designs.
The initial Avanti model is 31 ½ feet long and designed to be a
more fuel efficient and easier-to-drive Class A motorhome. Combining a
sleek, low-to-the-ground, aerodynamic design with the re-engineered
Workhorse chassis, the Avanti is expected to achieve up to 70 percent
better fuel economy than comparable Class A motorhomes, based on
internal test results.
The RV-enhanced W16D chassis marks the latest in a series of
chassis firsts from Workhorse that have multiplied motorhome choices for
consumers over the past decade. It will be on display at Workhorse
Booth G by the GIANT Center along with the 2009 Chevy Workhorse Class C
platform with best-in-class towing capacity.
The W16D also marks the first appearance of the MaxxForce 5 V6
diesel engine from Navistar International Corporation in a motorhome.
The MaxxForce 5 is mated to an Allison 1000 Series transmission and
produces 200 horsepower and 440 ft.-lbs. of torque. Other key W16D
features that enhance the drivability and manageability of the motorhome
include high-performance Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes, 50-degree wheel
cut and electronic instrument cluster with full instrumentation and
information center.
Leading edge technology makes the MaxxForce 5 a “clean diesel”
engine that improves both emission levels and fuel efficiency. That and
the relatively light weight of the Workhorse chassis both contribute to
the Avanti’s fuel economy and payload capacity. A walk-around queen bed,
split bath layout, large screen TV and nautical interior styling are
some of the diesel-class luxury and amenities packed in the coach.
Workhorse plans to develop more fuel-efficient chassis
technology in the near future. “Our work with Damon on this project is
typical of how we respond to manufacturer and market needs,” said Tony
Monda, vice president of marketing and product planning for Workhorse.
“We see ourselves as the customer’s advocate in the RV industry, and
that means being proactive in developing new answers for new
challenges.”
Those attending the show on Wednesday, Sept. 14, are encouraged
to stop by either the Workhorse or Damon booths to pick up a wristband
for admission to a special tailgate launch party for the Avanti from 1
to 2 p.m. at the Damon booth. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served
as well as some exciting giveaways, while supplies last.
