From Workhorse site;
New Workhorse UFO™ chassis provides rear gas or diesel options, unlimited floorplan possibilities
UNION CITY, Ind. — The buzz has been building over the summer — something about UFOs and Workhorse Custom Chassis. How weird is that! Well, there’s something to it! Workhorse is pleased to announce that production has begun on a new and industry-changing category of chassis — the Workhorse UFO™.
The “UFO” stands for Universal Fuel Option — the new Workhorse platform is a rear-engine chassis that offers RVers, for the first time, the choice of a gas or diesel engine with the same chassis. “UFO” also stands for Universal Footprint Option: the chassis accommodates either a gas or diesel engine in the same space package. Manufacturers can build identical motor homes on either a gas- or diesel-powered frame, making the choice of engine a simple “check the box” procedure for the motor home buyer.
And, in another exciting innovation, “UFO” stands for Universal Floorplan Option. In a key engineering move, Workhorse reconfigured the drivetrain and frame so that manufacturers can build upon a completely flat floor from front to back, without the intrusion of the engine and cooling system into the rear bedroom or cockpit space. Workhorse UFO™ is the first and only platform that provides this truly universal open-floor design capability, opening up a more creative mix of gas-, diesel- and towable-based floorplan designs
“The Workhorse UFO™ is a chassis that is out of this RV world. It’s one that will enable new choices for the RV customer,” said Bob Wert, Workhorse vice president of RV sales and marketing.
Two motor home manufacturers will soon announce new coaches built on the Workhorse UFO™. One OEM will show a coach at the 38th Annual Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle & Camping Show Sept. 11 to 17 in Hershey, Pa., and both will show coaches at the 53rd Annual California RV Show in Pomona, Calif., Oct. 13 to 22. Workhorse is presently working with these and other major motor home manufacturers to create Workhorse UFO™-based motor homes.
The Workhorse UFO™ is a 26,000 lb. GVWR chassis designed for a market niche that includes high-end gas motor homes and low-end diesel models. The gasoline Workhorse UFO™ is the first of the two engine choices to be offered. It is the first rear gas chassis on the motor home market in years, using the same powerful GM Vortec™ 8.1L engine that helped make Workhorse’s front-engine W Series the most popular gas platform available. By next spring, the rear diesel-powered option will be available as well.
Survey says: rear engine!
Workhorse did extensive market research in designing the chassis, said Wert. “At Workhorse, we pride ourselves as being the customer’s advocate to the RV business. We’re all about giving RVers what they want. This chassis is the result of extensive homework and collaboration with key OEMs.”
Market research conducted for Workhorse in 2005 showed that more than 70 percent of current motor home owners would prefer a rear engine motor home, while more than 50 percent of them would prefer a gas engine. Sixty-six percent of all current motor home owners said they would consider buying a rear engine gas motor home.
The advantages of a rear engine include less cabin noise, less cabin heat, and, without the front-to-back drive shaft, less vibration and the opportunity to build in pass through basement storage. The front rather than side entry door is also a plus for floor plan variety, and the lack of a “doghouse” engine cover in the cab makes it easier to move in the cockpit. Furthermore, there is no engine protruding into the bedroom area either.
Product advantages
Workhorse UFO™ advantages begin with its lightweight design. With a 26,000 lb. GVWR, the gas powered Workhorse UFO™ is 2,000 pounds lighter than existing 28,000 lb. GVWR diesel chassis, giving the Workhorse UFO™ the same carrying capacity as the latter at a significantly lower price tag. What’s more, gas engines provide savings in maintenance costs versus diesels. With less mass to move, the 8.1L GM Vortec gas powerplant can also outperform equivalent diesel engines. The diesel Workhorse UFO™ will also have more carrying capacity than existing 26,000 lb. GVWR diesel platforms.
At the same time, the lowered engine and the new, proprietary front and back suspensions give the Workhorse UFO™ exceptional ride and handling. “We’ve eliminated the choice RVers often have to make between a better riding versus a better handling coach,” said Wert. “You have to drive it to believe it, there’s no compromise with the Workhorse UFO™ chassis.”
A 55-degree wheel cut makes the motor home more maneuverable in tight spots than any gas chassis, and is comparable to the best diesel chassis available today. The drivetrain uses an Allison Series 2000 six-speed automatic transmission that includes Transmission Grade Braking, ultra protective synthetic transmission fluid, standard push-button shifter and a 5-year, 200,000-mile transmission warranty. The new cool pack configuration developed by Workhorse has also been successfully tested in 116 degree Fahrenheit conditions in Death Valley.
One of the advantages mentioned by everyone who has test driven the gas-powered Workhorse UFO™ is how much quieter it is in than comparable front gas motor homes.
Compared to existing diesels, the gas Workhorse UFO™ is much more affordable. This will be especially true in 2007 when all diesel platforms will experience upward cost pressure as they incorporate changes to meet new more stringent emissions standards. However, many people appreciate the greater torque of the diesel engine in certain situations, or just like the cachet of owning a diesel. With the Workhorse UFO™, they have a choice.
A game changer
”The whole concept of a universal fuel option that enables a flat floor is a game-changing breakthrough. It creates an entirely new category of motor home,” said Wert.
Expect more Workhorse UFO™ sightings soon
Workhorse Custom Chassis
Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001 certified and a leader in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and buses. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corporation. International produces IC brand school buses, school bus chassis, mid-range diesel engines, International brand medium and heavy trucks, and severe service vehicles. International also provides parts and service sold under the International® brand. Both Workhorse and International are subsidiaries of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). For additional information call 877-294-6773 or visit
www.Workhorse.com.
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