| Mack Super-Liner &Super-Liner II | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mack Trucks Mack Trucks Australia |
| Also called | Mack RW600/700 |
| Production | 1977–1993 (North America) 1980–present (Australia) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | HeavyTruck |
| Body style | Conventional (bonneted cab-chassis) |
| Related | Mack WR Cruise-Liner Mack MH Ultra-Liner Mack CL700 Mack R series (Australia) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Mack EA7 (6-cylinder) or EA9 (V8) |
| Transmission | Mack / Fuller (manual) Allison (automatic) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mack RS700 |
| Successor | Mack CL700 (North America) Mack Vision (North America) |
TheMack Super-Liner is a model line of Class 8 trucks produced byMack Trucks. Produced in North America from 1977 to 1993,[1] the model line was a conventional-cab tractor configured primarily for highway and vocational applications, serving as the flagship conventional of the Mack product line in North America. Following its 1993 discontinuation, the Super-Liner was replaced by the CL700; today, its closest equivalent is theMack Anthem.
Since 1980, the model line has been sold by Mack Trucks Australia; currently, it is in its third generation.
The development of Super-Liner began life in the early 1970s underBrockway Motor Company, a subsidiary manufacturer of Mack Trucks.[2] While using the cab of theMack R-series in its production, Brockway competed nearly directly against Mack in heavy-duty truck sales. Following the introduction of the long-hood "western" Mack RS700, Brockway commenced development of the "Super-Liner", featuring a squared-off hood (to accommodate a larger radiator/engine).[2]
In 1977, Brockway Motor Company was closed down by Mack Trucks, following labor disputes that ended its production.[2] While much of Brockway was liquidated, Mack continued further development on a set-forward axle Super-Liner, entering production by the end of 1977. As the design already used a Mack RS cab, the Super-Liner saw only minor detail changes before entering production, internally designated as the RW700.[2]
Introduced during 1977, the Mack RW700 effectively replaced the RS700 "western" conventional. While sharing the cab of the R-series tractors (along with its model designation), the Super-Liner was built on the frame of the WR Cruise-Liner COE.[3] The first-generation Super-Liner is externally distinguished by four round headlights (in a rectangular housing); the interior has a 3-spoke steering wheel.[3]
For 1985 production, Mack introduced the second-generation Super-Liner, named Super-Liner II. Visibly similar to its predecessor (with the exception of four square headlights), the Super-Liner II adopted the full-length frame rails of the MH Ultra-Liner COE.[3] Alongside detail changes to the interior, a smaller 2-spoke steering wheel was added.[3]
Following 1993 production, the Super-Liner RW-700 was discontinued. As its replacement, Mack introduced the CL700, a longer-hood version of the CH600; though shifting to a set-back front-axle layout, the CL continued the use of the Super-Liner frame.[3]
To commemorate the introduction of the Super-Liner II, Mack produced theMagnum special-edition series of Super-Liner IIs and Ultra-Liners for 1985.[4] Designed as an appearance package, the exterior of the Magnum Super-Liner was black with Magnum wording on the hood, red/orange cab striping, and a red interior.[4] The standard engine was the Mack E9 diesel V8 (400-500 hp) with a 9-speed Mack T2090 transmission.[4]
In total, Mack produced 250 of the Magnum special edition for 1985. 186 were Super-Liner IIs, with the other 64 being Ultra-Liner COEs.[4]
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Since 1980, Mack Trucks Australia has produced the Super-Liner in Australia.[5] In place of sharing the chassis of the WR and MH COEs, Australian-produced Super-Liners shared frames with the R-series throughout their production.[3] Currently slotted below the Titan, the Super-Liner is in its third generation. Alongside the Titan, the Super-Liner is offered with a 685 hp MP10 engine.[6]
To commemorate the bicentennial ofAustralia Day, Mack Trucks Australia produced 16 Super-Liner II Bicentennial trucks in 1988. Each example was named after people influential to Australian history, includingJames Cook,Captain Bligh,Ludwig Leichhardt,Governor Phillip,Ned Kelly,Kingsford Smith,John Flynn andWilliam Hovell. The 230-inch wheelbase trucks were fitted with a 500 hp E9 V8 diesel and a 12-speed triple-countershaft transmission.
One remaining example is operated by Eagle Towing Service of Ringwood, Victoria and has since been converted to a heavy towing salvage truck. Two more remaining examples are from Mactrans Heavy Haulage, who own Captain Starlight and Thunderbolt.[7]
In the 1978 filmConvoy, a Mack RS700 is driven by main character Martin "Rubber Duck" Penwald (Kris Kristofferson). As the film was released after the replacement of the RS700 by the Super-Liner, Mack inserted the Super-Liner in all promotional materials and products related to the film.[2]
In theCars franchise, the character "Mack" was inspired by a 1985 Mack Super-Liner.