Sterling Fires a Silver Bullet

Sterling Truck Corp. broadens its range of medium-duty Class 3 to Class 8 work trucks with a new addition — the Sterling Bullet.

Sterling Truck Corp. first revealed the Bullet Class 4-5 medium-duty chassis cab at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show in Indianapolis in March 2007.

Based on the Ram 4500/5500, revealed at the 2007 Chicago Auto show, the Sterling Bullet shares its looks with the Ram 4500/5500, but has its own options and configurations differentiating it from the heavy-duty Dodge Ram.

The Bullet joins the Sterling 360 to round out the company’s mid-range vehicle lineup. Weighing in at Class 4 and 5, the Bullet is ideally suited for construction, landscaping, wholesale, pick-up and delivery, utility, or municipal and government jobs.

While the Bullet mirrors many features of the recognizable Dodge Ram, it separates itself by much more than just a chrome grille and is uniquely a Sterling truck from the beginning of the building process.

The Bullet’s options and configurations are other characteristics that set it apart from the Ram. Plus, the Bullet can only be purchased from a Sterling dealership and has a unique VIN identifier registered to Sterling.

A Functional Powertrain

One particularly functional feature is the Bullet’s standard power take-off (PTO) package. PTO enables the Bullet’s 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engine to connect to and power auxiliary equipment at a worksite, like a pump or a generator.

The Bullet’s Cummins powertrain stands strong with 305 horsepower and 610 lb.-ft. of torque with a standard exhaust brake. Either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox are available as options.

It offers 50,000 psi front frame rails with industry-standard 34-inch flat-faced frame rail spacing and is ready to be upfitted for any utility application. Attaching a cargo box, trailer, dumper, or wrecker on the rear is not a problem. Cabs are offered in either Regular with four wheelbases or Quad in two wheelbases. Optional snow plow and towing packages are also available.

Hauling a demanding load can be a difficult task, but with a GCWR of 26,000 lbs., the Bullet’s towing capabilities are more than impressive. The front axle is rated at 7,500 lbs., and the rear can handle up to 13,500 lbs. Sterling axle ratios range from 4.10 to 4.88.

A Multitude of Features

Base model options include cruise control, fog lights, power windows and locks, and power trailer tow mirrors. A premium interior package is available and features options such as a navigation radio with available GPS, a cloth six-way power seat, and an Infinity MP3/CD player.

Standard air-conditioning, easy-to-read gauges, and an adjustable-tilt steering wheel reduces driver fatigue, while driver and passenger airbags help occupants stay safe on the road. With more than 375 dealerships across North America, customers can access experts to help spec, configure, and customize each truck for specific fleet applications. The Sterling Bullet goes on sale at select Sterling dealerships in fall 2007.