UNION CITY, IN – The first orders for the new W42 commercial platform from Workhorse Custom Chassis will come off the production line July 18 to launch the 2006-model year. The newest walk-in truck chassis to enter the marketplace has drawn interest from commercial walk-in truck customers, said Shane Terblanche, Workhorse director of commercial strategy. According to the latest specifications, the new platforms will be offered in GVWRs of 9,400 10,000, 12,000 and 14,500 lbs., with wheelbases of 125, 133, 157, 178, and 190 inches. Among the new choices drawing interest from walk-in truck customers is the single-rear-wheel option for the 9,400-, 10,000-, and 12,000-lb. GVWR models. “We’re finding that fleets are looking for ways to gain more cargo volume,” said Terblanche. “The single wheel gives them a lighter chassis at that GVWR, as do gas engines.” The first production models of the Workhorse W42 will feature GM Vortec 6.0L and 4.8L gas en-gines. Both are 50-state emissions compliant with 300 and 270 horsepower, respectively. They fea-ture the latest in gas engine technology for exceptional performance and durability, while requiring less maintenance. “The Vortecs are very popular with our customers,” said Terblanche. “They’ve made gas engines more competitive with diesels in terms of lifecycle and maintenance costs.” Workhorse is also offering a new International 275 VT diesel engine on fall production models. A new 50-degree wheel cut turning radius and new high-performance Brembo four-wheel disc brakes are new features in the 2006 models. Fleets also expect the W42’s wider axle track, front and rear parabolic taper leaf suspension springs, and custom-tuned shock absorbers to improve ride and handling. The July 18 production start also marks the last tie to the original P42 commercial chassis Workhorse purchased from General Motors when the company began in 1999.