On the evening of Wednesday, June 5, the oldest Czech automobile manufacturer unveiled the latest generation of its Tatra Phoenix model line in a ceremonial event. The occasion was attended by numerous distinguished guests, representatives from the automobile company and its shareholders, as well as the media. The Tatra Phoenix line is a cornerstone of the company's production portfolio, primarily intended for the civilian market but also utilized by rescue teams, firefighters, and defense forces. Serial production will begin this summer, with the first new vehicles reaching customers in the fall of this year.
On May 5, Tatra's testing polygon witnessed the unveiling of the new generation of the Tatra Phoenix model line. The significance of the event and the festive atmosphere were highlighted by the presence of the Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region, Josef Bělica, and the Mayor of Kopřivnice, Adam Hanus. Key company representatives, led by CEO Lukáš Andrýsek, along with shareholders from Czechoslovak Group and Promet Group, were also present. The entire event was broadcast live on YouTube and included an extensive entertainment program with concerts, various performances, and shows.
Tatra Phoenix
The development of the entirely new generation of the Tatra Phoenix model line has been underway since 2022. Like its predecessors, this new model combines the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Tatra's engineers, the proven Tatra chassis concept, cabs and engines from long-standing Dutch partner DAF Trucks, and gearboxes from ZF or Allison. "We have built the new Tatra Phoenix to uphold the reputation associated with the Tatra brand and to fulfill the motto 'Tatra Takes You Further.' Like its predecessors, it will reliably serve its users for many years, always delivering cargo or equipment to its destination under any conditions. It will do so economically efficiently and safely while offering a high degree of comfort and operational ergonomics, along with a modern service support system and the backing of our company," said Lukáš Andrýsek, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Tatra Trucks.
Tatra Phoenix
New Cab with High Safety, Ergonomics, and Comfort
The new Tatra Phoenix features the DAF XDC cab (Construction series), developed for maximum safety, durability, and comfort. It provides better visibility and awareness around the vehicle and is aerodynamically optimized for the lowest possible fuel consumption. The exterior lighting uses LED technology, and a range of modern comfort equipment, a wide selection of accessories, and design elements will be available as options. "The cab will be available in short (day) versions, extended (sleeper) versions, and a sleeper version with a raised roof, with one or two bunks. The driver will have a modern digital instrument panel with improved ergonomics and simplified controls. The cab will also feature newly designed anatomically air-suspended seats for safe and healthy seating," explained Radomír Smolka, a board member responsible for research and development at Tatra Trucks, who led the design and construction of the new Tatra Phoenix generation.
Tatra Phoenix
Proven Tatra Chassis and Improved Fuel-Efficient Engines
The new generation of Tatra Phoenix trucks retains the Tatra chassis concept with a central load-bearing tube, housing the individual drive shafts and differentials. The chassis traditionally features exclusively air-suspended independently suspended half-axles, a unique feature in the heavy-duty all-wheel-drive truck segment. The basic chassis configurations offered for the new generation are 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, and 8x6, with a four-axle version in the 1+3 configuration (i.e., with three rear axles) also available. Multi-axle versions with an optional number of steerable and driven rear axles will be available according to user requirements.
Tatra Phoenix
The Tatra chassis concept offers numerous advantages, explained Petr Buršík, Executive Director and Vice Chairman of the Board of Tatra Trucks: "It primarily involves significant vibration reduction compared to vehicles with rigid axles, resulting in high driving comfort for the driver, reduced risk of body damage, and higher speed in off-road conditions. The added value includes high driving stability when cornering or performing evasive maneuvers—properties particularly beneficial on roads or in mixed operation. The chassis, thanks to the combination of a central load-bearing tube and a welded auxiliary frame, facilitates the mounting of various superstructures without the need for compensatory elements and, in most cases, without an intermediary frame—thus ensuring a low center of gravity and higher payload capacity."
Tatra Phoenix
The Tatra chassis concept also ensures high vehicle durability, even under the most challenging terrain conditions, without suffering from torsional and bending stresses. The central load-bearing tube additionally protects the drive shafts from damage and environmental influences, ensuring drivetrain reliability, minimal maintenance requirements, and low service costs.**
The new generation of Tatra Phoenix trucks is equipped with updated Paccar MX-11 and MX-13 engines, utilizing the latest technologies and design features. MX-11 engines will be available in power outputs of 300 and 330 kW, and MX-13 engines in power outputs of 315, 355, or 390 kW. Standard features include ZF TraXon automated transmissions, with fully automated Allison transmissions available as an option. The drivetrain system also includes additional (downshift) gearboxes from Tatra, with the option to select the most optimal and efficient variant for operation according to user needs. The new Tatra Phoenix will no longer be offered with a manual transmission.*
Tatra Phoenix
Modern Assistance Systems for Safety and Comfort
The new generation Tatra Phoenix also introduces innovations in electronic and assistance systems, which are becoming standard in trucks and commercial vehicles. "It will offer features such as an automatic windshield wiper control system, an automatic exterior lighting activation system, and a Corner View system eliminating blind spots on both the driver and passenger sides, further improving safety on the road or in off-road conditions. The equipment will also include a system for detecting obstacles in front of the vehicle or an optional Digital Vision system, which is a digital camera system replacing the main and wide-angle mirrors, consisting of cameras mounted on arms installed at the top sides of the cab. The camera images are transmitted to displays located on the A-pillars inside the cab," added Radomír Smolka. The equipment will also include a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which monitors the actual pressure and temperature in the tires on all wheels.
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