MCI J-Series
MCI J-Series | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Motor Coach Industries |
Production | 2001-present |
Assembly | Pembina, North Dakota, United States Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Tri-axle coach |
Body style | Single-decker coach |
Doors | 1 sedan door, some have 1 wheelchair lift door |
Floor type | High-floor |
Chassis | MCI special platform integral |
Powertrain | |
Engine | Detroit Diesel Series 60, Detroit Diesel DD13, Caterpillar C12, Caterpillar C13, Cummins ISM, Cummins ISX |
Capacity | Up to 44 (J3500) Up to 60 (J4500) |
Dimensions | |
Length | 35 feet (11 m) (J3500) 45 feet (14 m) (J4500) |
Width | 102 inches (2.6 m) |
Height | 141 inches (3.6 m) |
Curb weight | 42,000 lbs GVWR (J3500) 54,000 lbs GVWR (J4500) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor |
|
The MCI J-Series is a model of motorcoach bus produced by Motor Coach Industries (MCI). The bus is primarily used by tour and charter bus operators. It is sold alongside the MCI D-Series bus, primarily used by intercity bus services and public transit operators.
The J-Series was introduced in 2001 as a replacement for the E-Series coach. It is manufactured at the main plant in Pembina, North Dakota, United States as well as in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.[1][2]
Development[]
Background[]
In 1998, MCI introduced the 102-EL3. Also known as the Renaissance, it was a new coach introduced to compete with the Prevost H-Series. The E-Series featured an all new body (designed by Designworks) and it introduced many new features such as a curved stepwell, a steerable tag axle, electronically controlled air suspension and disc brakes.[3] Some of the E-Series's features were unreliable at the beginning prompting MCI to develop a companion coach model. In 2001, the 102-EL3 was renamed to the E4500 bringing it in line with MCI's new nomenclature for their coaches.
Introduction[]
In 2001, MCI introduced the J-Series at the 2001 UMA Motorcoach Expo. The J-Series retained most of the Designworks designed body from the E-Series but with minor changes. However, many of the new on-board technologies on the E-Series were removed in order to appeal to customers looking for a coach with a modern design with more simple on-board technologies.[4]
Variants[]
J4500[]
The J4500 was introduced in 2001 as a model to fill the gap in MCI's product line between the D4500 and E4500. It combined the modern design of the E-Series with the simpler technologies of the D-Series. In 2004, MCI added disc brakes as an option. In 2010, MCI added its "Bendix" suspension system to the J4500, improving handling.[5]
Facelift[]
In 2013, MCI updated the design of the J-Series with re-designed headlights and a more squared off body. As well as changes to the exterior new features were also added in 2013 such as a steerable tag axle. Due to the added features and new design, the E-Series was quietly discontinued. In 2018, the interior was re-designed and luggage lights were added as an option.[5]
J4500 CHARGE (battery-electric)[]
In 2021, MCI announced a battery electric version of the J-Series called the J4500 CHARGE, with the "CHARGE" suffix meaning "Battery-Electric" in NFI Group's nomenclature. The J4500 CHARGE has a range of 200 miles and is powered by Siemens electric motors.[6]
J3500[]
The J3500 was introduced in 2018 as a shorter 35-foot version of the existing 45-foot model to compete with other similar 35 foot coaches such as the TEMSA TS-35 and Van Hool CX35. The J3500 is MCI's first 35 foot coach since the discontinuation of the DINA produced F-Series. The first J3500 was delivered to Tuscaloosa Charter Service in January 2019.[7]
See also[]
- MCI D-Series
- Buses portal
References[]
- ^ "MCI-JSeries-brochure-FINAL.pdf" (PDF). mcicoach.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 11, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
- ^ "Specs - MCI". mcicoach.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
- ^ "History of Motor Coach Industries". Buses and More. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
- ^ "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
- ^ a b "Evolution of the MCI J4500". youtube.com. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ "Motor Coach Industries Launches Battery-Electric Luxury Coach for North American Market: J4500 CHARGE". mcicoach.com. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
- ^ "MCI delivers first J3500, full production set for January 2019". Metro Magazine. December 14, 2018. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
External links[]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to MCI J-Series. |
- Buses of Canada
- Buses of the United States
- Intercity buses
- Single-deck buses
- Tri-axle buses
- Vehicles introduced in 2001