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TORONTO, Ont. - There's a new light-middleweight in town punching above its weight class. The Sterling Bullet has just entered the arena and announced itself as a contender in the Class 4/5 division. This newcomer fills the hole in Sterling's lineup and gives it a full range of truck models from Class 3 to 8.
The CONV 5500 Bullet I drove was equipped with a "landscape" package: low-sided tipper box running on an aggressive set of Goodyear rear dualies.
Lots of snow on the ground in February and my ride had no problem tearing through the snow drifts in Mississauga parking lots. It was equally as comfortable and responsive on the highway, enhanced by the throaty Cummins 6.7-litre engine. This is a workhorse diesel that delivers 610 ft.-lb. torque at 1,600 RPM, and runs on ultra low-sulfur diesel, or B5 biodiesel.
The 305 horses should provide plenty of muscle for most applications. Standard equipment includes an ultra-low gear to help launch heavy loads - and an engine brake to help stop those heavy loads.
The CONV 5500 grosses 19,500 Ib (a payload of about six tonnes), and can haul a trailer with a combined GVW of 26,000 lbs. The Class 4 CONV 4500 has a slightly lighter rear axle.
Just stepping into the Bullet on its 19.5-inch wheels,...