New option for operators affords greater comfort, ergonomics and safety, with lower operational cost
Marcopolo expands its intercity bus line with the release of the new Audace model. The goal is to offer a differentiated solution for concerns such as ongoing and receptive charter, and short and medium distance standard lines.
The vehicle has been designed taking advantage of the latest manufacturing concepts that provide better use of interior space, greater comfort, safety, and ergonomics, as well as ensure greater structural strength and rigidity and lower operating costs for passenger transportation.
With a futuristic design, characteristic of the company, the Audace was developed to complement the already prestigious coach line, which includes the Paradiso, Viaggio, and Ideale models.
A bold new design
Audace’s main external feature is its bold design, with new windshields and bonded glass panes that extend visibility for passengers and the driver, as well as head and tail lights, with LED turn signals and clearance lights, and optional fog lights. In the rear, there are new LED full-width back lights and exclusive markers, for increased safety. The adoption of LED lights increases the luminous efficiency, and extends time between replacements/ maintenance, for having greater useful life.
Internally, the most important change is the high standard of comfort and ergonomics. The Audace features a brand new In-Swing door, which moves into the vehicle and offers increased security and functionality to the operation, in addition to steps with a new design that make entering and exiting the bus more comfortable and enjoyable. Safety is also guaranteed by the handrails positioned in a more accessible fashion, and the LED lighting. The separating wall between the driver’s cabin and the passenger’s compartment is also innovative, functionally designed to allow a better use of the driver’s station’s internal space.
The passenger’s compartment uses LED lighting, with indirect lights for added convenience and sophistication. Also present are LED reading light supports with individual outputs for air-conditioning.
For increased comfort, the Audace introduces new easy-access wider 1,030 mm executive seats. Another feature is the bolder and newer pattern of the seat, side panel and parcel rack covering. The vehicle has also optional 15-inch monitors positioned on the ceiling over the entire passenger’s compartment, for increased visibility from any seat.
Another innovation brought by the new Audace for added passenger comfort is the advanced natural ventilation system. The air-conditioning system cools the entire room with greater efficient, because of new ducts integrated to the roof and separate wiring harness for best performance.
Cutting-edge technology
The large glass area on the Audace doors and separating walls allowed the increment of the passengers’ vision field and well-being. The outward-opening access door to the passenger’s compartment allows the passengers to move around without interfering with the seats, and its lock has smooth and comfortable action.
The driver’s cabin has also been redesigned, with a new curved wall and optimal access to the station, allowing easy seat displacement and providing more room and better driveability. The cabin’s interior finishing lines follow the latest trends of automotive industry, using more "friendly" and modern materials and textures.
The dashboard incorporates all the instruments, such as the reverse camera display, internal cameras and the multiplex system (combined functions of the entire bus equipment), with controls designed for improve driver's reach and reaction during the travel.
The new Audace will be available in the 4x2 version, up to 12,700 mm long and 3,200 mm high, with a capacity of transporting 46 to 49 passengers, with or without sanitary.
Photo credits: Júlio Soares