Motor Coach Industries J4500

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Motor Coach Industries J4500
MCI J4500
Years of manufacture 2001 to present
Length 45 feet
Width 102 inches
Power/Fuel Diesel
MCI J4500

The Motor Coach Industries J4500 was introduced to the motorcoach market at the UMA show in Atlantic City in February 2001[1] and is now MCI's best selling coach. Its look is very similar to the E-Series coach, but has some minor differences including different front marker lights, windshield, and rear design.

The J4500 led the industry in coach sales for the first quarter of 2011.[2]

Contents

Aesthetic and design changes

In 2004 or 2005, the taillight module was changed from the plastic housing covering the LEDs to protruding LED taillights. Initially the housings were in black. The lights were later made larger and colored housings offered.

In 2009, MCI made wide-ride suspension, electronic stability control, reverse sensing system and a state-of-the-art Blaupunkt entertainment system standard features. Amerex fire suppression system, Asset Tracking System (GPS) and DriveCam monitoring system also became options. MCI also added a new interior lighting system which fades on and off. In addition the J4500 comes with optional LED cabin night lights.

MCI selected the Cummins ISX engine as the standard for the EPA 2010-compliant J4500 with the Detroit Diesel DD13 as an option. The Allison transmission is standard and the ZF transmission was made optional later in 2011. New options on the 2011-model J4500 included a steerable tag axle and 15 inch television monitors.

MCI turned to BMW Group Designworks USA, who was responsible for the original J4500 and E4500, to redesign the J4500. MCI began to offer new J4500 for the 2013 model year, with Peter Pan Bus Lines taking delivery of the first coach in the fall of 2012. The J4500 was given updated LED headlight clsuters behind coated polycarbonate lenses. A trail of amber LEDs function as the turn signal. The bumpers boast more durability and smooth recesses for fog lights. The rear was given a less round design with the centre brake lights moved higher. Larger tail lights are set in a taller red bezel.

The driver's area was revised for greater visibility and accessibility. An optional driver's seat with three-point seat belt boasts and additional two inches of space. Drivers have optional "Yo" lights which are used to acknowledge passing vehicles.

  • Original taillight cluster (2001-2004)

  • Revised black taillight cluster (2004?-present)

  • Revised taillight cluster with body colored housings (200?-2007)

  • Re-revised taillight cluster with larger lights (2007-present)

Specifications

Engine

Transmission

Suspension

  • Wide Ride Suspension system with Koni FSD shock absorbers (2009-present)
  • Full air (2001-2009)

Axles

Brakes

Steering

  • ZF variable ratio

Other photos

  • Typical interior of a seated J4500 coach.

  • An example of a J4500 Conversion Shell. MCI began offering the J coach for conversions in 2005.

Anniversary Edition

In 2008, MCI announced a J4500 Anniversary Edition (J4500LX) that would be produced to mark 75 years of coach-building excellence. It was previewed at the UMA Expo in San Francisco.

Features

  • Cummins ISM 10.8-liter, 410 hp Engine
  • Designworks USA-styled aluminum wheels
  • shiny chrome mirrors with built-in turn signals
  • conversion-style exterior lighting
  • seating with larger headrests, leather piping, and a more stylish profile
  • new wide-ride suspension and handling package with ABS, Electronic Stability Control System, Automatic Traction Control and Roll Stability Control
  • Reverse Sensing
  • SmartWave tire-pressure monitoring
  • Blaupunkt entertainment package - 15 tweeters, dual subwoofers, in-dash DVD player, six video monitors, audio inputs including iPod dock
  • 110V outlets approximately every third row
  • configured for wireless Internet service, and acceptance for satellite television / radio
  • LED aisle lighting
  • E4500 steering wheel and upgraded instrumentation panel

Operators

Canada Flag of Canada.png

United States Flag of the United States.png

Demonstrator units

Fleet number Thumbnail Year VIN Engine Transmission Notes
2001 1M83JMPA81P061686 To Wills Bus Lines 230; bought in January 2002.
62358 2004 White with "Motor Coach Industries" on sides
2006 White with red & blue curved lines and a maple leaf
2006
  • White
  • Displayed at 2006 CUTA Trans-Expo
2007 Blue
2007 White with "Motor Coach Industries" on side
2008 Blue with 75th anniversary graphics
2008 Cummins ISM
  • Anniversary Edition
  • Blue with nature themed wrap
  • Displayed at 2008 APTA Expo
2008
  • Raised roof and chrome mirrors
  • Silver wrap "The MCI Driving Experience"
2009 Red with Gold & Black curved lines
None
  • White with Blue/Grey curved lines
  • MCI 'Waterfall' Logo on sides just above rear wheels
65358D 2010 White with blue and grey waves
2010
  • White with large blue and grey waves
  • Displayed at 2010 OTE
2010
  • White with MCI logo
  • Displayed at 2010 CUTA Trans-Expo
D65917 2011
  • American flag graphics
  • Displayed at 2011 CUTA Trans-Expo
2011 Cummins ISX11.9 Allison B500
  • Dark blue with "Reliability Driven" on sides
  • Displayed at 2012 UMA Expo and OTE
66251D 2012 2013 model
66283D 2012 2013 model

References

  1. ↑ National Bus Trader, November 2012 edition, mcicoach.com, retrieved 2012-12-22
  2. ↑ MCI® J4500, D4500 rank as motor coach industry's top sellers in 2011 first quarter mcicoach.com, retrieved 04-05-2011
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