Daimler SuperTruck program exceeds goals
Daimler Trucks North America’s (DTNA) SuperTruck program has achieved 115% freight efficiency improvement—surpassing the Department of Energy (DOE) program’s goal of 50% improvement and exhibiting the best results of all reporting OEMs, according to the company. The SuperTruck was unveiled at MATS. To validate the lofty targets set by the DOE, DTNA engineers conducted a
Dana unveils Spicer AdvanTEK Dual Range Disconnect technology concept
Dana Holding Corp. introduced the new Spicer AdvanTEK Dual Range Disconnect concept for tandem axles used in Class 8 linehaul applications. Optimized for trucks that implement engine downspeeding, this breakthrough tandem axle technology improves efficiency without sacrificing performance by seamlessly combining the traction and dependability offered by a 6×4 configuration with the reduced drivetrain losses
Optimizing suspensions to lower total cost of ownership
As fleets continue to seek new technology that lowers their overall total cost of ownership (TCO) while improving safety and performance, notes Bill Hicks, director of product planning/market development for the Trailer Suspension Business Unit at SAF-Holland, suspension/axle suppliers are responding with a total system integration approach. “This presents opportunities for matching and optimizing the
Meritor announces new axles, ATIS
Meritor Inc. announced the the launch of its MTec6, the industry’s lightest trailer axle that offers greater weight savings and lower total cost of ownership, according to the company. The 6-in., large-diameter axle allows for more efficient use of materials, resulting in an axle that is 36 lbs. lighter than the industry-standard 5-in. axle. The lighter axle reduces gross
International Truck launches Prostar ES fuel efficiency package
International Truck announced a new fuel efficiency package for the International ProStar—the International ProStar ES. The ES, short for efficiency specification, offers industry-leading aerodynamics, a drivetrain with advanced downspeeding and the most efficient rear axles in the industry, according to the manufacturer. In addition, it boasts the spec’ing expertise of International’s Performance Engineering Team and
How drivetrain options impact tire performance
There’s lots of talk about coming changes in high-speed linehaul driveline technology. The new trend, referred to as “downspeeding,” follows the “gear fast/run slow” technology and later iterations of increasingly sophisticated engine fuel management and gearing systems. In the quest for fuel economy, technology allows heavy-duty highway engines to generate high levels of torque at
Integrated powertrains maximize fuel efficiency
“Traditionally, there has been an understanding in the industry that excellent drivers develop skill sets to operate equipment in a way that generates good fuel mileage,” says Mario Sanchez, technical sales support director at Cummins. “Even the best drivers are not consistent all the time, however, and as fleets continue to struggle to retain and
Navistar International ProStar achieves improved fuel economy
Navistar Inc.‘s International ProStar linehaul and regional haul tractors are available with the company’s 13-liter engine and Eaton Fuller Advantage Series automated 10-speed transmission. The new ProStar offering delivers up to 5% in fuel economy improvement, said the company. “The increased availability of automated transmissions helps us address the driver shortage issue by reducing the variance
Detroit unveils new integrated powertrain, 6×2 axle
The demand for improved fuel economy is driving the industry toward a systems-integrated future to achieve higher standards of efficiency. At an event in Detroit, Detroit Diesel Corp. unveiled its new integrated Detroit powertrain, featuring the Detroit DD15 engine, Detroit DT12 transmission and Detroit axles, a powertrain that boasts an 5 to 7% additional fuel economy improvement
Meritor adds two new axle ratios aimed at improving fuel efficiency
Meritor Inc. is adding optimized axle ratios to its proven 14X rear-drive axle portfolio. Meritor’s 14X tandem drive axles with a 2.79 ratio will be available for production in June and a 2.85 ratio will be ready later this summer. When used in combination with the Cummins and Eaton SmartAdvantage Powertrain, the new axle ratios will
