During the media day at the Mid-American Trucking show, Peterbilt Motors Co. announced a new optimized drivetrain package for its already fuel-efficient leader, the aerodynamic Model 579, bringing even greater levels of fuel economy.

Called APEX, the new spec option pairs the PACCAR MX-13 Engine with the Fuller Advantage Automated Transmission. The combination features optimized shift calibration, weight savings and proprietary control logic between the two components.

APEX, available now, can result in up to a 4% improvement in fuel efficiency versus previous drivetrains, the company said. Superior fuel economy is achieved through the precise fuel management resulting from proprietary communication technology.

The 12.9 liter PACCAR MX-13 engine and the 13-speed Fuller Advantage share critical data including torque, operating gear and other vehicle performance metrics. The PACCAR MX-13 engine is available with 380 to 500 horsepower and up to 1,850 ft.-lb. of torque.

Peterbilt also announced a new EPIQ package for the Model 579. The package provides an optimized combination of technologies and components that allow customers to easily order and operate the most fuel efficient Model 579 available.

According to the company, the EPIQ package can improve fuel efficiency of the Model 579 by up to 10%. The EPIQ package includes:

• Complete Aerodynamic Package: This feature combines all fairings and aerodynamically enhanced components available for the Model 579. The fairings include 18-inch sleeper side extenders with 8-in. rubber flares; full chassis fairings with rubber skirts from the quarter fender to the front of the tandem axle with rubber closeouts under the sides of the cab and sleeper; and roof fairings with an exclusive rear wall closeout. Aerodynamically-enhanced components include a three-piece aero-style bumper; multi-piece aero-style hood; painted outside sun visor and an aero-style aluminum battery box positioned on the passenger side, under the cab.
• PACCAR MX-13 Engine: The MX-13 engine delivers improved fuel economy through electronically controlled fuel injection pumps and high-pressure rail technology.
• Fuller Advantage Automated Transmission: The PACCAR MX-13 Engine is available in a new drivetrain pairing, designated as APEX, with the Fuller Advantage Automated Transmission that is part of the EPIQ model. This new combination features precise communication between the engine and transmission, as well as proprietary control logic to further enhance fuel economy.
• Single Horizontal Exhaust: To further increase aerodynamic performance, the EPIQ package recommends a single horizontal exhaust configuration or a single right-hand back-of-sleeper exhaust configuration.
• SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Incorrect tire pressure can play a significant factor in fuel efficiency so TPMS monitors the pressure and temperature of each tire and will warn the operator of tire-related problems.
• Low Rolling Resistance Tires: Another way tires can improve fuel economy is by minimizing friction between tires and the road. Low rolling resistance tires are designed to do this and are available on the Model 579 spec’d with the EPIQ package.
• Optimized Spec’ing Software: Peterbilt and its dealer network use a proprietary spec’ing system to optimize vehicle performance and exactly match customers’ business and application requirements. This software has been enhanced to complement the Model 579 EPIQ by recommending the most fuel-efficient rear axle ratios and engine settings, among other options.

Additionally, Peterbilt announced it now offers compressed natural gas configurations for two of its newest vehicles — the on-highway Model 579 and the vocational Model 567. Both vehicles will be available with the Cummins-Westport ISX12 G.

Peterbilt will showcase a CNG version of its Model 579 in its exhibit at MATS. The vehicle was equipped with Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies’ back-of-cab storage system. The Quantum back-of-cab system on display at the show provides Peterbilt customers with a lightweight, high-capacity CNG fuel storage solution. It uses Quantum’s compact Q-lite tank technology and can store 123 DGE (diesel gallon equivalents) of fuel and is designed for easy “drop-and-go” installation.