Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/506679
36 | Overdrive | May 2015 F reightliner unveiled its futuristic SuperTruck prototype vehicle, capping a five-year development process in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy and other partners. Freightliner received a $40 million industry grant from the U.S. government that was matched by Daimler, said Diane Hames, marketing director for Daimler Trucks North America. The features listed by Freightliner include a 115 percent boost in vehicle freight efficiency compared to conventional tractors on the market today. Other enhancements include a 50 percent increase in engine braking, a 54 percent reduction in aerodynamic drag and a sustained 12.2 miles per gallon logged at 65 mph on a stretch of Interstate 35 in Texas. The SuperTruck has a 10.7-liter Detroit generating 375 horsepower and 1,375 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine features model-predictive engine controls for optimal performance and a hybrid driveline mated to a conventional DT12 automated manual transmission. The rear axle ratio is 2.28.1. Other specifications include a variable-geometry front radia- tor grille to optimize and balance cooling system performance and aerodynamic drag, as well as a fully-flush cab, sleeper and roof surface. Solar panels are installed on the trailer roof to capture energy to recharge batteries and power the fully-electric HVAC system. High-tech lightweight composite materials were used throughout, and software manages kinetic energy for optimal feedback into the powertrain. Hames said that while the SuperTruck model is a prototype, several of its newer features already have found their way onto current Freightliner models. — Jack Roberts FREIGHTLINER TURNS HEADS WITH SUPERTRUCK CONCEPT Trucks&engines Freightliner said its SuperTruck concept vehicle is a mix of current powertrain components and new technology. It was introduced in March at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. Mid-AMericA Trucking Show M ack Trucks introduced Mack Load Logic and a 6×2 liftable pusher axle option for its Pinnacle highway model. Designed for applications that routinely haul out heavy and return empty, the two new products monitor trailer weight and adjust the truck's driveline configuration to boost fuel efficiency without impacting performance. Load Logic integrates an advanced sen- sor in the rear suspension with the Mack mDrive automated manual transmission. Roy Horton, director of product market- ing, said when a fully loaded trailer is de- tected, mDrive operates as a direct-drive transmission, locking out 12th gear for increased performance and pulling power. When an empty trailer is detected, the transmission switches to overdrive, en- abling 12th gear to lower cruise rpms and maximize fuel efficiency. During normal operation, lift axle con- trol is automatic, based on payload. The system offers a manual control feature that enables a driver to raise or lower the suspension for easier landing gear retrac- tion or trailer hookup. To deliver optimal traction, the system's suspension pressure and ride height are monitored continu- ously and adjusted to maintain a load bias toward the drive axle. — Jason Cannon MACK LAUNCHES LIFTABLE PUSHER AXLE FOR PINNACLE Mack Load Logic and a liftable pusher axle option for its Pinnacle highway model are designed for applica- tions that routinely haul out heavy and return empty.