Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/506679
38 | Overdrive | May 2015 P eterbilt Motor Co. introduced enhancements to its Model 579 Epiq that it said can improve fuel efficiency by up to 14 percent. The gains come from aerodynamics, drivetrain tweaks, tire pressure monitoring and sys- tem-generated driver performance tips, said Scott Newhouse, chief engineer. The company's new Predictive Cruise technology automatically optimizes engine and transmission operation when in cruise control. The system works by anticipating and responding to changes in terrain, such as accelerating ahead of hills and coasting on the decline. That can result in up to 3 percent improved fuel economy, said Darrin Siver, Peterbilt general manager. Predictive Cruise also integrates with Peterbilt's Driver Performance Assistant, which coaches drivers with fuel-saving tips, said Newhouse. Predictive Cruise is available factory-installed for both the Model 579 and 567. Peterbilt also announced: New sleeper: A new 58-inch sleeper is available for Model 579 in low- and mid- roof configurations, which Peterbilt said is ideal for weight-conscious short- and regional-haul operations. Interior package: The Platinum Graphite Interior Package is available for Models 579 and 567 in daycab configu- rations or when equipped with a 72- or 80-inch sleeper. SFFA for Model 567: The company also launched a new set-forward front-axle configuration for its flagship vocational Model 567 that is suited for mixer and other weight-conscious applications. Advanced infotainment: Peterbilt intro- duced the next generation of its Smart- Nav infotainment system that features an expanded array of virtual gauges, auto-activated safety cameras, improved hands-free calling and real-time traffic and fuel price information. Vehicle diagnostics: Peterbilt's new SmartLinq remote vehicle diagnostics sys- tem will be available on trucks equipped with the Paccar MX-13 engine. New CNG models: Peterbilt introduced two new medium-duty vehicles powered by compressed natural gas: Models 337 and 348, both powered by the Cummins Westport ISL G with 320 horsepower and 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. LNG tractors: Peterbilt introduced its Models 579 and 567 in liquefied natural gas configurations, available as daycabs. Both trucks are powered by the Cum- mins-Westport ISX12 G with up to 400 horsepower and 1,450 lb.-ft. of torque. — Max Heine PETERBILT TOUTS 579 EPIQ UPGRADES V olvo's latest initiatives include an Adaptive Loading system based around an automatically con- trolled 6×2 liftable forward axle. Also, Volvo Remote Diagnostics service has been expanded to monitor critical I-Shift automated transmission fault codes, said Wade Long, director of product market- ing for North America. The service now monitors internal I-Shift transmission components on mod- el-year 2016 trucks. Remote Diagnostics will monitor both the standard I-Shift transmission and the I-Shift for severe duty applications. Adaptive Loading is a new 6×2 liftable forward axle that automatically adjusts to load weight changes and offers 4×2 operation under certain conditions. Key benefits of Adaptive Loading include greater fuel efficiency, improved traction, lower maintenance costs and increased driver productivity. Adaptive Loading is suited for bulk haul or general freight operations where the truck goes out loaded and returns empty, and for diminishing-load applications. "For many operations that run empty or lightly loaded much of the time, Adaptive Loading is an innovative way to change the truck's configuration on the fly for maximum efficiency," said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. To further enhance fuel efficiency gains, customers selecting Adaptive Loading can choose one of Volvo's XE (eXceptional Efficiency) powertrain pack- ages, including XE Adaptive Gearing and XE Economy. XE powertrain packages improve fuel efficiency by downspeeding. — Jack Roberts VOLVO DETAILS I-SHIFT UPGRADES, ADAPTIVE LOADING AXLE SYSTEM Peterbilt said the new 58-inch sleeper for its Model 579 in low- and mid-roof configurations reduces weight by up to 100 pounds versus the 80-inch sleeper. An image of the Model 579 is displayed on the TV screen. Volvo Remote Diagnostics now monitors internal I-Shift automated transmission components on model-year 2016 trucks. Mid-AMericA Trucking Show TruckS&engineS