Overdrive

July 2014

Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info

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48 | Overdrive | July 2014 Drive TesT Drivetrain offerings T here's a lot going on behind the scenes at Navistar these days. The priority is still transitioning from an exhaust gas recirculation-only approach for meeting emissions regula- tions to a full selective catalytic reduction integration throughout its product line. But there's other product refinement taking place, said Steve Gilligan, vice president of product and vocational marketing. As evidence, he pointed out the advanced aerodynamic refinements and the transmissions on the two ProStar test trucks I had come to evaluate at International's Melrose Park Test Center and Engine Plant, west of Chicago. Gilligan said automated transmissions are being ordered on almost 30 percent of new International trucks. For some truck manufacturers, it's approaching 50 percent, he said – another strong indica- tion that the days of manual gearboxes may be numbered. Moreover, he noted that a revived relationship with Cummins has allowed International to take a lead- ership role with the Cummins-Eaton SmartAdvantage integrated drivetrain. Gilligan hinted that International was working with Eaton to develop a new integrated drivetrain with its proprietary MaxxForce 13-liter engine. "The improvement in average fuel economy is undeniable," Gilligan said. "Because as good as automated manual transmissions are by themselves in terms of driver comfort and safety, we know they're also a key enabler for reaching higher levels of average fuel efficiency in heavy-duty trucks. I think we're rapidly approaching the point where 8 or even 9 mpg will become the new industry baseline for fuel economy, and integrated drivetrains are absolutely vital for attain- ing and maintaining those numbers. International intends to achieve this inte- gration through close partnerships with The side-by-side test drives involved two ProStar tractors, one with an Eaton AMT and the other with Allison's fully automatic TC10. As demand grows, Navistar makes room for strong transmission options BY JACK ROBERTS 48 | Overdrive | July 2014 Allison TC10 Maximum input power: 600 horsepower Maximum input torque: 1,700 pound-feet Maximum output torque: 13,000 rpm Eaton SmartAdvantage (with Cummins ISX15) Maximum horsepower: 450 Peak torque: 1,550 pound-feet TestDrive_0714.indd 48 6/26/14 9:30 PM

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