Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/605409
E aton and Cummins announced Wednesday, Nov. 4, upgrades to their jointly-developed and marketed SmartAdvantage op mized powertrain at the Eaton Proving Grounds outside of Marshall, MI., as well as upgrades across all Eaton Ul- traShi Plus-based automated manual transmissions. Additionally, trucking industry journalists were treated to an early test drive of 2017 Cummins' ISX15 engine, although the company was understandably mum on details. Chief among the SmartAdvantage upgrades is a new direct-drive ver- sion of the integrated powertrain, designed for fl eets that typically operate at lower highways speeds ranging from 50 to 62 mph. The direct drive option is available with Cummins ISX15 in 400- and 450-horsepower ratings and 1,550 and 1750 ft.-lbs. torque-ratings and designed to insure optimal perfor- mance at lower rpm when combined with a 2.26 or 2.28 axle ratios. The direct drive SmartAdvantage will complement the overdrive version of the powertrain, which debuted in 2013, and is now being of- fered with expanded horsepower rat- ings. Ryan Tryzbin- ski, product strategy manager for Eaton, says the new 400- and 420-horse- power ratings for the overdrive SmartAdvantage drivetrain will give fl eets and owner-operators addi- tional options beyond its original 450 horsepower rating. Additionally, Ea- ton's "small step" gearing technology adds a 26 percent step between 9th |Tomorrow's Trucks | Eaton and Cummins expand features, hp options for SmartAdvantage powertrain off ering By Jack Roberts 22 www.studentdriverplacement.com December '15 CCJ's Jack Roberts test drove the Cummins-Eaton SmartAdvan- tage powertrain in this International ProStar