LOUISVILLE, KY. New chassis side fairings and side extenders have been added to the already aerodynamic Cascadia to improve its fuel economy an additional 1.8%, Freightliner Trucks said. The new additions are on display this week at Freightliner’s booth at the Mid-America Trucking Show here.
Freightliner is also offering lightweight options of the Cascadia to lower total cost of ownership for fleets.
“The Cascadia is the right solution for any business that wants to improve fuel economy without compromising style, comfort and performance,” said Kary Schaefer, chief engineer, cab systems, for Freightliner Trucks. “With our new aerodynamic enhancements, we are making it even easier for our customers to optimize their fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs.”
The new aerodynamic enhancements join previous changes which included a roof deflector, chassis skirts, valence panel and bumper with closures on the vehicle, which debuted in 2007. This year’s changes, which include 20-in. side extenders, have generated the additional fuel economy improvement on 72-in. raise roof models.
The trucks Detroit Diesel DD15 engine, direct drive transmission, a variable speed fan, and Freightliner’s proprietary RunSmart predictive cruise control system add to the efficiency of the vehicle, the company said.
For those customers seeking even greater fuel efficiency, the company is packaging lightweight specs for the Cascadia, regardless of whether it is a sleeper configuration or not.
Among the lightweight options are the Detroit Diesel DD13 engine with the Detroit Diesel BlueTec 1-Box Configuration; a new ArvinMeritor aluminum carrier for the M-14X tandem rear axle; Steelite X30 brake drums; Hendrickson Steertek/Airtek axle and suspension; 11 1/8-in. aluminum frame rails and aluminum air tanks; Michelin X One rear tires and Alcoa forged aluminum wheels; SAF-Holland 12-in. aluminum air slide fifth wheel; and a wide selection of lightweight sleeper options.
To help provide owner-operators with the tools they need to effectively manage their operation, Freightliner has unveiled The Edge. Located at www.freightlineredge.com, the site is a free online club designed for owner-operators.
“We created The Edge to arm owner-operators with the tools they need to get ahead and be successful,” said TJ Reed, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. “The Edge is also another way for Freightliner to connect directly with our customers, so we can continue to help them run smart at every turn.”
Visitors will find useful tools on the site as well as traffic and weather reports, Freightliner news, and members-only discounts on merchandise from partners such as Sprint and the Chrome Shop Mafia.
The club also creates a virtual trucking community through its blogs and forums as well as its exclusive social network, The Convoy, where members will find and can contribute tips, advice and personal stories.
