LAS VEGAS—Navistar's newly updated International LT Series tractor and all-new S13 Integrated Powertrain includes the final internal combustion engine (ICE) the company will develop as it moves toward its zero-emission goals, according to company president and CEO Mathias Carlbaum.
Navistar is targeting 50% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 before reaching 100% by 2040.
"The internal combustion engine will be required for many years until the electric vehicle can be fully adopted when we have an available cross-country infrastructure," Carlbaum said during an exclusive launch event for customers, dealers, and industry media at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Aug. 16. "So as we do, we designed the S13 integrated powertrain to ensure it's as sustainable as possible without ever compromising anything on performance."
See also: Navistar’s Huntsville plant to produce integrated powertrain
Customer-centric tractor
The manufacturer's "next-generation" Class 8 truck offers multiple updates intended to improve performance and safety, including an improved aerodynamic package and the option to specify the S13 Integrated Powertrain—developed for North America in a five-year collaboration with Navistar parent the Traton Group—in a package Navistar says can deliver up to a 15% gain in fuel efficiency compared to its first-generation International A26 engine.
The updated aerodynamics package for the LT Series includes:
- Diesel exhaust fluid and fuel fill closeouts allow air to flow smoothly over the chassis skirts.
- Steer wheel closeouts and a modified lower skirt trim improve underbody airflow by restricting airflow through the wheel opening.
- A new roof extender improves air flow between the tractor and trailer gap.
The updated front end includes a new bumper and grille that aligns with recent updates to other International truck models. A new premium 9-inch sleeper mattress and flip-up bunk help maximize cab space for over-the-road drivers when they're not operating the vehicle. Driver safety enhancements to braking and collision mitigation systems include electronic parking brake technology that automatically engages vehicle and trailer parking brakes if the driver forgets.
"In terms of vehicle design updates, the main focus was to offer a simple, sturdy, and strong design that will appeal to fleets and reduce their total cost of ownership," Ciesielski said.
The new LT Series can be spec'd with the S13 powertrain, made up of the 13-liter S13 engine, T14 14-speed automated manual transmission, and Dual Stage Aftertreatment system. The S13 powertrain was designed to provide "superior operating economy, stellar performance, and simplicity and serviceability to the North American commercial vehicle market," the company said.
'Clean-sheet' powertrain
The S13 powertrain features a "clean-sheet" design, with the engine, transmission, and aftertreatment developed and integrated concurrently. In comparison to the A26 engine spec'ed with the 12-speed overdrive Eaton Endurant HD automated transmission, the S13 powertrain also is the lightest weight powertrain on the market, Navistar said.
Navistar's plant in Huntsville, Alabama, will produce the S13 powertrain, which was designed using a "modular" approach that allows for mass customization of various offerings, equating to faster time to market and lower production costs. The system enables efficient cross-brand development and production while allowing for regional adaptation and validation of the powertrain for the North American market.
"The S13 Integrated Powertrain is the catalyst for us to provide a simple, comprehensive ownership solution," said Göran Nyberg, executive vice president of commercial operations at Navistar.
"Our new optimized powertrain paired with a comprehensive ownership solution has a long-expected product life with excellent residual value, truly resetting the standard for the total operating economy in our industry."
