LOUISVILLE, KY. Mack Trucks Inc. debuted its new Mack Pedigree (signifying all-Mack (componentry) Super Econodyne integrated powertrain as well as its new Pedigree Uptime Protection integrated service-and-support package here today at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
“Mack recognized more than 112 years ago that components designed to work together provide superior performance,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president, marketing. “The new Super Econodyne powertrain package we’re rolling out here is a perfect example of what we can accomplish with a Mack Pedigree Powertrain. With Pedigree Uptime Protection, we’re extending the concept of integration beyond the product– integrating the entire truck ownership experience to deliver a total business solution that keeps our customers out in front of their competition.”
(Photos: Mack Trucks brought a wide assortment of its products - from highway tractors and refuse vehicles to engines and transmissions - to the 2012 Mid America Trucking Show, including the infamous "Megatron" tractor.)
The Super Econodyne powertrain is designed with all-Mack proprietary components: an MP8-445SE engine, mDrive automated manual transmission, C125 proprietary drive axles and custom software. According to the OEM, “all combine to offer a system designed for industry-leading fuel efficiency without compromising power or performance. The result is up to 3.5% better fuel efficiency compared to other similarly spec’d vehicles.”
Aimed at dry van, reefer, liquid and dry bulk hauling and flatbed operations, the Super Econodyne is available on all Mack Pinnacle Class 8 models. With the addition of Super Econodyne, rated up to 88,000 lbs. GCWR, noted Mack, “the aerodynamic Pinnacle offers even greater operating benefits while maintaining driver satisfaction.”
The Mack MP8-445SE produces 445 hp. and up to 1,760 lbs.-ft. of torque. The C125 axles have a 2.66:1 ratio. All powertrain components communicate with each other via Mack software.
“Super Econodyne builds upon our roots,” said David McKenna, Mack director of powertrain sales. “Mack pioneered the low-speed Econodyne engines in the 1960s. Historically, we’ve insisted on gearing fast, running slow. Now, we’ve designed a completely integrated system to run efficiently at 450 rpm above idle speed when before it was 700 to 800 rpm above idle speed.
“It’s the ultimate in complete powertrain integration,” he continued. “The engine seamlessly communicates with the transmission, which seamlessly communicates with the vehicle, resulting in instantaneous decisions. Add the Mack C125 drive axle, and we’re talking about fuel-efficiency benefits never before realized in a powertrain system.”
According to McKenna, contributing to the fuel-efficiency improvement is the Super Econodyne’s “down speed” feature. He said Super Econodyne is engineered to “down speed” more than 200 rpm at a highway speed of 65 mph, cruising at 1160 rpm vs. 1380 rpm. He stated that this reduces fuel consumption by up to 2% compared with previous engine models, with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions, and that the proprietary C125 drive axles deliver an additional 1.5% fuel-economy improvement.
McKenna said that the Mack mDrive transmission is also key to the fuel efficiency delivered with the Super Econodyne powertrain package. The 12-spd. automated manual has no clutch pedal and the gearshift is operated by an intelligent shift pad module and managed by sophisticated electronics. He pointed out that mDrive continuously monitors changes in grade (both up and down), vehicle speed, throttle position, acceleration, torque demand and combined vehicle weight.
Pedigree Uptime Protection is an integrated package of aftermarket solutions with three components: Bulldog Service Management, Bulldog Parts Purchasing and Bulldog Asset Protection.
Bulldog Service Management is powered by Mack’s MVASIST electronic vehicle-servicing platform and includes Mack’s OneCall service. MVASIST allows customers to improve communications, manage costs, reduce downtime and increase operating efficiency, said John Walsh. Through an online portal, customers are able to communicate with the dealer, initiate repairs, access a complete service history, approve and monitor repair status and manage repair expenses.
Mack recently announced that MVASIST will come free of charge on any new Mack truck delivered after Jan. 1, 2012. OneCall is a full-service support center that manages breakdown assistance, towing services, technical support and real-time online case tracking.
Bulldog Parts Purchasing enables 24/7 parts purchasing online and offers online access to purchase and invoice history.
Bulldog Asset Protection includes purchased coverage and provides preventive maintenance programs that can be performed at any Mack dealer in the U.S. as well as inspections based on CSA guidelines.
“We listened to what our customers said they needed from an aftermarket perspective, and we developed an integrated all-encompassing solution tailored to their needs,” said Dave Albert, Mack director of aftermarket solutions.
“Customers said they wanted a solution that would improve communication with dealers and service technicians,” he continued. “They said they wanted to get back on the road faster and to have the ability to order parts around-the-clock. Pedigree Uptime Protection offers all of those benefits and more.”
