DETROIT, Mich. — Detroit Diesel Corp. has standardized some transmission options.

The company has decided to include its Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM) system on any Detroit D12 automated manual that is paired with a heavy-duty engine. This configuration will be standard as of March 2015.

According to Detroit Diesel, IPM integrates pre-loaded terrain maps and GPS information into engine and transmission functions, thereby allowing the powertrain to “learn” the route ahead, up to distance of one mile. This should assist the system to operate more efficiently and smoothly by using the momentum of the truck to prevent unnecessary shifts, predictively apply engine braking and acceleration and precisely control eCoast events. IPM automatically switches on as soon as the driver turns on the cruise control.

IPM is designed to integrate with the company’s Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems, including active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control.

“Intelligent Powertrain Management technology employs many of the same behaviors that an experienced driver uses behind the wheel, but in many situations take actions that even the most experienced driver would be unable to employ such as engaging eCoast before cresting a hill. Ultimately actions like this will help all drivers achieve greater efficiency with less fatigue,” said Brad Williamson, manager, engine and component marketing for Daimler Trucks North America. “We want to give our customers the most advanced technologies available to lower to their real cost of ownership, and IPM is a key part of that strategy.”