Daimler Trucks North America’s DT12 automated manual transmission has evolved into the DT12 On-Highway Series, offering three options to address various on-highway applications.

Leading the pack, the all-new DT12-HE transmission supports the growing interest in downspeeding that uses faster rear axle ratios in the name of fuel efficiency. In response to that trend, the transmission offers higher overall ratios and an improved oil system design. It debuts in the Freightliner Cascadia beginning in early 2021.

Features include adaptive thermal management, optimized gearing and range group, side and rear PTO capabilities, a new oil pump, and a bottom-mounted oil intake.

The gears have increased overall ratios from 15 to 19, supporting the downspeeding in the name of fuel-efficiency and low speed maneuverability. The range group will also support gross combination weights up to 160,000 lb.

The transmission has a torque rating of 2,250 lb-ft.

Other model applications are scheduled to be announced soon, Daimler says.

The DT12-HL transmission, meanwhile, is intended for weight-sensitive applications. It’s 125 lb. lighter, and has a torque rating of 1,650 lb-ft, supporting a GCW of up to 80,000 lb.

The DT12-H is a new designation for the proven “stalwart” of the transmission portfolio, supporting 2,050 lb-ft of torque and a GCW up to 140,000 lb.

The DT12-H and DT12-HL are both available in today’s Cascadia production.