PORTLAND, Ore. — The Freightliner Cascadia is more aerodynamic than other class 8 commercial truck, claims the truckmaker.

Citing a report by Auto Research Center, Inc. (ARC) — an independent aerodynamics research team used by vehicle manufacturers, NASCAR and other racing teams — Freightliner says the amount of drag for the Cascadia is consistently lower and better than competitors.

Aerodynamics isn’t a function of looks — it’s about
measured air flow resistance, says Freightliner.

ARC researchers compared the Cascadia with similarly spec’d International ProStar, Kenworth T660, Peterbilt 386 and Volvo 780 models. The tests involved Freightliner’s own state-of-the-art wind tunnel, the only aerodynamic testing facility in the world built specifically for Class 8 vehicles.

Researchers measured wind drag on the front, sides and back of the tractor, as well as the front of the trailer. There was a tractor-trailer gap of 48 inches. According to Freightliner, The ProStar recorded 7.8 percent more drag than the Cascadia; the 780 showed 9.6 percent more drag; the T660 showed 18.8 percent more drag; and the 386 showed 22.9 percent more drag.

“My overall conclusion from this test is that based upon the results, the Freightliner Cascadia is the most aerodynamic of the five tractors tested,” said Mike Camosy, ARC operations manager, in a written report.

“Aerodynamic efficiency isn’t a function of looks — it’s about measured air flow resistance. We were confident the Cascadia would prove to be superior in this area when solid science was applied,” said Michael Delaney, senior vice president of marketing for Freightliner. “The results proved what we expected. It’s always great to have the facts independently validated.”

The Cascadia has already accumulated 2,500 hours of aerodynamic testing over 16 months, says Delaney.

Using anticipated fuel costs and differing applications, the Cascadia’s efficiency could save customers as much as $950 to $2,750 a year per truck, Delaney added. Fuel savings were calculated assuming each truck was driven 144,000 miles per year, with fuel at $3 per gallon, driving 60 mph.