LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Truckers who want ample power out of a 13-litre engine will get just that from Mack, thanks to a new Econodyne+ rating in its MP8 engine.

The new Econodyne+ MP8, available in the Mack Pinnacle, will offer up to 505 hp and 1,860 lb.-ft. of torque w hen operating in the two top gears. That’s an extra 200 lb.-ft. of torque when required, allowing the driver to remain in the top gears longer and better handle long, steep grades, David McKenna, powertrain sales and marketing manager with Mack announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

The additional torque is delivered courtesy of Mack’s EconoBoost feature, which kicks in when a driver is operating at peak torque output with 100% throttle.

“Customers demanded greater power, and we delivered it with the advanced MP8 engine platform,” said David McKenna, Mack director of powertrain sales and marketing. “Mack customers working in mountainous areas requiring higher torque output can remain in top gear for longer, supplying more power and preserving fuel economy.”

Mack also rounded out its natural gas truck line, announcing availability of the Cummins ISX12 G in the Pinnacle axle back model. A liquefied natural gas (LNG) Pinnacle powered by the ISX12 G has been delivered to UPS, Mack announced.

Mack already offered natural gas trucks in the refuse market and later this year, will have natural gas-powered Granite trucks available for the vocational segment.