LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The latest generation of the Mack Econodyne engine family is designed to deliver more torque at low engine speeds for improved fuel efficiency and hill pulling performance.

The new Econodyne uses an intelligent torque management strategy, called EconoBoost, that gives drivers the extra muscle to keep vehicle speed constant under full engine loads to avoid downshifts.

The new Econodyne was introduced at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. It’s available now with the MP7 and MP8 series engines in the Mack Pinnacle model highway tractor.

“Econodyne is all about maximum fuel efficiency for highway applications and EconoBoost delivers the full potential of the MP series, with its additional 200 lb-ft of torque on tap,” said David McKenna, Mack director of powertrain sales and marketing. “EconoBoost is power with a purpose, always there when needed, so the driver has the confidence to remain in the highest, most fuel efficient gear while under full load, instead of losing speed and downshifting.”

EconoBoost initiates at 1300 RPM, after four seconds of full throttle in the transmission’s top two gears, opening up another 200 lb-ft of torque for as long as needed. It disengages once the driver lifts off the throttle and driveline torque drops to negative, such as when a hill is crested.

EconoBoost delivers more than 90% of power after an upshift, without a “kick in the pants” experience or driveline shock, according to McKenna.

STANDARD BRAKES
Mack Trucks also announced the Bendix ES (Extended Service) as the standard foundation brake for all Mack truck models.

The Bendix ES brakes have a number of features to improve brake life and durability, while reducing operating costs: a fixed single anchor pin design for superior brake geometry control and longer brake life, thicker brake linings for fewer relines, “E-coated” brake shoes for rust prevention, and “hot staked” brake shoes for improved durability.

Other brake systems, including the Bendix Air Disc, remain available options for Mack customers.

REAR AXLES
Mack brought more than a century of experience building drivelines to the design and engineering of the new Mack C150/151 rear axle carriers. The new carriers combine feature improved rear axle ratios for highway and vocational applications.

“The new C150/151 carriers play a key role in the Mack Pedigreed powertrain,” said McKenna. “They’re lighter, stronger, and stiffer than previous designs and represent what Mack has learned about integrated drivetrains in the last 110 years. The rear carrier is absolutely critical to a successfully-spec’d truck, including the gear-fast/run-slow highway tractor.”

The C150/151 retains Mack’s traditional and unique top-load, dual-reduction design. The top-loaded carrier – where the driveshaft connects to the carrier above the axle – results in near-zero driveline angles, which minimizes noise, vibration and harmonics.

Potential oil leak paths are significantly reduced since the carrier joint is on the horizontal plane, above the level of the oil reservoir. Dual reduction reduces gear face friction and related parasitic losses, component stress and excess heat, increasing overall component life.

Mack’s power divider is standard with the new C150/151 carriers. The Mack patented automatic power divider remains a standard feature, with an optional power divider lockout and optional differential locking systems.

Rear axle ratios run from 3.11:1 to 5.66:1 and the new carriers are compatible with all suspensions offered by Mack.