LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Volvo Trucks and sister company Mack Trucks exuberantly proclaimed that aerodynamic design improvements and new torque optimization on class 8 trucks provide significant gains in fuel economy over pre-2010 model trucks.

Volvo Trucks says its newly designed VN highway series improves fuel consumption by 3 percent; and, combined with a 5-percent gain with its SCR emissions solution engine, the truck can achieve as much as 8-percent savings, the company said.

Even more boldly, Mack Trucks claimed as much as a 12-percent improvement on its Pinnacle highway tractor when combining its SCR ClearTech engine, new aerodynamic roof and side fairings, and recently optimized power displacement enhancements.

When questioned about the double-digit claim at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Mack product manager Jerry Warmkessel didn’t back down, saying he guaranteed the numbers if the truck is driven efficiently.

New exterior components in the Fuel Enhancement package offered on 2011 Volvo VN model trucks include redesigned mirror heads with aerodynamic shrouds and arms, redesigned hood mirrors that also increase visibility, new bumper and side fairings, and a newly designed bug deflector that reduces fuel efficiency degradation compared to aftermarket devices. Daycab models also come with a more aerodynamic roof fairing and sun visor.

“The Fuel Enhancement package allows customers to optimize airflow around the cab, eliminating turbulence during the transfer of air to the trailer and improving fuel efficiency," Volvo Trucks product manager Frank Bio said.

<<Take a walk-around of the VN’s new areo enhancments with Volvo’s Frank Bio>>

Volvo new 455-hp, 1,550/1,750 lb-ft. torque rating for the Volvo D13 engine will be complemented with existing Eco-Torque and Dual-Torque ratings of 405, 425, 475, and 500 horsepower, designed to maximize fuel economy by providing an intuitive, easy-to-use algorithm that rewards fuel-efficient driving and low-rpm engine operation.

“Eco-Torque and Dual Torque ratings take advantage of high-torque-rise engine curves and take effect in the top two gears, where drivers in line-haul operations spend as much as 95 percent of their driving time," said Ed Saxman, Volvo Trucks’ drivetrain product manager.

"On demand, engine torque will increase by 200 lb-ft – even 300 lb-ft in the case of the 425 horsepower engine – to allow the vehicle to remain in top gear on most grades."

(Eco-Torque ratings are also offered on the D11 and D16 engines).

Additionally, new Mass Based Variable Torque software senses the GVW of the truck and adjusts the engine’s torque when the truck is lightly loaded.

Mack’s areodynamic improvments on the Pinnacle come via redesigned roof fairings for its Pinnacle 70-inch high-rise, 70-inch mid-rise and 60-inch mid-rise sleepers.

Longer chassis fairings on the Mack Pinnacle

The company also debuted lighter, longer chassis fairings, covering up to a 140-gallon fuel tank, yet costing less than the previous option.

Combined, the upgrades are said to boost fuel economy by 6 percent, on top of 5-percent savings from the SCR ClearTech engine. (Equipped with a Mack mDrive automatic transmission, the total can be more than 12 percent, the company says).

As well, Mack added four new Econodyne ratings — MP7-405E, MP8-415E, MP8-445E, MP8-505E – and through a newly enhanced fuel mapping strategy, Mack’s EconoBoost "intelligent torque" management system offers an extra 200 lb-ft. of torque through the system command.

"We found that drivers can significantly increase fuel efficiency by remaining in the top gear as much as possible," said David McKenna, Mack director of powertrain sales and marketing. "EconoBoost initiates at 1300 RPM, providing additional power that allows drivers to remain longer in the top two gears. The engine torque reverts back to the lower profile when the engine senses situations with zero torque input, such as cresting a hill."

Also announced at MATS by both OEMs were newly redesigned interior options and seat coverings, aimed at increasing comfort for drivers.