When I began driving the Cascadia for the “Slice of Trucker Life” program, one of my goals was to average a mile per pint fuel mileage… (8mpg.) I was thrilled at the lifetime fuel mileage results from the 2010 Cascadia which was 8.71.
Now, let’s fast forward to the new “Team Run Smart” program in which I’m piloting the new 2013 Cascadia Evolution. This truck has numerous aerodynamic improvements from its predecessor
Bumper closure which reduces high velocity air from entering the engine compartment.
- Windshield seal improvements which streamline air flow around the A pillar.
- Hood to bumper fill which seals hood to bumper gap to prevent high velocity air from entering underside of hood.
- Elliptical shaped mirrors (I don’t have these as of yet.)
- Rear Wheel Covers which reduces air turbulence caused by the cavities in the rear tractor wheels (I have these on my trailer as well.)
- Side extender filler piece which prevents high speed air from entering the trailer gap.
- The new antennae is integrated into the roof cap.
- 20 inch side extenders.
- Chassis side fairing enhancements.
- Bumper air dam reduces drag on the under body components
- Cooling enhancements manage under hood airflow for reduced drag.
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- Now, we’ll move on to the power train for the new Cascadia Evolution. The new DD15 has evolved as well. The new features of the engine include:
- Proprietary Asymmetric Turbocharger – reduced weight and complexity.
Next – generation Amplified Common Rail Fuel System (ACRS) higher injector pressure for improved combustion control.
- Fuel Filter Module – one less filter; extends service change interval to 100,000 miles.
Variable Speed Water Pump – reduces load on the engine
New Piston Design – friction optimized for better fuel economy.
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- Now, let’s move on to the transmission which is equally revolutionary.
- Direct Drive. The AMT is a 12-speed, non-synchronized transmission with shorter gear steps. It has one main shaft and one counter shaft. In top gear the transmission operates as a direct drive, sending engine input directly to the main shaft, eliminating parasitic gear mesh losses of power and fuel efficiency.
- Active Drive line Protection. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) calculates the torque wind-up in the drive line and regulates with engine torque control for enhanced driving comfort and less drive line wear. The TCM even limits torque in severe surface conditions, protecting the drive line.
- Power train Communication. The power train communicates in real-time with the proprietary power train network and motor control module to optimize efficiency through the entire power train.
- Skip Shift. To increase shifting efficiency, the electronic power train controls automatically “skip” unnecessary gears. This helps increase acceleration to achieve cruising speed quickly and smoothly. This also allows the driver to begin the acceleration in the appropriate “start gear” based on load and grade.
- eCoast. To save even more fuel, the transmission is able to automatically disengage when the vehicle is coasting. Sophisticated transmission electronics ensure safe operations in all driving conditions.
- The Detroit AMT also provides a weight advantage over traditional designs. The aluminum housing and single counter shaft help save weight, allowing for even more payload efficiency.
These innovative features combined with a 6x2 axle configuration, fully aerodynamic trailer and 30,000 lb. loads (nearly zero deadhead miles) have resulted in 9 mpg fill ups on a regular basis. The last six tankful’s are as follows:
9.629, 9.007, 9.691, 9.063, 9.10 and 8.653. The last fill up which pulled me below the 9 mpg was due to a wind storm and two days of demonstration rides in Oklahoma. The Cruise speed was at 65 M.P.H. where applicable.