Today is Sunday July 5th; I’ll be leaving out for my first loaded trip with the new 2015 Cascadia Evolution with the Detroit Integrated Powertrain. The load weight is 35,000 lbs. and I’ll be traveling from Cleveland, NC to Trenton, MO with a stopover in Iowa to attend the Walcott Truckers Jamboree to be held on July 9, 10 and 11th. If you happen to be in the area, be sure to stop by as I will have the new truck on display. Jeff Clark, my fellow Team Run Smart Pro will also be joining me with his Cascadia Evolution on display at the event.
I am looking forward to taking this particular trip to see what the results will be from driving across the various terrains on this run. I will be starting out on I-40 out of Cleveland, NC and crossing over Black Mountain, NC. Black Mountain will be a nice pull in order to see how the new downsped DD15 400 HP-1750 LB/FT. performs. The rest of the drivetrain consists of Detroit DT12 along with Detroit Axle 6x2 configuration with a 2.28 gear ratio. As I head towards the mid - west the highway will begin to flatten out. This should really showcase the fuel mileage capabilities of this engine transmission axle combination. There are a few other items which are new on this truck. One new feature is the Detroit Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM) and another is the Detroit Assurance Suite of Safety Systems. Below, I will give you Detroit’s words from a press release describing these new items. In the future, I will be reporting on how the driver interacts/integrates themselves into these new systems. Personally, I believe all this new technology is great, however I think it’s even greater when the driver of this new equipment fully interacts with the truck in order to maximize its full potential for performance.
Integrated Detroit Powertrain - New Rating, More Efficiency
The integrated Detroit Powertrain features the flagship DD15 engine, with new downsped rating of 400hp and 1750 lb. /ft. The downsped rating enables the engine to turn at lower RPMs regardless of road speed, ultimately reducing fuel consumption and friction.
Detroit Intelligent Powertrain Management
Already engineered for economy and safety, the integrated DT12 continues to push the innovation envelope with the new Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM). This powerful technology uses pre-loaded terrain maps and GPS to know the route ahead and automatically adjusts transmission and engine functions, resulting in an even smoother ride. Features such as eCoast, a technology specific to the DT12 that allows the engine to operate at idle of 500 RPM when road and driver inputs don’t require engine power to move the truck down the road, and creep mode, which improves low-speed maneuverability, perform with the powertrain to benefit performance.
New Detroit Axle Configuration
Working together with the DD15 engine and DT12 transmission, the new Detroit rear axles integrate effortlessly to provide optimum performance. Detroit now offers a 6x2 configuration with a 2.28 ratio that is specifically designed to work with the downsped engine rating, making it the fastest ratio available while still providing the performance drivers demand. The 6x2 Detroit axle configuration incorporates a non-driven tag axle on the tandem, reducing total weight by almost 400 lbs. A new 2.41 ratio in its 6x4 axle configuration is also available for applications requiring superior traction. The integrated Detroit Powertrain includes steer axles that use low-friction needle bearings for maximum maneuverability and minimal maintenance.
The Detroit Assurance™ suite of safety systems protects your drivers and your business by delivering a new level of on-road control and protection in Freightliner Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution trucks. Detroit Assurance fully integrates with your Detroit engine and transmission as well as your truck’s braking systems and dashboard to enhance driver safety by mitigating collisions.