MACK Trucks Inc unveiled an assortment of product enhancements at the Mid-America Trucking Show, including new, optimized roof and chassis fairings for the Pinnacle models, additional fuel-efficient Econodyne ratings for its Mack MP engines, and interior enhancements to improve driver comfort and productivity.
Mack rolled out redesigned roof fairings for its Pinnacle 70-inch high-rise, 70-inch mid-rise and 60-inch mid-rise sleepers. The company also debuted stronger, lighter, longer chassis fairings, covering up to a 140-gallon fuel tank, yet costing considerably less than previous options. Customers ordering Mack Pinnacle model sleepers with improved aerodynamics can expect up to a 6% fuel efficiency improvement.
“The new roof fairings are optimized for the lowest possible coefficient of drag and a much smoother transfer of air from the truck to the trailer,” said Jerry Warmkessel, Mack highway marketing manager. “The design of the new chassis fairings is simpler, and more aerodynamic. The fuel efficiency improvements achievable with these optimized aero aids and the proven performance of our MP engines with ClearTech SCR positions the Mack Pinnacle among the best in highway fuel efficiency.”
Building on the fuel saving performance of its EPA 2010 certified MP engines, Mack also announced the addition of four new Econodyne ratings — MP7-405E, MP8-415E, MP8-445E, MP8-505E — fully optimized for fuel efficiency without sacrificing power. Through an enhanced fuel mapping strategy, Mack's EconoBoost intelligent torque management system offers an extra 200 lb-ft of torque seamlessly 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 1,300 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.”
Further enhancements to the Mack Pinnacle series include an optional one-piece windshield, and an updated Grand Touring trim package with button-tuck vinyl and ultraleather seats that provides drivers comfort and a welcoming environment, at no extra charge over the previous trim offering.
Expanding on its application excellence in the vocational market, Mack also introduced a new twin-steer package for its Granite model. Available in axle-forward or axle-back packages, the twin-steer now offers vertical back-of-cab aftertreatment systems: the diesel particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction.
Mack's vocational trucks now also feature Body Link III. Designed with extensive input from body builders, the new Body Link III provides a conveniently located under-cab 29 pin connector, cab pass-through boot for a quick and reliable body hookup, and assignable in-cab switches.
First announced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas, Mack also introduced highway customers at MATS to a sleeper cab version of the Granite model. With a 36-inch flat top sleeper compartment equipped with a curtain, bunk restraint, and a 30-inch by 80-inch mattress, the axle-forward Granite Sleeper is ideal for customers in any market working to meet hours-of-service requirements.
The buzz caused at CONEXPO by the debut of the new Granite Medium Heavy Duty continued at MATS. In line with the Mack tradition of application excellence, the Granite MHD meets the
needs of vocational customers for whom a lighter spec gets the job done. ♦
