Freightliner Trucks introduced the 2014 Cascadia Evolution Class 8 truck model, which is powered by Detroit and features some of the most advanced aerodynamic enhancements in the industry.
The Cascadia Evolution delivers up to an additional 7 percent improvement in fuel economy over an EPA 2010-compliant Cascadia equipped with a first-generation aerodynamic package and up to a 5 percent improvement compared to a current model year 2013 Cascadia equipped with the latest aerodynamic upgrades.
“With the introduction of the Cascadia and Detroit DD15 in 2007, our priority was to help customers lower their total cost of ownership through improved fuel efficiency and performance,” said David Hames, general manager, marketing and strategy for Daimler Trucks North America. “The Cascadia and the DD15 have since made a powerful impression on businesses.
“Now, with the Cascadia Evolution, we are building upon our commitment to maximizing our customers’ bottom lines with new product advancements that will deliver unprecedented fuel efficiency.”
The optimized aerodynamic features on the new Cascadia Evolution were developed using Daimler Trucks North America’s proprietary, state-of-the-art wind tunnel – the only full-scale, OEM-owned and operated wind tunnel for big rigs in North America. In addition, the truck was extensively tested on highways throughout the United States, and underwent almost three million miles in combined reliability and fuel economy testing.
With new, standard features that seamlessly combine the Cascadia’s already sleek profile with enhanced aerodynamics, the Cascadia Evolution incorporates several frontal area updates designed to improve airflow and aerodynamics including a new air dam, bumper closure and a hood-to-bumper fill.
The Cascadia Evolution also includes an improved windshield seal, elliptical-shaped aerodynamic mirrors and an integrated antenna. New wheel covers on the rear tandem axles, chassis side fairings and 20-inch side extenders further contribute to the truck’s efficiency.
Cooling enhancements include a 1,400-square-inch radiator, which features a revised baffling system and new radiator mounting design that contribute to improved cooling capacity and increased durability.
Available only in the Cascadia Evolution, the newly designed DD15 engine features a proprietary asymmetric turbocharger with a next-generation amplified common rail system (ACRS). The asymmetric turbocharger is less complex than variable geometry turbos and, because it is proprietary, is optimally matched to the DD15’s EGR system for best real world fuel consumption. The next-generation ACRS also delivers higher injection pressure for better combustion control and a simplified design for optimal regenerations.
The enhanced DD15 is more than 100 lbs. lighter than its predecessor and includes an improved fuel filter module with two filters that deliver lower maintenance costs with an industry-leading 100,000 mile filter change interval. The engine also features a variable speed water pump that allows for lower impeller speeds, resulting in less parasitic load, improved DDEC electronics for better engine and aftertreatment system management and an optimized piston design for less friction and oil consumption.
In February 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified DTNA’s complete portfolio of model year 2013 on-highway, vocational and medium-duty vehicles as fully compliant with the new GHG14 regulations. DTNA is the first and only North American commercial vehicle manufacturer to be certified as GHG14 compliant.
For more information, go to www.freightlinertrucks.com or www.DemandDetroit.com.