Freightliner Cascadia receives European style driveline.
Daimler Trucks North America has announced a new integrated Detroit driveline for the Freightliner Cascadia.
Mandated fuel economy standards are looming for heavy vehicles in the North American market.
In answer to this, a new Mercedes Benz-derived European style driveline now gives the Cascadia Detroit-branded automated transmission (AMT) and even Detroit-branded axles.
The Freightliner Cascadia Evolution is due to be introduced in North America in January 2015.
Power is provided by the Detroit DD15, which is based on Daimler’s H-Dep global engine platform, and backed by a Detroit DT12 AMT.
Surprisingly for the US market the new model will also be available in 6×2 guise as well as 6×4, which is perhaps another nod in the direction of the driveline’s European heritage.
A de-rated ‘down speed’ version of the DD15 package will be offered at 400hp (294.2kW)but maintaining a torque rating of 2372Nm.
“Down speeding improves fuel economy by shifting usable power and torque to a lower RPM range,” Detroit engine and component manager Brad Williamson says.
“Because we understand how important driver retention is to the real cost of ownership, Detroit engineers made sure to deliver a product that drivers will like.”
The driveline will be available in the new aerodynamic Western Star 5700 model to be launched in North America late next year.
While no timeframe has been confirmed, indications from Daimler Trucks Australia are that the Freightliner Cascadia will be making an appearance on the Australian market at some stage in the future.