The new Cascadia is available with the integrated Detroit Powertrain, which combines the fuel-efficient downsped 400 hp/1,750 lb/ft of torque Detroit DD15 or Detroit DD13 engines with the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission, Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM4) and corresponding Detroit steer and rear tandem axles.

The DD15 and DD13 engines are optimally matched to the updated EGR system to deliver enhanced performance. The DD15 is now lighter and can go longer between routine service appointments. The GHG17 certified DD15 also features a variable-speed water pump for lower impeller speeds, resulting in less parasitic load; an improved DDEC electronics system for better engine and after-treatment system management; and an optimized piston design for less friction and oil consumption.

The new Detroit rear axles have features such as lower sump volume, gear-set coating, friction reducing gear cutting and optional Axle Lubrication Management that reduces parasitic loss and improves fuel economy. New Detroit rear drive axle ratios 2.28 and 2.16 are available in the new Cascadia to further promote downspeeding and thus improved fuel economy.

The new DT12 has also been updated to improve fuel efficiency and reduce friction by using super-finished gears and use of low viscosity transmission oil. It also features the latest generation of intelligent powertrain management (IPM4), which uses a GPS-based system to anticipate upcoming road terrain and maximize the powertrain’s ability to utilize fuel most effectively.

The new Cascadia also has a fresh, aerodynamic shape with dozens of sleek new updates, selected specifically to improve fuel efficiency. Standard enhancements such as an upper door seal, elliptical-shaped mirrors, sloped hood, bumper with integrated air deflector and integrated antennas all minimize drag. The optional Aero and AeroX packages provide additional aerodynamic benefits to manage airflow, including longer side extenders, lower chassis fairings, drive wheel covers and proprietary-designed wheel fairings.

The new Detroit Connect Analytics builds on the well-proven features, such as the Virtual Technician remote diagnostic service. The “Virtual Technician” sends a technical snapshot of the engine’s status to the Customer Service Center when warning lights turn on to help identify and solve the problem. Detroit Connect Analytics further deepens the connection between the fleet’s management, the driver and the vehicle. Analytics provides users with on-demand, automated fuel efficiency and safety analysis. By quickly identifying behaviors, trends, root causes, and key insights on fuel consumption as well as safety performance data across the fleet repair costs are reduced and operating times increased.

The new Cascadia also comes with new safety technologies. The new full LED system allows for an impressive field of view in nighttime and bad weather conditions. It enables drivers to better distinguish objects in the road as well as reduce eyestrain. The optional Detroit Assurance 4.0 suite of safety systems includes Active Brake Assist that now provides full braking on stationary objects, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning.

With 412,000 units sold since the launch of the first Cascadia in 2007 the Cascadia is the best-selling Class 8 truck in the NAFTA region. And with a market share of approximately 43%, Daimler Trucks North America is the biggest truck producer in the US and Canada.

SuperTruck II. DTNA was selected last week to receive a $20-million award from the US Department of Energy (DOE) for the SuperTruck II program. (Earlier post.) The multi-year program will further increase the fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles while decreasing carbon pollution. It builds on the success of the first SuperTruck initiative and accelerates the development of technologies that can more than double the efficiency of trucks across the United States.