Volvo Debuts Mack brand MP 8HE Engine and HE+ Fuel-Economy Package

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Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT)  /  June 14, 2018

Mack Trucks, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sweden-based Volvo Group, has introduced its MP 8HE 13L engine and HE+ fuel-efficiency package for on-highway Anthem models. The OEM said Anthem trucks spec’d with the new engine and package will provide up to a 9.5% boost in fuel efficiency and achieve the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay designation.

The MP8HE engine leverages Mack Energy Recovery Technology, which captures waste energy from the engine’s exhaust and converts it to mechanical energy that is delivered back to the engine crankshaft as additional torque.

The HE+ package consists of a number of fuel efficiency-enhancing features, including additional aerodynamic components that “take the superior aerodynamic advantage of the Mack Anthem a step further,” according to the truck and engine maker. The Anthem, rolled out in September, boasts an all-new exterior design and  optimized aerodynamics.

“Customers continue to place a heavy emphasis on improving fuel efficiency, particularly now, as we see fuel prices steadily climbing,” said Jonathan Randall, senior vice president, North American sales and marketing. “Combining our advanced, yet reliable Energy Recovery Technology with additional aerodynamic features, we’re able to achieve significant fuel savings without compromising performance.”

Roy Horton, director of product strategy, said that by “capturing and using waste energy from the exhaust, Mack’s Energy Recovery Technology allows the engine to run at lower RPM for less stress on components. This not only improves fuel efficiency, but also helps improve durability and reliability.”

The MP8HE is available exclusively with the Mack mDrive automated manual transmission. Fully integrated with the engine, the transmission contributes to overall efficiency by constantly monitoring speed, grade, and load to identify ideal shift points and help ensure the truck is always in the right gear, said the OEM. It also enables the lower, downsped cruise RPM to take advantage of the extra torque provided by the Energy Recovery Technology.

The HE+ package adds Mack’s Predictive Cruise, an intelligent system that memorizes a route when cruise control is on, storing up to 4,500 hills in its memory. The next time a driver travels the same route, the OEM said, Predictive Cruise engages the ideal shift strategy for maximum fuel efficiency.

In developing the Anthem, Mack noted that “engineers pored over data to design a truck that more easily cuts through the wind. Despite its bold, muscular looks, the Anthem includes a number of aerodynamic enhancements for improved fuel efficiency. Mack’s HE+ package builds on these to deliver the ultimate in efficiency.”

Horton said the additional features of the HE+ package include a roof fairing with trim tab, side fairings with extensions, chassis fairings with ground effects, and an aero bumper with spoiler. “Together with the MP8HE, these deliver a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 9.5% compared to a base MP8-equipped Anthem model.”

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