Mack announces next-gen engine, availability of aero kit

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Updated Oct 29, 2020

Mack Trucks announced a new version of its 13-liter Mack MP8HE engineMack Trucks announced a new version of its 13-liter Mack MP8HE engine that improves fuel efficiency by up to 3 percent compared with the current MP8HE.

Mack Anthem models spec’d with Mack’s new extended chassis fairings and the Mack HE+ efficiency package, which includes the revised MP8HE engine, now deliver up to a 13 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with a baseline Anthem model, the company says.

“From its inception, our work on the Mack Anthem model has been about finding ways to save customers money with improved fuel efficiency from superior aerodynamics and powertrain technology,” says Stu Russoli, Mack Trucks highway product manager. “We thoroughly revised our MP8HE engine to bring even greater efficiency benefits through our proven Mack Energy Recovery Technology.”

Mack Energy Recovery Technology captures waste energy from the engine’s exhaust, converting it back into mechanical energy delivered to the engine crankshaft as additional torque. To improve efficiency further, Mack engineers implemented an updated wave piston design that helps to evenly distribute the air/fuel mixture within the cylinder to burn fuel more completely and consistently than traditional piston designs. Additional efficiency gains came by increasing the MP8HE’s compression ratio from 17:1 to 18:1 and adding an improved turbocharger and wastegate, Mack says.

The Mack HE+ efficiency package bundles the MP8HE engine, the Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmission, Mack Predictive Cruise and a plethora of aerodynamic enhancements for the ultimate in fuel efficiency. The HE+ package can also be combined with Mack’s all-new extended chassis fairings, which smooth airflow around the rear axles to deliver an additional 0.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

The next-generation Mack MP8HE engine will continue to be offered in 415 and 445 horsepower ratings with 1,760 and 1,860 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively.

Mack also announced the availability of a factory-installed FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit system on its Mack Anthem highway modelsMack also announced the availability of a factory-installed FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit system on its Mack Anthem highway models, further improving fuel efficiency by up to 2.23 percent. The system will be available for order beginning later this quarter.

“The Mack Anthem model boasts outstanding fuel efficiency, whether in base form or with the added aerodynamic components found on our Mack HE+ efficiency package,” says Russoli. “Adding the FlowBelow system as a factory-installed option gives customers even more ways to maximize fuel efficiency through aero options that fit their applications.”

The FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit system is a complete aerodynamic system designed to reduce aerodynamic turbulence as air passes over the rear axles of a tractor. The system combines center and rear fairings with aerodynamic wheel covers to improve fuel efficiency by up to 2.23 percent. Each of the components is designed with durability in mind and is also easily removed for quick maintenance and service access, the company says.

“FlowBelow is proud to partner with Mack Trucks and offer our Tractor AeroKit as a factory-installed option on Mack Anthem models,” says Gordon Virginski, vice president of OEM and dealer programs, FlowBelow. “Our solutions have helped drivers and fleets save more than 70 million gallons of fuel over the past 10 plus years, and we’re pleased to be able to bring our expertise to Mack customers.”

FlowBelow’s Tractor AeroKit system complements a number of other aerodynamic options available for the Mack Anthem model. The Mack HE+ package for Mack Anthem models combines several aerodynamic components, including a roof fairing with trim tab, side fairings with extensions, chassis fairings with ground effects and an aero bumper with spoiler, with the recently announced next generation Mack MP8HE engine, Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmission and Mack Predictive Cruise. Together, these components deliver up to 12.5 percent improved fuel efficiency compared to a base Mack Anthem model.

The FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit is available in black or white on Mack Anthem 6×4 and 6×2 tag configurations. Wheel covers are available in black, white and chrome.

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