Kenworth announced that Allison Transmission’s FuelSense packages are now available for its Class 8 and medium-duty trucks when specified with Allison Highway Series and Rugged Duty Series automatic transmissions.
The company also said that its Class 8 and medium-duty trucks can now be spec’d with the Alcoa Ultra One wheel.
Allison’s FuelSense packages software and electronic controls together to enhance fuel savings. FuelSense incorporates features that automatically adapt shift schedules and torque, maximizing transmission efficiency based on load, grade and duty cycle, while maintaining superior performance, Kenworth said.
“The addition of Allison’s FuelSense to Kenworth’s product offering gives our new truck customers another opportunity to increase fuel efficiency and save money,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director.
FuelSense is available in three packages, each featuring Allison’s new 5th Generation Electronic Controls. The base package includes EcoCal and Dynamic Shift Sensing. EcoCal works to lower engine speed. Dynamic Shift Sensing automatically selects between EcoCal and a higher shift speed schedule based on the truck’s load and grade on which it is operating.
In addition to those features, the FuelSense Plus package adds “neutral at stop,” which eliminates load on the engine when the vehicle is stopped to help reduce non-productive fuel consumption. For top fuel efficiency, the FuelSense Max package adds acceleration rate management. That management feature automatically controls the engine torque and is available in base, high and ultra economy options.
The 22.5-in. by 8.25-in. Ultra One wheel is made of the proprietary Alcoa MagnaForce alloy. Compared to its existing alloy wheel, the Ultra One offers a 17% increase in strength, weighs just 40 lbs. for an additional 5-lb. weight savings, and maintains the same 7,400-lb. load and 130 psi inflation ratings, according to Alcoa. The Ultra One wheel also is nearly 50% lighter than steel wheels of the same size, the company added.
The wheel is available in Dura-Bright, Dura-Flange, Mirror Polish, Clean Buff and Brush finishes.
