Mack Trucks revealed new versions of its 13-liter Mack MP 8HE engine and FlowBelow Tractor AeroKit system on Mack Anthem highway models. The new MP8HE engine improves fuel efficiency by up to 3% compared to the current MP8HE, while the FlowBelow System improves fuel efficiency by up to 2.23%.
Anthem models spec’d with Mack’s new extended chassis fairings and the Mack HE+ efficiency package, which includes the revised MP8HE engine, now aims to deliver up to a 13% improvement in fuel efficiency. Mack announced the new offer, now available for order, during the virtual American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition.
“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,” said Stu Russoli, highway product manager at Mack Trucks. “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.
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% improved fuel efficiency compared to a base Mack Anthem model.
“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,” said 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.”
