Mack mDrive

Mack Trucks introduced its new Mack mDrive automated manual transmission at a press event today, March 25, in Louisville, Ky.

The company said the mDrive AMT gives customers up to 1.5 percent improved fuel efficiency, better driveability and enhanced driver satisfaction by automating gear shifting, while improving safety.

Mack also introduced Econodyne engine ratings to maximize fuel economy; its new C150/151 family of rear axles, with new gear ratios tailored for the MP engine series; a new cab-mounted exhaust for the Granite model; and the standard fitment of Bendix ES (extended service) foundation brakes.

Designed and engineered to work exclusively with MP engines, mDrive will be available on Pinnacle model highway tractors powered by MP7 and MP8 engines. Customers may order the new mDrive now, with deliveries to begin early in the fourth quarter of this year.

“mDrive boldly expands Mack’s leadership in heavy-duty powertrains,” said Kevin Flaherty, Mack senior vice president of sales and marketing. “To be considered Pedigreed, the engine, transmission and axles must be all Mack, providing performance and fuel economy second to none.”

The mDrive has 12 forward and four reverse speeds, and is available in direct drive or overdrive. It has a torque capacity of 1920 lb.-ft. and a dry weight of 615 pounds. The shifting strategy for mDrive is optimized for North American highway conditions and is based on cruise speeds of 1350 to 1450 rpm for best performance and fuel economy.

The driver interacts with mDrive through a dash-mounted control pad containing manual input and hold shift buttons, with an integral display indicating the current gear. In addition, the Mack Co-Pilot driver display in the center of the instrument panel provides the driver with transmission status, including the number of upshifts or downshifts available, the current gear and the current operating mode (such as Economy or Performance). The transmission’s Economy mode maximizes time spent in top gear, while Performance mode maximizes gradeability.