Daimler Trucks North America began production of Detroit DD8 engine last month, adding a lightweight, medium duty option to the larger power packages widely spec’ed for the Freightliner vocational and on-highway trucks.
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The DD8 engine suits Freightliner 108SD and 114SD models configured for mixer, dump and construction applications. |
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“The DD8 is built for performance with features that meet the needs of specialized segments,” says Detroit Powertrain and Component Product Marketing Manager Brian Daniels. “A big differentiator for the brand is the Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostics system, which is available as standard [and] helps fleets make informed service decisions within minutes of an engine or aftertreatment fault event, increasing uptime.”
The DD8’s maintenance intervals are up to three times longer than the competition, he contends. One of the features designed with the vocational market in mind is variable exhaust cam phasing, used at low engine speeds to increase exhaust temperatures and increase uptime by reducing the need for manual regenerations. The DD8 also has a B10 life of 400,000 miles, backing the company’s commitment to delivering a robust and reliable product.
Manufactured at the same Michigan facility as the Detroit DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines, plus the DT12 automated manual transmission and Detroit axles, the DD8 strengthens the company’s line-up of powertrain offerings. Detroit has continued to evolve through technological innovations and an ever-expanding product portfolio to provide customers with an array of solutions.
“The successful launch of the DD8 engine is yet another testament to our global powertrain strategy. During an intense four-year program, we invested $375 million to develop and optimize our global medium-duty engine platform for the North American market,” observes DTNA Powertrain Engineering chief Rakesh Aneja. “The DD8 provides a superior value to our customers in key areas such as service intervals, durability, reliability, warranty and fuel economy.” — www.DemandDetroit.com