LOUISVILLE -- Mack Trucks has released a new power option for the 13-liter MP8 engine, boosting it to 505 horsepower and 1,860 lb ft in certain applications. As well, Mack unveiled two new suspension designs including one that weighs about 400 pounds less than competitive models.

The newest generation of the Mack engine family, the 13-liter MP8 Econodyne +, now boasts 505 horsepower and 1,860 lb ft of torque in the top two gears of any appropriately rated manual or mDrive automated manual transmission.

The big torque is available below 1,300 rpm when it a steep pull. When a driver is applying 100 percent throttle and the rpms reach 1300, Mack’s intelligent torque management strategy, called EconoBoost, kicks in, providing the driver with an additional 200 lb.-ft. of torque, enabling the truck to remain in top gear for a longer time period until the hill is crested. Drivers get more torque at lower engine speeds, allowing the vehicle to remain in higher gears for an extended period of time, resulting in greater fuel efficiency.

“Customers demanded greater power, and we delivered it with the advanced MP8 engine platform,” said David McKenna, Mack director of powertrain sales and marketing. “Econodyne + is another way Mack is tailoring advanced technology to help our customers get the job done in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible.”

 The MP8 Econodyne+ engine is available on MACK Pinnacle model highway tractors.

Mack's Twin Y & mRide Suspensions

Mack Trucks says it has slashed the weight of its newest on-highway tandem drive-axle suspension, bringing it in 403 pounds lighter than competitive suspensions while improving traction and braking control, and increasing tire life by up to 25%.

The design of the Mack Twin Y air suspension includes two stamped high-strength steel Y-shaped blades per wheel end. Clamping the axle with both upper and lower axle seats, the Twin Y blades greatly reduce suspension windup.

"The axle seats are clamped to the axle housing by Huck U-bolts on both sides and never need to be re-torqued," says John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing.

A pair of elastomeric bushings in the upper and lower axle seats offer greater roll control and deliver easier handling with a more comfortable ride, and they are lubed for life."

The Twin Y’s design means the load on the suspension is entirely on the air spring and not on the pivot bushing. Twin T is available on the Mack Pinnacle Axle Back and Axle Forward models, with Mack S38 and S40 series axles with C125/126, C150/151 and 200 Series carriers.

Mack's mRIDE spring suspension, now offered with Mack axles, is ideal for vocational customers demanding a durable, stable ride with greater articulation.

“Customers want a durable, rugged truck that gets the job done, but they also demand outstanding performance, handling and comfort,” said Walsh. “This is where Mack excels. The fully integrated mRIDE suspensions featuring our proprietary Mack axles offer improved stability, fuel efficiency, and ultimately a greater ROI for our customers.”

The use of spring leafs over four separate rubber block packs on the mRIDE provides stability and articulation, while also allowing the needed clearance for larger tires and brake components required in construction and vocational applications.

In addition to being lighter than other spring suspensions, the mRIDE delivers a smoother ride, improved stability and greater ground clearance over difficult terrain. The Mack mRIDE provides constant ground contact for all wheels over its articulation range, which in turn maximizes traction on any jobsite.

The parallel pinion angles of the Mack axles extend the driveline joint life. Coupled with the greaseless mRIDE suspension, the offering boasts easier maintenance and is easier to align, contributing to reduced customer maintenance costs.

The Mack mRIDE spring suspension, paired with the Mack C150/151 series axle carriers, is available on the Mack Granite, Titan, Pinnacle Axle Forward and TerraPro models.