Mack Trucks introduced its new, next-generation highway hero, the Mack Anthem, during the Mack Global Dealer Summit in Allentown Sept. 13. 

Mack calls the Anthem a re-engineered, redesigned and reimagined interpretation of what today’s highway truck should be — aerodynamic, comfortable, and connected, with a bold Mack look.

“As one of the most significant new trucks in Mack’s 117-year history, the Anthem combines our latest innovations with more than a century of truck-building know-how,” said Dennis Slagle, president, Mack Trucks. 

“The incredible result is a truck that’s been built for our customers’ business and designed for drivers, all while delivering the power and presence that only a Mack truck can deliver.”

The Mack Anthem features an all-new exterior design with optimized aerodynamics for improved fuel efficiency. New driving and sleeping environments were crafted with an emphasis on increasing driver comfort and productivity. 

The Anthem is available in several configurations, including a daycab, an all-new 48-inch flat top sleeper, and an all-new 70-inch stand-up sleeper.

“Every detail on the Anthem was designed with purpose,” said Jonathan Randall, senior vice president, sales, Mack Trucks North America. 

“We surveyed thousands of drivers and incorporated their feedback to deliver a functional, strong, efficient highway truck with an authentic design unlike anything on the road today.”

What Engines Power the Mack Anthem?

The Anthem is available with the 13L Mack MP8 engine with ratings as high as 505 hp and 1,860 lb.-ft. of torque. Several enhancements to improve efficiency and productivity are included, such as a patented wave piston design that enables more complete fuel combustion and a common-rail fuel system to more accurately control fuel injection. 

The 11L Mack MP7 is available as an option on the Anthem with ratings up 425 hp and 1,560 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mack’s SuperEconodyne downspeeding packages are available with both Mack MP7 and MP8 engines.

Available exclusively with SuperEconodyne is the Mack MP8-TC engine featuring turbo compounding. 

The Mack MP8-TC captures and converts waste energy from the exhaust into mechanical energy that is fed back to the engine. The turbo compounding system feeds up to 50 additional horsepower back to the crankshaft, enabling additional performance while improving fuel efficiency. 

Combined with the Anthem’s aerodynamic improvements, the Mack MP8-TC engines provide up to an 11.8% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with a baseline from previous Mack models equipped with GHG2014 engines.

“The MP8-TC is ideal for customers whose applications involve long, steady-state cruising on routes with terrain ranging from flat to rolling hills,” said Scott Barraclough, Mack technology product manager. “The turbo compound unit allows the MP8-TC to deliver full torque as low as 900 rpm, allowing for fewer downshifts and improved efficiency.”

Mack’s 12-speed mDrive automated manual transmission is standard on all Anthem models.

Anthem's New Driving Environment

The Mack Anthem features an all-new driving environment that incorporates driver feedback for improved functionality, ergonomics and convenience. 

Gauges on the instrument panel have been positioned higher for better driver visibility, while HVAC controls and the Mack mDrive transmission shift pad have been relocated closer to the driver’s fingertips. All switches for additional truck functions like cruise control, PTOs and traction control now feature laser etching to help maintain markings over the long life of the vehicle.

Inspired by racecar controls, a new flat-bottom steering wheel is a Class 8 trucking industry first, providing improved dash visibility, as well as easier ingress and egress.

The all-new 70-inch sleeper now features stand-up height for even tall drivers to easily walk-through the cab into the living environment. The interior volume of the new sleeper is 35% larger than previous models. Anthem's 70-inch stand-up sleeper models are available in single or double bunk configuration.

Mack Anthem: What's in a Name?

During the unveiling ceremony, Walsh said the truck's name is a tribute the company and Mack's extended family.

"The Anthem is the right highway truck for North America," said Walsh. “We are an American brand. We were born here. We were raised here, and we literally helped build this country. The name Anthem speaks to that American spirit."