Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Freightliner Shows Detroit DD8 Engine in a Heavy Vocational Truck

Freightliner Trucks is displaying the new Detroit DD8 diesel in a vocational model at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas this week.

by Staff
January 23, 2018
Freightliner Shows Detroit DD8 Engine in a Heavy Vocational Truck

The midrange-size engine is an alternative to the Cummins L9 and will be offered in the 108SD, such as the one at the show, as well as the 106SD and 114SD. Photo: Freightliner

2 min to read


The midrange-size engine is an alternative to the Cummins L9 and will be offered in the 108SD, such as the one at the show, as well as the 106SD and 114SD. Photo: Freightliner

Freightliner Trucks is displaying the new Detroit DD8 diesel in a vocational model at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas this week. The midrange-size engine is an alternative to the Cummins L9 and will be offered in the 108SD, such as the one at the show, as well as the 106SD and 114SD.

The DD8, with ratings of 260 to 350 hp and 660 to 1,050 pound-feet, will be an alternative to Cummins’ L9, representatives said. The 7.7L DD8 is a larger, six-cylinder version of the four-cylinder DD5 introduced in 2016.

Ad Loading...

Cummins’ L9 is an 8.9L diesel that has long been popular with weight-sensitive applications, especially concrete mixer chassis.

“The DD8 engine combines the durability and efficiency expected from Detroit with the features best suited for vocational applications,” said Kelly Gedert, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks and Detroit Components. “As highlighted in our World of Concrete booth, the DD8 is part of our overall strategy for having the right solution for any job.”

The DD8 claims best-in-class maintenance intervals and is available with the engine and transmission power-take-off options needed for vocational applications, according to Gedert. The DD8 display at World of Concrete includes Detroit’s variable cam-phasing for efficient aftertreatment performance.

Ad Loading...

The engine is installed in the Freightliner 108SD set-back axle chassis with a ProAll volumetric mixer truck. Like the L9, the DD8 weighs hundreds of pounds less than larger-bore diesels, adding to a truck’s payload. The DD8 will be priced similar to the L9, representatives said. The display truck’s transmission is an Allison 3000 RDS automatic, a midrange series unit that costs considerably less than 4000 series Allisons required for larger, higher-output engines.

More Equipment

Gray Volvo tractor pulling trailer on open highway
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMay 1, 2026

New High-Horsepower Natural Gas Engine Could Expand Fleet Options

Westport and Volvo are demonstrating a 500-hp truck with diesel-like efficiency — one that also offers what Westport says is a better pathway to using hydrogen fuel in trucks.

Read More →
Aurora Innovation self-driving truck.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 30, 2026

Hirschbach Announces Plan to Deploy 500 Aurora Autonomous Trucks

Hirschbach and Aurora Innovation have inked a non-binding deal outlining a path to deploy 500 Aurora Driver-powered trucks into fleet operations.

Read More →
Bosch-Kodiak self-driving truck partnership.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 30, 2026

Bosch, Kodiak AI Advance Toward Scaled Production of Autonomous Truck Hardware

New sensor integrations and component validation signal a shift from strategy to execution as Kodiak and Bosch push toward high-volume driverless truck deployment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Great American Trucks: REO
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 29, 2026

Great American Trucks: REO

The evolution of the modern truck was a long, slow affair. But perhaps no other company did more to establish the template for what a modern truck should be, and how it should perform, than REO.

Read More →
Western Star's Star Nation customer event.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

Western Star Doubles Down on Driver Pride With 2026 Star Nation Experience

Western Star has expanded its operator-focused Star Nation competition and outreach to spotlight skill, attract new drivers, and strengthen industry ties.

Read More →
HDT Spotlight: Volvo VNR test drive.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 23, 2026

Is the All-New VNR Volvo's Safest Truck Ever?

The all-new Volvo VNR is jam-packed with advanced safety features. Join HDT for a first-hand look at how Volvo is keeping drivers safer and productive on the road.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 Volvo VNR
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 22, 2026

Volvo Redesigns the VNR With Drivers and Tight Turns in Mind

At Volvo’s New River Valley customer center, the all-new VNR proves that maneuverability, safety, and driver confidence can coexist in a regional-haul workhorse.

Read More →
Great Dane trailer.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

FTR: Trailer Orders Jump in March, but Demand Still Lags

March trailer orders posted an unexpected monthly jump, but demand still trails historical norms as fleets prioritize power units over trailing equipment.

Read More →
Humble cabless autonomous freight hauler.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

Autonomous Start-Up Humble Announces Cabless Autonomous Electric Hauler

A new autonomous truck startup company is targeting yard, port, and short-haul freight with a lighter, fully autonomous platform designed for dock-to-dock moves.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →