ZF showcases truck technologies
equipment September 2008 Commercial Carrier Journal 27 You spoke, we listened. Listening to our customers is one of the things we do best. That's why our enhanced formula Diesel Treat is now capable of treating over 25% more fuel. You asked and we delivered. Diesel Treat still increases your fuel economy and is guaranteed to eliminate gelling which makes life easier for you and winter easier on your rig. When the season turns frigid, you can't take chances. Trust the diesel treatment that more truckers count on Howes now blended to treat over 25% more fuel! Professional Grade Performance Since 1920 FREE LED Headlight Cap when you purchase 6 bottles of Howes Products See stores for details or visit www.howeslube.com O er ends: 3/31/09, available while supplies last. EN HANCED FORMULA Treats Over 25 % More! C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Howes CCJ.pdf 8/11/08 1:47:57 PM Untitled-21 1 8/14/08 3:03:13 PM Write 234 on Reader Service Card ZF showcases truck technologies In July, ZF Industries hosted a press conference at Germany's famous Nurburgring motor speedway to showcase new truck technologies. ZF is a worldwide supplier in on- and off-highway markets, so the scope of the press event was quite large. Several new components, how-ever, are targeted specifically at North America, including a new light-duty truck transmission, ZF's entry into the hybrid powertrain market and a new prototype suspension system for Class 8 commercial trucks. Nissan's forthcoming low-cab-forward commercial truck will be built in Mississippi and feature ZF's PowerLine light commercial automatic transmission. The six-speed transmis-sion which also will be offered in future Dodge trucks is compatible with both gasoline and diesel engines, and between 440 and 700 lb-ft of torque. ZF says the new transmission weighs a little more than 300 pounds and features a torque converter that allows for the early closing of the con-verter lock-up clutch, boosting fuel economy by dramatically shortening the amount of time spent in fuel-intensive operating stages. ZF also offered a sneak-peek at pro-totype versions of its EcoLife transmis-sion-based hybrid drivetrain. Instead of a conventional torque converter, ZF engineers have integrated a proprietary electric motor into the converter hous-ing. The beauty of the design, engi-neers say, is that it does not require any more vehicle installation space than a conventional EcoLife automatic trans-mission. The hybrid drivetrain pro-vides up to 160 additional electrically generated horsepower and controls all pertinent hybrid functions such as pure electric propulsion at low vehicle speeds, automatic start and stop, power boost and regeneration. Finally, ZF showcased a new heavy-duty truck suspension system that combines elements of the company's indepen-dent wheel suspension system with newly developed contin-Hybrid, suspension components are among the lineup (Continued on page 28)