Freightliner this week unveiled a futuristic concept vehicle, the SuperTruck, which it says has been in the works for half a decade. The introduction came March 25 at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky.
It was developed in conjunction with the U.S. DOT and other trucking industry suppliers, and Freightliner said in an on-highway test the truck produced 12.2 mpg, logged at 65 miles per hour on a stretch of I-35 between San Antonio and Dallas, Texas.
Details on the truck were few, although Freightliner promised industry press an in-depth test drive later this spring.
Under its skin, the Freightliner SuperTruck is an intriguing mix of current DTNA powertrain components and wholly new technology. The engine is a 10.7 liter Detroit diesel generating 375 horsepower and 1,375 pound-feet of torque. The engine features a rankin cycle waste heat recovery system, model-predictive engine controls and a hybrid driveline mated to a conventional DT12 automated manual transmission. The rear axle ratio is 2.28.1.
Here’s a look at the truck:
