Mack fans now have even more to cheer about. The company launched its 2007 engine platform at the annual World Sales Conference in Las Vegas last month, along with a much-refined version of the Vision highway tractor, now called Pinnacle. As well, Mack announced significant updates to the Granite and Granite Axle Back construction trucks. Each of the new trucks offers advancements in engine technology, driver environment, and electronics. A key feature in 2006 models is the new MP7 engine.
The Pinnacle, built on the Advantage chassis and having the familiar cab, is offered in a 116-in. BBC daycab configuration, as well as 48- and 56-in. flat-top, 60- and 70-in. mid-rise, and 70-in. high-rise sleeper versions. Both the new Granite and Granite Axle Back models also feature a 116-in. BBC.
The new daycab includes a 4-in. increase in depth, meaning more leg and belly room while allowing for a seat-angle recline of more than 20 degrees. The MP7 motor is set back about 4 in. more in the engine compartment than its predecessor to make room for the thicker cooling package needed for the 2007 engine. There’s a substantial doghouse in the cab now, but it’s neatly covered up with storage space and a new wrap-around cockpit-style dash.
Both the Pinnacle and new Granite models feature the next generation of Mack’s Vehicle Management and Control System known as V-MAC IV. It provides the programmable features of previous versions and much more – including idle shutdown, enhanced theft deterrence, tamper detection, and daytime running light override.
Among the other enhancements to the Pinnacle: a one-piece windshield, overlapping wiper patterns, an all new HVAC system, best-in-class interior lighting, and plenty of storage, including a large rear wall-mounted dispatch box with integral trash bag hooks, an overhead console with multiple storage compartments, and in-dash storage compartments and cell phone holder.
According to the tag on the inside of the doorpost, the Pinnacle 70-in. high-rise sleeper on display at the launch weighed 17,160 lb with no driver and minimal fuel.
The MP Engine Family
Mack’s new 11-litre MP7 engine will be available in the initial offerings of both the new Pinnacle and Granite models – probably by early 2006. This model is the first in a new family of engines that will take the company through 2006 and, with modifications, on to the tough emissions rules of 2007 and then 2010.
“The MP engine family is the future of Mack powertrain technology,” said Steve Homcha, Mack executive vice president of Class 8 programs. The MP7 will be joined by the 13-litre MP8 [415 to 485 hp; 1,540 to 1,700 lb ft torque] in 2007 in all Mack models except the LE. Mack will begin taking orders for this engine beginning in March 2006.
While Mack says the MP7 will meet more than 70 percent of its existing customers’ needs, the MP8 will bring the truck maker back into the high-horsepower arena, where it’s been absent for some years. And in making special mention of Canadian customers and other heavy-haul applications, Mack says the MP10 is already in development, with durability testing well underway. This 16-litre engine will be available in 2008, but perhaps as soon as 2007 says Mack’s senior VP for sales, Kevin Flaherty. Ratings were not discussed, but given their roots in the Volvo D16 platform, one might expect similar output [625 hp, 2,250 lb ft torque] – we can always hope.
The MP7’s basic design and hardware is shared with parent company Volvo, a common platform that should come as no surprise given the huge cost of engine development these days. Volvo recently introduced its own 11- and 13-litre engines for 2007. The Mack and Volvo engines are not the same, however. The block, the crankshaft, and other major components are indeed shared, but it stops there. Mack officials say their MP7 and MP8 will both be offered in the Mack-distinct performance families. Each of them will sound like a Mack, feel like a Mack, and pull like a Mack, the company says.
The Maxidyne is aimed at high-performance vocational customers; the MaxiCruise is for vocational and highway customers; and the Econodyne appeals to particularly fuel-sensitive highway customers.
Key components of the MP7 include: high-performance (cooled) exhaust gas recirculation; a Holset variable-geometry turbocharger with sliding nozzle ring; electronically controlled unit injectors; single overhead cam with four valves per cylinder; wet-sleeve cylinders with single-piece steel pistons; and the rear gear train offers a simple rear PTO option.
Mack says the MP7 will deliver “a significant improvement in fuel economy compared to current engines,” adding that construction customers will appreciate the new engine’s low-end torque response. Oil-drain intervals are pegged at 30,000 miles for standard highway applications, and 300 hours (or 15,000 miles) for most construction applications.
Mack will continue offering its ’04-certified ASET engines in current Vision highway and Granite vocational models through to the end of 2006.
