Peterbilt Motors Co. announced the availability of new aerodynamic options designed to improve the fuel economy and lower greenhouse gas emissions of its new Model 348, which is suited for a wide variety of specialty vocations.
Proprietary roof fairings and aerodynamic mirrors were designed using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) testing and development. The reduction in drag and improvement in fuel economy is a result of redirecting airflow up, over and around the cab. Packaged together, these aerodynamic solutions result in a reduction of 12 percent fuel consumption over a comparable nonequipped Model 348, while also delivering an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the company says.
“Through extensive aerodynamic evaluation, Peterbilt engineers have designed proprietary options to increase the fuel efficiency for the new Model 348,” says Landon Sproull, chief engineer for Peterbilt, based in Denton, Texas. “Peterbilt’s new aerodynamic options will increase fuel efficiency and can add up to $5,000 savings to a typical Model 348 customers’ bottom line.”
Available now, the aerodynamic options include new integral convex aerodynamic mirrors that feature a tough, lightweight chrome-plated housing and are 4-way adjustable for vertical and horizontal adjustments. The new roof fairings are designed of advanced composite materials and are lightweight, durable and color-matched.
“Peterbilt customers are seeking to maximize profitability through innovative engineered solutions to optimize their return on investment,” says Bill Jackson, Paccar vice president and Peterbilt general manager. “Peterbilt’s new Model 348 was designed to meet the demands of virtually any vocation while lowering operational costs, with the quality, durability and fuel efficiency the market has come to expect from Peterbilt.”
These solutions also are available for the new Model 337. For increased fuel efficiency gains, both the Model 337 and Model 348 are available in a hybrid-electric configuration designed to provide fuel savings gains of up to 40 percent and a reduction of tailpipe emissions of hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX).
Both models are offered with a choice of fuel-efficient and powerful Paccar engines, the PX-6 and PX-8. Advanced electronics and systems monitoring displays help these engines run smoothly and efficiently, increasing component life and reducing service costs. Hybrid vehicles equipped with Paccar PX engines are designed to be reliable and driver-friendly, and offer a wide range of horsepower and torque to consistently provide an optimal combination of fuel economy and power.
