New Detroit DT12 Transmission Debuts

Aug. 9, 2012
Detroit Diesel Corporation showcased the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission in a Freightliner Cascadia during a ride and drive event for the press in Yountville, California

Detroit Diesel Corporation showcased the Detroit DT12 automated manual transmission in a Freightliner Cascadia during a ride and drive event for the press in Yountville, California.

Part of the Detroit complete powertrain offering, the DT12 combines the operational ease of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission, resulting in enhanced fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety.

“The DT12 transmission complements the Detroit engines and axles with features that positively impact efficiency and performance,” said Brad Williamson, manager, engine and component marketing for Daimler Trucks North America. “The Detroit brand has long been synonymous with power and economy, and the DT12 continues our legacy of benefitting our customers’ bottom lines.”

The DT12 maximizes fuel efficiency for line-haul/long haul operations. Adding to the transmission’s overall economy is its lightweight design, which offers additional payload because of its aluminum housing and single counter shaft.

The DT12 improves slow-speed maneuvering capabilities without compromising high road speed efficiency. The 12-speed, direct- or over-drive automated manual transmission combines a traditional manual gearbox with high-speed, computer-controlled shift and clutch actuators that automatically and seamlessly select the right shift pattern and perfect clutch engagement for fuel economy and engine power. The DT12’s creep mode simulates a torque converter to improve low speed maneuverability for parking, docking, heavy traffic and other low-speed situations.

Advanced technologies include Skip Shift, which automatically skips gears, enabling the transmission to run through lower gears faster to achieve cruising speed sooner; and eCoast, which allows the vehicle to ‘coast’ down grades with the engine operating at idle speeds while preserving vehicle momentum, maximizing fuel efficiency.

“The ability for the transmission and engine to share information fully leverages our integrated powertrain, providing a significant advantage to the driver,” said Williamson.

A proprietary control module communicates with the entire powertrain, giving the transmission and engine the ability to share information and offer complimentary functions, which gives the Detroit transmission an advantage that only a proprietary powertrain can provide. For example, the engine can limit torque to protect against driveline damage and harsh shifts, while the transmission can optimize shifts to keep the engine in the sweet spot.

The DT12 comes standard with a 5-year/750,000 mile warranty, with a 2-year/200,000 miles warranty on the clutch.

For more information, go to www.DemandDetroit.com.