Detroit DD8 engine builds on medium-duty lineup

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Daimler Trucks North America has unveiled the new Detroit DD8 medium-duty engine aimed at the vocational truck market, building on the medium-duty platform introduced last year with the DD5.

The Detroit DD8.The 7.7-liter in-line six-cylinder medium-duty engine — unveiled during the Work Truck Show — offers 260-350 horsepower at 660-1050 lb-ft of torque. And it launches with both engine and transmission Power Take Off options.

Initially available in the Freightliner M2106, 108SD and 114SD models, the engine will soon expand into other Daimler models, through Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis, the company says.

Targeted applications include utility, maintenance and repair service; pickup and delivery; oilfield; construction; logging; plow and dump; wrecking; refuse; fire and emergency, Daimler notes.

The power also comes with connectivity. The DD8 will feature Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostics. When combined with experts with the Detroit Customer Service Support Center, that offers more in-depth information, the company adds.

“The DD5, and now the DD8, will lead the industry in up-time and fuel efficiency. With these advantages as well as Virtual Technician, we are providing our customers a smart business solution,” says Kary Schaefer, general manager – marketing and strategy for Daimler Trucks North America.

The DD8 will be in production beginning in February 2018, and is part of a US $375-million investment to manufacture proprietary medium-duty engines in Redford, Michigan, Daimler says. That facility also produces Detroit heavy-duty engines, the D12 automated manual transmission, and Detroit axles.

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John G. Smith is Newcom Media's vice-president - editorial, and the editorial director of its trucking publications -- including Today's Trucking, trucknews.com, and Transport Routier. The award-winning journalist has covered the trucking industry since 1995.


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