Dana Holding Corp. has announced that it offers axle ratios compatible with all seven configurations of the newly enhanced SmartAdvantage powertrain, a joint collaboration between Eaton and Cummins. These configurations include the original small-step overdrive transmission and a new direct-drive option that delivers exceptional fuel economy in less-than-truckload and regional line haul commercial vehicles with target cruise speeds of 62 mph and below.

Together with Cummins and Eaton, Dana has engineered a drivetrain to help fleets maximize the benefits of engine downspeeding by creating a durable system that manages dynamic challenges resulting from readily available higher torque with less axle reduction. Dana’s system includes the Spicer AdvanTEK 40 155 Series tandem axle – offering a ratio step from 2.26:1 to 2.79:1 – along with the SPL 350 driveshaft and SPL 250 inter-axle shaft, which are proven to be the most robust and reliable in their class, according to the company.

“The benefits of engine downspeeding are undeniable, and we are partnering with industry leaders to advance this efficiency-boosting technology,” said Mark Wallace, executive vice president of Dana and group president of Dana On-Highway Driveline Technologies. “Our joint collaboration with Cummins and Eaton allows Dana to take a comprehensive systems approach, examining the integration of all components throughout the vehicle in an effort to fully optimize performance and make further drivetrain enhancements.”

With the introduction of engine downspeeding, efficiency has improved by 7.5 percent with the current SmartAdvantage package – which includes the 400 hp to 475 hp Cummins ISX15 engine and the Eaton Fuller 10-speed automated manual transmission – when compared with the original version of the powertrain. Collaboration with Dana will continue in the areas of field testing and data sharing to further improve the technology.

“For many years, Eaton and Dana have worked together to further enable drivetrain synergy,” said Ryan Trzybinski, global product strategy manager for linehaul at Eaton. “We have found that sharing information and ideas early in the design phase enables more robust improvements in the final product.”

“As efficiency standards become more stringent, Cummins has found that collaborating with Dana in the beginning of the design process is key to reaching new levels of innovation and achieving faster market acceptance by fleets and drivers,” said Mike Taylor, general manager of global powertrain business at Cummins. “By collaborating with Dana on SmartAdvantage, we can leverage Cummins ISX15 class-leading, low-end torque and transient response, which enables us to enhance overall system performance.”

Dana Offers Industry-Leading Technologies for Downspeeding

Dana’s Spicer AdvanTEK 40 155 Series tandem axle supports the SmartAdvantage powertrain and offers a powerful combination of technologies that can enable an engine at highway cruise speed to run up to 200 rpm lower than alternative powertrain systems, while still reducing weight and increasing axle efficiency. The tandem axle’s full selection of downspeeding ratios and options for a variety of Class 8 applications are now available at most OEM truck brands including Navistar, Kenworth, Peterbilt and Volvo.

Already the most efficient in the industry, the Spicer AdvanTEK 40 tandem axle has benefited from a number of design enhancements since its introduction in 2013. Dana is committed to maintaining this dominant position by continuously developing more innovative product improvements to boost efficiency, including superior lube flow, minimized power losses, a reengineered carrier and higher efficiency pinion bearings. All of these improvements contribute to further axle efficiency gains and reduced vehicle fuel consumption.

The SPL 350 driveshaft and SPL 250 inter-axle shaft also support the SmartAdvantage powertrain. These components are designed to withstand the increased stress placed on the drivetrain by high-efficiency on-highway trucks configured for engine downspeeding.

For more information on the SmartAdvantage powertrain, visit smartadvantagepowertrain.com.

Dana will present a comprehensive lineup of driveline technologies optimized for engine downspeeding in booth No. 710 at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2016 Annual Meeting this week.