New Mack Anthem Brings Improved Fuel Efficiency, Driver Comfort

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The all-new Mack Anthem. (Photo courtesy of Mack Trucks.)

Mack Trucks is continuing its streak of innovation with the new Mack Anthem truck specifically designed for bulk-haul operations. In addition to a newly designed exterior built with aerodynamics in mind, the Anthem sports some major versatility by coming in Day Cab, 48-inch Flat Top Sleeper, and 70-inch Stand-Up Sleeper configurations. With improved fuel efficiency and an overhauled driver experience throughout the cab, the ultimate goal of the Anthem is to increase productivity across the board.

Liftable Pusher Axle

One of the most interesting features of the Mack Anthem is the 6x2 Liftable Push Axle, which is available on these new models. It essentially monitors trailer weight using sensors in the rear suspension and then makes adjustments on the fly to ensure you’re getting the best possible fuel efficiency. If the trailer itself is actually empty, then the axle will lift automatically and essentially run in a 4x2 configuration, which also improves overall fuel efficiency. An added benefit of this configuration is that Mack claims it can increase your tire life by as much as 20%, combine with fuel efficiency gains of around 3% to 5%, you’re looking at pretty sizable savings.

mDRIVE Features

As with all Mack trucks, you have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to getting your configuration just right. For example, you can choose between a 12-speed Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmission, which comes standard, or you can opt for the 13-speed Mack mDRIVE HD that gives you better startability without negatively impacting fuel efficiency. These mDRIVE transmissions also come with an Easy Shift feature that provides smoother shifting from gear to gear.

Mack Load Logic

On top of the Liftable Pusher Axle and general mDRIVE features, the new Anthem also comes with Mack Load Logic for use with mDRIVE diminishing-load applications. This takes advantage of a sensor in the rear suspension, and much like the Liftable Pusher Axle goes from a 6x2 to 4x2 configuration when detecting load changes, Load Logic will actually lock out 12th gear with a full load or enable 12th gear with an empty trailer to give you the best possible performance and fuel efficiency regardless of the situation.

Source: Mack Trucks