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DrFun · 11-20-2003, 11:57 AM

I found a bit more info on M2 engine/tranny options for 2004 on Today's Trucking

Freightliner rekindles Cummins relationship, expands M2 powertrain options

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 17, 2003) -- Emerging from a time when it made news because of its finances rather than its products, Freightliner Trucks yesterday unveiled new powertrain options for its Business Class M2 medium-duty trucks.
The company has rekindled its relationship with Cummins, offering the engine maker's redesigned ISC and ISL diesels in its M2 line "to compete with the Caterpillar C9" in Freightliner databooks at least through 2007, said Freightliner chief engineer Michael von Mayenburg.

The 8.3-litre ISC and 9-litre ISL have exhaust aftertreatment but do not use exhaust gas recirculation and do not comply with 2004 emission standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Cummins will apply "credits" from other compliant engines sold in order to avoid EPA fines.

"In spite of not being '04 compliant, the engines are very competitive as far as price and functionality are concerned," von Mayenburg said.

Freightliner is not expected to expand its relationship with Cummins beyond the ISC and ISL. The company already offers heavy-duty engines from Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, and Mercedes-Benz; the latter two are, like Freightliner, owned by DaimlerChrysler.

The standard engine for the M2 remains the MBE900, available in four- and six-cylinder configurations in horsepower ratings ranging from 170 to 330 hp and torque from 1,350 to 1,550 pounds-feet.

M2 buyers also will be able to spec the Mercedes-Benz Automated Gear Shift (AGS) transmission, a two-pedal, six-speed synchromesh design that requires no manual shifts and no clutch work, because there is no clutch pedal to use.

The transmission mates to the Mercedes-Benz MBE900 engine up to 250 hp. Two torque ratings are offered: 520 pounds-feet for vehicles with a gross combination weight up to 40,000 pounds, and 650 pounds-feet for vehicles with GCWs up to 60,000 pounds. Both have a robust, right-side power-take off, mounted in the 5 o'clock position to avoid interference with the exhaust system.

For applications that require higher torque, Freightliner offers the Eaton AutoShift six-speed.

A manual shift option is available using Freightliner's SmartShift shifter.

Commenting on the addition of the Cummins engines and the new transmission, Von Meyenburg said, "The component situation clearly shows we are selecting the best components in terms of functionality and competitiveness.

"A good mix of proprietary and non-proprietary components offering real benefits for Freightliner customers is the best solution. We are flexible when we see a special opportunity. ... If someone thinks we are moving toward a vertically integrated truck, they have missed the boat."

Regards,
Alan

11-20-2003, 11:57 AM	#27
DrFun Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 150	I found a bit more info on M2 engine/tranny options for 2004 on Today's Trucking Freightliner rekindles Cummins relationship, expands M2 powertrain options LAS VEGAS (Sept. 17, 2003) -- Emerging from a time when it made news because of its finances rather than its products, Freightliner Trucks yesterday unveiled new powertrain options for its Business Class M2 medium-duty trucks. The company has rekindled its relationship with Cummins, offering the engine maker's redesigned ISC and ISL diesels in its M2 line "to compete with the Caterpillar C9" in Freightliner databooks at least through 2007, said Freightliner chief engineer Michael von Mayenburg. The 8.3-litre ISC and 9-litre ISL have exhaust aftertreatment but do not use exhaust gas recirculation and do not comply with 2004 emission standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Cummins will apply "credits" from other compliant engines sold in order to avoid EPA fines. "In spite of not being '04 compliant, the engines are very competitive as far as price and functionality are concerned," von Mayenburg said. Freightliner is not expected to expand its relationship with Cummins beyond the ISC and ISL. The company already offers heavy-duty engines from Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, and Mercedes-Benz; the latter two are, like Freightliner, owned by DaimlerChrysler. The standard engine for the M2 remains the MBE900, available in four- and six-cylinder configurations in horsepower ratings ranging from 170 to 330 hp and torque from 1,350 to 1,550 pounds-feet. M2 buyers also will be able to spec the Mercedes-Benz Automated Gear Shift (AGS) transmission, a two-pedal, six-speed synchromesh design that requires no manual shifts and no clutch work, because there is no clutch pedal to use. The transmission mates to the Mercedes-Benz MBE900 engine up to 250 hp. Two torque ratings are offered: 520 pounds-feet for vehicles with a gross combination weight up to 40,000 pounds, and 650 pounds-feet for vehicles with GCWs up to 60,000 pounds. Both have a robust, right-side power-take off, mounted in the 5 o'clock position to avoid interference with the exhaust system. For applications that require higher torque, Freightliner offers the Eaton AutoShift six-speed. A manual shift option is available using Freightliner's SmartShift shifter. Commenting on the addition of the Cummins engines and the new transmission, Von Meyenburg said, "The component situation clearly shows we are selecting the best components in terms of functionality and competitiveness. "A good mix of proprietary and non-proprietary components offering real benefits for Freightliner customers is the best solution. We are flexible when we see a special opportunity. ... If someone thinks we are moving toward a vertically integrated truck, they have missed the boat." Regards, Alan