Photo: DTNA
The truck wasn’t built on Krypton and kryptonite is not going to make it weaker. In fact, there’s no S on this bad boy’s chest even though its makers are calling it the SuperTruck. Why SuperTruck then?
It all started when Daimler received a $40 million Federal grant to develop and test an experimental prototype that would achieve an 115% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to a stock 2009MY truck. Of course, they pulled that off thanks to the SuperTruck, hence the name of the eco-friendly truck.
Just like Superman looked like a human being but wasn’t actually one, the SuperTruck only resembles its mortal fellow trucks. That’s because engineers had to come up with special custom features while also adapting a batch of components from regular trucks.
First of all, they came up with a bodywork filled with aerodynamic parts which was fitted with a more streamlined grille that allows a nice and smooth airflow above its surface. It also has adjustable shutters, that feed enough air to the engine for an optimized cooling process.
In the gadget department, the SuperTruck uses an adapted version of Freightliner’s Intelligent Powertrain Management system. The feature relies on digital maps to synchronize shifting and works together with low rolling resistance tires and electric appliances to boost efficiency and fuel economy.
Well, we don’t know about you but the undersigned would drive the SuperTruck just for fun, without a trailer attached, on every highway possible. By the way, the futuristic truck was tested on a 312-mile trip between San Antonio and Dallas at a speed of 65 mph (105 km/h) and it only returned 12.2 mpg (19.2 l/100 km). SuperTruck indeed, especially for the eco-friendly crowd.
Just like Superman looked like a human being but wasn’t actually one, the SuperTruck only resembles its mortal fellow trucks. That’s because engineers had to come up with special custom features while also adapting a batch of components from regular trucks.
First of all, they came up with a bodywork filled with aerodynamic parts which was fitted with a more streamlined grille that allows a nice and smooth airflow above its surface. It also has adjustable shutters, that feed enough air to the engine for an optimized cooling process.
In the gadget department, the SuperTruck uses an adapted version of Freightliner’s Intelligent Powertrain Management system. The feature relies on digital maps to synchronize shifting and works together with low rolling resistance tires and electric appliances to boost efficiency and fuel economy.
Well, we don’t know about you but the undersigned would drive the SuperTruck just for fun, without a trailer attached, on every highway possible. By the way, the futuristic truck was tested on a 312-mile trip between San Antonio and Dallas at a speed of 65 mph (105 km/h) and it only returned 12.2 mpg (19.2 l/100 km). SuperTruck indeed, especially for the eco-friendly crowd.
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