New International ProStar ES available for order this month
The ProStar ES
Today saw the formal unveiling of Navistar International's ProStar ES, the company's most fuel-efficient vehicle.
To achieve the highest possible level of fuel efficiency, the International ProStar-based ES version integrates a number of factors. These include the Navistar's fuel-efficient aerodynamics and powertrain packages, support from its Performance Engineering Team, and three years of free monitoring via its OnCommand Connection remote diagnostics platform.
The ProStar ES achieves more, according to Jodi Presswood, vice president and general manager of Navistar's heavy-duty product line, who also said that it "brings us to a milestone in fuel efficiency." According to him, the package will result in up to 11% better fuel economy than an EPA10 benchmark ProStar with a MaxxForce 13 engine, a 10-speed manual transmission, and standard tires.
According to Navistar executives, the ProStar ES is designed to offer customers the most fuel-efficient characteristics with little to no change.
Aaron Peterson, chief performance engineer, asserts that the ProStar ES was constructed using the concept of "wind averaged drag coefficient," providing it an advantage over other trucks in crosswind conditions despite having the identical exterior as other vehicles already on the road.
He continued that the ProStar ES outperforms the competition the greater the wind's yaw angle. "The ProStar ES excels the competition in practically any wind settings over on the highway," he asserted of the product.
In comparison to the engine/AMT combinations that were previously available, Navistar believes that two upgraded powertrains will increase fuel efficiency by 3-6% in the ProStar ES. These include the International N-series (or MaxxForce) 13L engine and the Cummins-Eaton SmartAdvantage powertrain, which mates the Eaton Fuller Advantage 10-speed automated manual transmission with the Cummins ISX.
To save gasoline, these engines use downspeeding, which reduces engine speed for increased fuel efficiency.
The elimination of the transmission's oil cooler by Eaton, which reduced the weight by 82 lbs, is partly responsible for the 3-6% gain in fuel economy.
According to Peterson, the modifications that have the biggest impact are those that have enhanced shift calibrations and the level of communication between the engines and gearboxes.
There will be 14X and Advantek axles from Meritor and Dana available. Additionally, FueLite from Meritor is included in the 62 specification.
Although most of the ES's components were formerly available à la carte, Navistar now provides tailored support through its ProStar ES line. The Performance Engineering Team of Navistar is providing this assistance. These aerodynamic and drivetrain specialists are "ready to meet with customers," according to Peterson, in order to modify the specifications to each client's particular drive cycles and applications.
In addition, Navistar is providing three years of access to its OnCommand Connection open architecture remote diagnostics platform. This platform helps fleets manage servicing requirements, monitor fuel economy in real-time, and track engine-generated fault codes by keeping track of downtime.
Since it was first presented at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition in October, the ProStar ES has been utilized by various fleets for on-road testing.
According to Presswood, customers who are now using this specification assert that it outperforms every other vehicle in their fleet, even those from rival brands. "We are confident in the ProStar ES's performance and that it will serve as a constantly growing and improving platform for the most fuel-efficient components and technology in the business."
Navistar claims that the ProStar ES was designed to operate more effectively in crosswinds and other wind conditions.
