Early warning of sudden icy conditions
Sensors monitor weather situation on roads Researchers at the Technical University of Graz, in Austria, have developed a system which [...]
moreThe New Flow
Never before has a new generation of long-haulage trucks been as extensively tested prior to its launch as the new Actros from Mercedes-Benz. A total of 2,600 hours were spent just on airflow testing in the wind tunnel in order to ensure optimal aerodynamic properties.
Never before has a new generation of long-haulage trucks been as extensively tested prior to its launch as the new Actros from Mercedes-Benz. A total of 2,600 hours were spent just on airflow testing in the wind tunnel in order to ensure optimal aerodynamic properties.
AERODYNAMICS
Prior to the launch of series production of the new-generation Actros, the components and the overall vehicle were subjected to extensive tests. Aero-dynamics played a particularly big role during development. The 2,600 hours that the vehicle spent in the wind tunnel enabled the engineers and designers to optimize the truck’s resistance to airflow. This contributed significantly to reducing fuel consumption by 6 to 7% compared to the current Actros model.
The new Actros’ Dynamics Team
From left to right: Oliver Stick, Design Truck & Van • Martin Kreidl, team leader at Design Truck & Van • Thorsten Frank, team leader at Aerodynamics • Peter Schmitt, Aerodynamics • Reinhard Blanke, CFD Calculations
PRODUCT CYCLE
A total of 125 years after the invention of the automobile and 115 years after the invention of the truck, the engineers at Mercedes-Benz have redeveloped the latter from the ground up. The presentation of a new truck is a high point in the career of a development engineer. Due to the long product lifecycles of truck production series, such a groundbreaking and emotional event occurs only about once or twice in an engineer’s career.
DESIGN
- A harmonious blend of concave and convex surfaces, with sharply defined lines
- A harmonious transition from the front end to the sides
- The bumpers, corner paneling, and entrance form a unified whole
- The door has been extended downward to enhance aerodynamics and safety
- The truck’s flowing lines are its most outstanding feature
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
- BlueEFFICIENCY Power six-cylinder engine (Euro V, EEV, and Euro VI, 310 to 375 kW)
- Automated 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift manual transmission
- Proximity Control Assist with stop-and-go function
- Common rail injection with X-PULSE pressure boost system (up to 2,100 bar)
Related articles: