Dana Now Offers Downspeeding Techs for SmartAdvantage™ Powertrain

Dana Holding Corp. has reached yet another milestone with its recent announcement of the availability of axle ratios compatible with all the seven configurations of the newly improved SmartAdvantage™ powertrain, a joint partnership between Cummins and Eaton. Included in these configurations are the original small-step overdrive transmission and a new direct-drive option that delivers superior fuel economy in less-than-truckload and regional linehaul commercial vehicles with target cruise speeds of 62 mph and below.

Along with Eaton and Cummins, Dana has engineered what is touted to be the fastest, lightest and most efficient drivetrain to help fleets fully maximize the benefits of engine downspeeding by developing a highly robust system that manages dynamic challenges caused by readily available higher torque with less axle reduction. This system includes the Spicer® AdvanTEK® 40 155 Series tandem axle—providing the industry’s narrowest ratio steps, from 2.26:1 to 2.79:1—along with the SPL® 250 inter-axle shaft and SPL® 350 driveshaft, which are proven to be the most solid and reliable in their class.

In a statement, Mark Wallace, executive vice president of Dana and group president of Dana On-Highway Driveline Technologies, said that the benefits of engine downspeeding are undeniable, and they are partnering with industry leaders to advance this efficiency-boosting technology. He noted that their joint partnership with Eaton and Cummins enables Dana to take a complete systems approach, examining the integration of all components throughout the vehicle in an effort to fully enhance performance and make further drivetrain enhancements.

With the launch of engine downspeeding, efficiency has increased by 7.5 percent with the current SmartAdvantage package—which includes the 400 hp to 475 hp Cummins ISX15 engine and the Eaton Fuller 10-speed automated manual transmission—when compared to the original version of the powertrain. Cooperation with Dana will reportedly continue in the areas of data sharing and field testing to further enhance the technology.

According to Ryan Trzybinski, global product strategy manager for linehaul at Eaton, for several years, Eaton and Dana have worked in tandem to further enable drivetrain synergy. He added that sharing information and ideas in the design phase enables more solid enhancements in the final product.

Meanwhile, Mike Taylor, general manager of global powertrain business at Cummins, noted that as efficiency standards become stricter, Cummins has found that working with Dana in the start of the design process is key to reaching new levels of innovation and attaining faster market acceptance by drivers and fleets. “By collaborating with Dana on SmartAdvantage, we can leverage Cummins ISX15 class-leading, low-end torque and transient response, which enables us to enhance overall system performance.”

Supporting the SmartAdvantage powertrain, Dana’s Spicer AdvanTEK 40 155 Series tandem axle offers a powerful blend of technologies that can enable an engine at highway cruise speed to run up to 200rpm lower than alternative powertrain systems, while still slashing weight and boosting axle efficiency. Drivers will be glad to know that he tandem axle’s full selection of downspeeding ratios, from 2.26:1 to 2.79:1, and options for various Class 8 applications are now offered for most OEM truck brands including Volvo, Peterbilt, Kenworth and Navistar.

Claimed as the most efficient in the industry, this tandem axle has benefitted from several design enhancements since its launch in 2013. Dana is fully committed to securing this position through the constant development of more innovative product enhancements to improve efficiency, including higher efficiency pinion bearings, a reengineered carrier, reduced power losses, and outstanding lube flow. All of these enhancements contribute to further axle efficiency gains and minimized vehicle fuel consumption.

The SPL 250 inter-axle shaft and SPL 350 driveshaft also support the SmartAdvantage powertrain. These components are intended to withstand the increased stress placed on the drivetrain by high-efficiency on-highway trucks configured for engine downspeeding.