New Allison Programming

[TomC]

Last week, I had the pleasure of driving a 2011 Freightliner Coronado SD 3 axle day cab (no sleeper).  It had the DD13 450hp @ 1650lb/ft torque, and Allison 4000 series 6spd automatic.  Granted it has big gears in it (4.79) so that at 65mph (electronically governed) it was turning 1653rpm in 6th.  Since the new DD engines from Detroit are low RPM engines (1100-1600; with 2100 governed), the transmission shifted at 1600rpm, and when cruising at 45 mph in town, was already in 6th gear turning 1100rpm!  So Allison is really doing some major re-programming to get better fuel mileage out of their transmissions.  I can say that truck was truly a pleasure to drive.  Even though it weighed 16,000lbs, felt like a big 'ole pickup.  Personally-even driving a big rig, I would pay the extra $12,000 for the Allison-it just drives like no other transmission.  Good Luck, TomC