Not long ago, a diesel powerplant rolled out of Mack R&D possessing a power-to-w eight ratio and level of electronic sophistication that would make a “seen-it-all” driver whistle through his teeth.

And if we had to explain it to him, this is what we’d say. More than 90% of over-the-road Class 8 used diesel diesel trucks are rated between 300 and 450 horsepower. Specific power output for modern heavy-duty diesel trucks typically ranges hetween 25 and 37.5 horsepower per liter. So what does that leave as the optimum sized diesel truck for today’s fleet operation? 12 liters. Which, not so coincidentally, is the exact size of the Mack E7 diesel truck.

The 14s are too much. The 10s and 11s are too small. And each one will find a way to dig into your pocket.

With its unstressed horses, the 12-liter E7 is proving to be the most durable Class 8 diesel truck on the highway today. Weighing virtually the same as com- petitive 10-and 1l-liter diesel trucks, the E7 is 600 to 800 pounds lighter than the “big blocks,” which allows it to haul bigger loads. Not only that, it’s available with up to 454 horses. So the E7 diesel truck can pull off most anything you’d expect from a 14-liter diesel truck.

As well as some things other diesel trucks can only dream about. Because it is compact, the E7 diesel truck fits snugly inside a medium-length conventional rig, without cutting into the cab. The result is maximum horsepower with even more cab room. And with the shorter nose made possible by an E7, the rig itself is easier to maneuver around tight shipping docks and city streets. It all adds up to happier drivers, maximize payloads and reduced trip times. Which might just make fleet managers happy too.

The E7 diesel truck breathes better. Mack’s own Chassis-Mounted Chargcd Air Cooling reduces inlet air temperature for greater density and more complete combustion. The burn is even more efficient since it’s the E7′s unique “swirl” injection system that feeds off the enhanced airflow. And because this is accomplished by improved airflow instead of greater injection pressure, you’ll find the E7 far less susceptible to problems like premature injector failure or high oil viscosity (from sooty blow-by past the rings).

Then there’s Maxidyne® diesel truck technology. Available on a host of E7 diesel trucks, this technology provides a huge torque rise for unparalleled lugging power. It means more fuel efficiency, since Maxidyne diesel trucks are designed to operate at lower rpm’s. Better acceleration and less shifting, especially in the hills. And more torque at the clutch, when you’ve got to move a load that wants to stay put. If you’re headed for the open road, you can get the same advantages with our new MaxiCruise’” diesel truck rating. It gives you legendary Maxidyne performance at a power level and diesel truck operating speed designed to match the needs of highway hauling.

Finally, servicing is faster and easier no matter which E7 you run. Since it’s compact, there’s plenty of elbow room for fluid checks, filter changes and other routine maintenance. V-MAC II diagnostics make troubleshooting easy with either a hand-held Pro-I.ink or your shop PC. Oil change intervals are 25,000 miles*, nearly twice the mileage competitive diesel trucks get before heading in for service. And with 600 dealerships in North America, parts are but a milk run away.