Detroit Diesel DT12 Test Drive: Pt.1 - Around Town with the DT12

In this first video of our 3-part look at a 2013 Freightliner Cascadia outfitted with a Detroit DT12 transmission, Jim spent a morning winding up and down through the gears in the town of Napa, California to gauge how well the DT12 automated manual transmission managed stop 'n go traffic, before moving on to a couple of the transmission's more cutting-edge features: creep mode and e-coast.

[chrisbaldwin]

Wow that is perfect. Thanks a lot and I can't wait to see it

[fredzeppelin]

These work fine, when left unmolested. The problems come when companies program OUT all the features like manual mode, performance mode, and even the full-throttle downshift detent/prompt, all in the name of fuel savings. Yes, they do that.

[TodaystruckingMagazine]

Hey Chris - great timing. We're scheduled to go shoot one on April 15th. I'll shoot you a link when it's uploaded to our site. They get posted there first.

[captainredneck]

So basically they are doing what Volvo has been doing with I shift for years.

[aaronjones]

The new automatics are pretty good but I think I'll stick to my 13speed...heard a few horror stories lol

[almazplusmaria]

How much weigh is.pulling?. I can.do.9 mpg.too when im empty

[mclarpet]

What no torque converter ?   Uncertain about the eCoast idea.

[wanderingfido]

Yo, what's the point if you're deadheading for this video? Switch to a flatbed and go rent some heavy stuff from a local scrapyard. Then maybe you'll be believable.

[marcuscrossgrove]

I don't give a dam what no one says. Being and 19 year vet, automatic trans is not made for pulling 40 to 50k of wieght everyday. For one thing when pulling mt trailr or lightwieght it tends to not tach out fully to 15 rpms. And thats not good. U can feel the lost of power. The one i drives actually drops to 800 rpms and that's way too low. Manuel trans r made for pulling serious weight. I mean if a person prefer an automatic them that's fine but manuel will last longer than an automatic. They will stay in the shop...

[chrisbaldwin]

Hey todays trucking, could you possibly get into an international lonestar? I'm looking into buying a truck and it's one of high interest

[jacksontodd]

We test drove a evolution with a dd15 set at 450 with this dd12 transmission. Junk Junk Junk the transmission thought so much I lost road speed on flat ground while was standing on the damn fuel pedal. Its a pos junk transmission.