Detroit Diesel DT12 Test Drive: Pt.2 - Mastering Performance, Economy & Manual Modes

In part two of this in-depth exploration of a Detroit DT12 equipped Freightliner Cascadia, Jim spends most of his time comparing the performance of the DT12 transmissions three operating modes - economy, performance and manual. One thing Jim discovered was that, while most of the time the transmission does just fine on its own, there are still a few situations where a good driver can make the better shifting decision.

[@TodaystruckingMagazine]

Just heard from Jim Park.  He tells me it was 485 hp, 1750 lb ft. Hope that helps Chris.

[@draculaS2k]

sooo i have the 505hp 2016 Cascadia dt12 but seems like i cant pull up Tennessee hills

[@draculaS2k]

& i was told that i have to get a update for automatic performance mode? how true is this?

[@chrisbaldwin92897]

What's the engine specs on this truck?

[@PC_CERTIFIED]

As far as downshifting to over 2000 RPM you don't have to be a wizard you just have to be good at what you do you can have a lightning double clutch or you can just get the RPMs just right and float it in
I driven 2018 freightliners with the dt12 of course we're talking about 2018 models
If the operator puts it in maximum Jake brake it does like the Volvos it will aggressively downshift in high RPM what I don't like about it is that you have level 1 and level 2 which is fine but level 3 should not be aggressive downshifting in my book
Volvo on the other hand has levels 1 through 3 that's no problem and then if you bring it down farther which you can't accident we do it will go to a level eight I'm basically stop the trucks without service brakes it's amazing

[@pohldriver]

Should have done the review in the northeast. 0-60 in 1.5 minutes is stupid and dangerous.