Shell, Airflow Partner on Aero Highway Truck

Shell Oil Co. and Airflow Truck Co. have developed a Class 8 concept truck that they say will provide significant aerodynamic and fuel efficiency improvements.

The partners will test the vehicle, which is dubbed Starship, on a cross-country trek in May from San Diego, Calif., to Jacksonville, Fla. The 80-ft tractor trailer unit will be fully loaded to demonstrate potential benefits, according to the companies.

Power comes from a Cummins 15.0-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine that makes 400 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated with an Eaton 18-speed automatic-manual transmission with a downspeed axle and a hybrid-electric system to boost power during hill climbs.

Shell provides several top-end synthetic lubricants and coolants for the vehicle. Newington, Conn.-based Airflow Truck was founded in 1983.