Cummins South Pacific is testing the next generation of engines in Australia as part of a global development programme
February 13, 2012
While the next generation of emission control regulations is still more than three years away, Cummins South Pacific is already testing the next generation of engines in Australia as part of a global development programme.
General Manager for Automotive Products for Cummins South Pacific Sean McLean says Australian operating conditions challenge product durability and reliability “like no other markets”.
At least three engines are undergoing local testing under the development programme, including a pair of all-new 13-litre engines fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emission control technology.
The new 13-litre engine is a 50-50 joint venture between Cummins and Chinese company Dongfeng, and will be manufactured at a plant in China for global distribution.
In Australia, the engines are being tested in B-double combinations, with a power rating of 390kW (525 horsepower) and 2500N (1850 ft/lb) of torque.
Also under test is a replacement for the current generation ISX 15-litre engine, which enjoys strong support from Australian operators.
Although it retains the same ISX nameplate, the new engine is significantly different to the current unit, using only a single overhead camshaft in place of the existing double overhead camshaft configuration.
The new ISX will also use XPI common rail fuel injection that delivers fuel under extremely high pressure, enabling fine control of engine firing pulses by delivering precisely metred doses of fuel to the combustion chamber.
The new engine will also be fitted with both the current cooled exhaust gas recirculation (cooled EGR) emission system used on the current engine, as well as SCR technology to meet the strict rules of ADR 80/04.
McLean says if testing goes well the new engine could be offered for sale in Australia ahead of the introduction of ADR 80/04, expected to be either 2016 or 2017.
The new ISX will also retain the power outputs of the current generation engine, including the signature version’s top rating of 447kW (600 horsepower) and 2800N (2050 foot-pounds) of torque.
“The global testing being carried in Australia is recognition of Cummins South Pacific’s engineering capability,” McLean says.
“The technology available today for data monitoring also means it is easier for global testing to be carried out effectively in a remote location such as Australia.”