It’s official: The land ‘Down Under’ is now the centre for global field testing of Cummins truck engines. This has been confirmed by the current testing in Australia of an all-new 13 litre engine for global markets, and an enhanced 15 litre ISX power plant due for North American release in 2013.
“Australian operating conditions challenge product reliability and durability like no other market,” said Sean McLean, general manager – automotive products for Cummins South Pacific.
“The combination of high gross weights, high average speeds, frequent engine brake use and extreme climatic conditions is the ideal formula for accelerated reliability and durability testing.”
The 2013 ISX currently being tested in Australia is based on the existing 15 litre engine sold in North America which uses a combination of EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and SCR (selective catalytic reduction) to meet US EPA ‘10 emissions regulations.
Unlike the dual overhead cam ISX engine currently sold in Australia, the North American version has a single overhead camshaft and common rail fuel system known as XPI that as the acronym suggests delivers extremely high injection pressures.
“The reworked ISX engine using a combination of EGR and SCR is a potential solution for the next round of emissions law inAustralia– ADR80-04 – which is likely to come into effect in 2016 or 2017,” McLean continued. “Depending on test results, this engine could well be released in Australia before the introduction of ADR80-04.”
On the other hand, the 13 litre engine is a completely new design using SCR for emissions reduction. It is the product of a 50/50 joint venture between Cummins and Chinese company Dongfeng and will be built in China.
Two 13 litre units rated at 525 hp with peak torque of 1850 lb ft are currently undergoing local testing hauling B-double combinations.
“The global testing being conducted inAustraliais recognition of Cummins South Pacific’s engineering capability,” Sean added. “The technology available today for data monitoring also means it is easier for global testing to be carried out effectively in remote locations such as outback Australia.”