Cummins continues to lead the Heavy-Duty engine market in Australia with the launch of the all new 15-litre platform engine. The engine will now only be offered to meet Euro 6 emissions, weighing 225 kg less that the current X15, and boasts an eight percent improvement in fuel consumption.
As its most advanced big bore diesel truck engine, Cummins claims the highest ever outputs for a Cummins truck engine whilst being the most fuel efficient and setting new benchmarks for ultra-low emissions.
There is no set date for release of the X15D in Australia and New Zealand. An extensive field test program which started in Australia in 2021 will determine when this will occur.
“With the all-new X-series platform, Cummins is taking the internal combustion engine to a next generation level, capable of meeting future ultra-low emission standards with a low-to-zero carbon fuel capability,” said Mike Fowler, director of on-highway business for Cummins Asia Pacific.
Cummins has been working with a range of customers since 2021 ensuring that the new engine goes through extensive field testing in a range of applications before being released to the market in Australia and New Zealand.
By the end of 2023, more than 10 trucks will be involved in the field trials and the aim is to accumulate more than five million test kilometres before the new range of engines goes on sale.
And so far, the field trials of the X15D rated at 660 hp have shown fuel economy improvements up to eight percent, which is very impressive considering the existing X15 is already well regarded for its economy.
“The X15D will only be released when we are completely satisfied with its reliability and durability in meeting the harsh demands of the Australian B-double duty cycle,” said Fowler.
Some of the key improvements over the current X15, is a reduction in the dry weight of the engine by using a sculpted iron block and composite oil pan, along with an increase in the peak cylinder pressure by 20 percent.
Fowler adds “The unique power cylinder design enables much higher peak cylinder pressures – 20 percent higher than the current engine – and that enhances power density and overall efficiency.”
The new platform will also feature the latest evolution of Cummins’ XPI (Extreme Pressure Injection) fuel system, assisting to improve efficiency whilst reducing emissions.
The X15D will be offered with ratings up to 660 hp and peak torque of 2360 lb ft, which is quite an improvement over the current X15, with its maximum outputs of 615 hp and 2050 lb ft of torque.
“This strategy is about reducing cruise rpm for fuel economy gains while at the same time providing the grunt to meet both driver and trip time expectations,” said Fowler, noting that peak torque extends over a wide band, from 1500 rpm all the way back to 1000 rpm.
As the current Cummins X15 is already regarded as one of the leading Heavy-Duty truck engines on the market in Australia and New Zealand, we are sure the improvements coming with the X15D, will ensure Cummins continues its leading position.
