Cummins Releases Next-Generation X12, X15 Engines

July 25, 2016
Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) unveiled the next-generation X12 Series and X15 Series engines.

Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) unveiled the next-generation X12 Series and X15 Series engines.

The X12 has the highest power-to-weight ratio of any engine in the 10-to-16-liter class and enables regional-haul, intracity delivery and vocational trucks to operate at maximum payload with lower fuel consumption and more responsive driving than previously experienced from an engine of this size.

The X15 is a heavy-duty engine ready to exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2017 greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel-efficiency standards, with lower fuel consumption, extended service intervals, enhanced performance and the highest quality standards across a 400 hp-to-605 hp ratings range.

The X12 is rated up to 475 hp, and provides up to 1700 lb-ft peak torque at 1000 rpm, which remains available to over 1400 rpm, reducing the need for gear shifting and giving better low-speed lugging on grades.

The innovative architecture of the X12 results in a remarkably low engine weight - just 2,050 lb - enabled by a sculptured block design, which allows unnecessary mass to be removed, but retains high rigidity. Substantial weight savings are also achieved by the use of high-strength composite materials for the oil pan and valve cover.

"During the design process for the X12, we evaluated every opportunity to reduce size and lower weight, but importantly, we achieved this with no compromise to structural strength, so that our next-generation 12-liter comes with all the durability associated with a Cummins Heavy-Duty engine," commented Jim Fier, Cummins Vice President - Engineering, speaking at the X12 unveiling which took place at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) in Ohio.

"We are really excited about how the next-generation X12 will complement our engine portfolio and provide to our OEM partners a compact yet capable engine - an ideal fit for shorter-nose conventional cabs - while very low weight makes the engine a great power solution for sleeper trucks sensitive to front axle weight," said Fier.

A major installation and weight advantage is also realized with the new Single Module aftertreatment, designed by Cummins Emission Solutions to be 40 percent lighter and up to 60 percent smaller than current aftertreatment designs.

Customer-focused innovation resulted in a Single Cam In Head (SCIH) design with roller valvetrain and high-efficiency intake ports to minimize complexity. The latest version of Cummins VGT Turbocharger incorporates reliability and durability enhancements, to boost transient response, and combines with an integrated low-weight engine brake, to provide strong engine braking at lower rpm. The next-generation X12 Series will be in full production in 2018, following the completion of an extensive field-test program.

The X15 introduces an innovative approach to duty-cycle optimization, with two configurations, available as the X15 Performance Series and the X15 Efficiency Series.

The new platform carries forward the best-in-class attributes of the ISX15 with the implementation of an optimized compression ratio, air handling system and cam profile to increase both fuel efficiency and performance capability. The X15 was introduced at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) in Ohio, with trucks out on the tracks to demonstrate how the latest 15-liter engines raise the bar in efficiency and performance while providing a rewarding driving experience.

The X15 Performance Series, rated at 485 hp to 605 hp, provides an ideal power match for heavy-haul, vocational and emergency vehicles. An upgraded high flow air-handling system gives a faster pedal response, for enhanced driveability at full payload and steep-gradient climbing. Peak torque of up to 2050 lb-ft is delivered across a very wide engine rpm range, so less shifting is needed and less fuel is used. Equally powerful is the engine braking, with over 450 hp engine braking at just 1500 rpm and up to 600 hp at 2100 rpm.

For line-haul and regional-haul applications, the X15 Efficiency Series offers an unmatched level of fuel efficiency and payload productivity, with a 400 hp-to-500 hp ratings range and no compromise to engine response, with up to 1850 lb-ft of peak torque available at 1000 rpm. When integrated with the Cummins and Eaton SmartAdvantage Powertrain, it delivers class-leading fuel economy by precisely adjusting to grade, vehicle weight and driver input via throttle position.

"While today's ISX15 is a highly popular engine, we are constantly searching for ways to improve our products. So we examined every critical component and system to see how it could be upgraded or improved. That makes the X15 a reinvented platform for 2017 able to deliver the best performance and dependability in the industry. We are able to achieve this because of Cummins deep understanding of our customer needs, and a strong market presence that provides us with a unique degree of heavy-duty expertise," said Amy Boerger, Cummins Vice President - North American Engine Business.

"The X15 signals the arrival in 2017 of a new heavy-duty power capability to enable our customer's success by unleashing unprecedented levels of dependable performance and fuel efficiency delivered by two segment-optimized engines that realize the full potential of our 15-liter platform. Over the past few years we have been delivering 2 percent better fuel economy per year, and the new X15 Efficiency Series will deliver that and more" said Brett Merritt, Cummins Executive Director - On-Highway Business.