Cummins unveiled its new large-diameter diesel truck engine at the Brisbane Auto Show in Australia. The all-new 15 liter platform, known as X15D, will provide the highest output ever for Cummins truck engines while setting new standards for ultra-low emission fuel efficiency.
Cummins X15D diesel engine
The release date of X15D in Australia and New Zealand has not been determined yet. The timing of release will be determined based on the results of an extensive on-site test conducted in Australia starting in 2021. The on-site test of X15D with a rated power of 660 horsepower conducted in Australia showed an 8% improvement in fuel economy. By the end of 2023, more than 10 trucks will participate in on-site testing, with the goal of accumulating over 5 million test kilometers.
Cummins stated that the X15D will only be offered as a Euro 6 engine. In Australia, from November 2024, newly approved heavy-duty vehicle models will implement Euro VI (Stage C) emission requirements in stages, and from November 2025, existing vehicle models will gradually implement Euro VI emission requirements.
/Cummins X15D diesel engine/
Mike Fowler, Director of Highway Business for Cummins Asia Pacific, stated, "With the new X-series platform, Cummins is elevating internal combustion engines to the next generation level, capable of meeting future ultra-low emission standards with low to zero carbon fuel capabilities.
Key points of X15D:
A brand new 15 liter power unit;
The highest rated power of Cummins truck engines in history: up to 660 horsepower/3200 N.m/2360 pound feet of torque;
Compared to the current X15, the weight has been reduced by 225 kilograms;
Compared to the current best X15, fuel consumption has increased by 8%;
Only available as Euro 6 engines;
Low to zero carbon fuel capability.
The X15D adopts the latest development of Cummins XPI (Extreme Pressure Injection) fuel system, with a rated power of up to 660 horsepower and a peak torque of 2360 pound feet, reduced from 1500 rpm to 1000 rpm.
The high power and torque ratings overshadow the current X15 engine's peak of 615 hp/2050 lb ft and will enhance Cummins' engine downshifting strategy to improve fuel economy.
This strategy is aimed at reducing cruise speed to improve fuel economy, while also meeting driver and travel time expectations. The peak torque range is very wide, extending from 1500 rpm to 1000 rpm.
A key feature of X15D is that its dry weight has been reduced by 225 kilograms compared to the current X15. The sculpted iron block and composite oil pan are one of the weight reducing features of X15D with the highest power weight density in the industry.
The new power cylinder design increases peak cylinder pressure by 20% compared to the current engine, further enhancing power density and overall efficiency.
X15D is a key component of Cummins' "fuel agnostic" engine platform, which includes diesel, natural gas, and hydrogen internal combustion engines derived from a common base engine with high component versatility.
The new 15 liter platform basically includes one cylinder block and three cylinder head options - a compression ignition cylinder head for diesel and a spark ignition cylinder head for natural gas and hydrogen.
X15D will have the flexibility to use B100 biodiesel or renewable diesel to further significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
In addition, based on the success of on-site testing, the natural gas and hydrogen versions of X15- X15N and X15H - are expected to be launched in Australia within the next two to four years.
Cummins launched the X15 in 2017, which incorporates optimized compression ratios, air handling systems, and combustion processes based on the previous ISX15 product to improve fuel efficiency and performance. The X15 performance series engine has a rated power of 485-605 horsepower, providing an ideal power match for heavy-duty, occupational, and emergency vehicles.
The main parameters of the X15 2024 model are as follows, with a maximum power of 605hp and a torque of 2779N. m. Relatively speaking, the X15D has a high output of 660 horsepower and 3200N. m, which is a significant improvement.
DAF showcased its flagship XG+version with 660 horsepower for the Australian market at the Brisbane Truck Show. Equipped with a 15 liter Cummins X15D engine, it is named PACCAR MX-15 in Australia.
The truck made its debut at the Brisbane Auto Show, opening up a lucrative road train market for DAF with its 3260Nm torque and acclaimed extended cab.
The engine complies with Euro 6 standards, and Australia will adopt strict emission standards in November 2023.
DAF still offers the previous generation CF and XF in Australia, both of which are assembled locally. The new generation of trucks, including the 660 horsepower XG+, is expected to hit the roads in Australia early next year.
Although the additional power will undoubtedly be welcomed by some European customers of DAF, especially those engaged in heavy transportation or operating 25.25m 80 ton equipment in Scandinavia, strict VECTO rules in Europe will ensure that the MX-15 is not offered outside of Australia.
Supplementary Information
At the 2022 Shaanxi Automobile Heavy Truck Annual Conference, a Delong X6000 heavy-duty truck equipped with a 17L, 800 horsepower Weichai engine was showcased. The Weichai WP17H800E68 engine has a displacement of 16.6L, a maximum output of 800 horsepower, and a peak torque of 3750 Newton meters.
