Cummins to come back with Euro 6 heavy-duty engine

American engine manufacturer Cummins is preparing for a comeback to the European heavy truck market with its new ‘global platform’ engine, which will be available in 10.5 and 11-8 litre displacements. The in-line six-cylinder G-series has been developed in the USA, but takes features from the fourcylinder Euro 6 engines that Cummins designed at its facility in Darlington UK, including a weight-saving ‘sculptured’ crankcase and a rocker cover and sump molded from composite material.

For road use the engines will be dubbed the ISG11 and ISG12. Cummins claims the engine will be Euro 3- and Euro 4-compliant at launch in the first half of next year, and that Euro 5 and Euro 6 versions will follow. Euro 6 conformance would allow the engine to be installed in new trucks for sale in Europe.

The G Series incorporates Cummins Xtra-High Pressure Injection (XPI) fuel system, currently also used by Scania. Horsepower ratings range from 286 to 505 bhp across the two engine sizes.

Cummins left the European heavy-duty market at the introduction of Euro 4. The possible re-entry of Cummins into the European heavy-duty truck market opens some interesting possibilities. With all major EU truck manufacturers having finalised their Euro 6 development, it would appear that the only openings for Cummins are with relatively small-scale manufacturers of buses, coaches and specialist vehicles. However, the engines could interest low-cost manufacturers in emerging market countries such as India and China.