WARRENVILLE, Ill. – International Truck and Engine launched a new Web site for its Engine Group, alongside technical details for the company’s mid-range I-6 family of MaxxForce Diesel Power engines.

The new Web site – www.InternationalEngines.com – is an opportunity for the company to present a fresh, global perspective for the manufacturer’s engine group, which consists of its North American operations and South American subsidiary, MWM INTERNATIONAL.

As for the new engines, the I-6 family will be made available for 2008 model year trucks.

Built on International’s I-6 architecture, this platform of engines will serve as the line for Class 3 to 7 engines, from medium-duty to severe-service applications.

Specifically, the new MaxxForce DT, MaxxForce 9 and MaxxForce 10, will serve as the next level of International diesel engines geared towards a wide range of vocational capabilities.

“International’s I-6 engines, especially the legendary DT, have a remarkable history of quality and reliability,” said Jack Allen, president, International Engine Group.

“These engines have been the engine of choice in Class 6-7 commercial truck and bus applications for decades.”

The DT line was developed in the 1970s with the idea of bringing traditional big bore characteristics to an inline-6 engine.

Focusing on reliability, International’s team of engineers made evolutionary changes to the new engines for the 2008 model-year trucks, but kept the basic engine components the same, building on top of the current platform.

“The design strategy of the new MaxxForce DT, MaxxForce 9 and MaxxForce 10 was to change as little as possible, carrying forward the proven technology and components of the current engine families, while building on our Green Diesel Technology experience with advanced emissions controls,” said Persio Lisboa, managing director, Inline Engine Business Unit with International.

For changes that did enter the design, the intention was to further improve reliability, added Lisboa.

Foremost among these changes is a new wiring harness.

“This new harness has a foam over-molding that is tough as nails and holds a consistent shape,” he explained.

“The resulting product fits right every time. It is much easier to assemble, which improves first-time quality on our assembly line and makes the engines easier to service.”

The new MaxxForce DT, MaxxForce 9 and MaxxForce 10 diesel engines will feature the same premium wet-sleeve design that provides heavy-duty durability. The precision-machined sleeves are designed to provide even cylinder cooling and no hot spots, resulting in cylinders that stay round during thermal expansion to provide increased engine durability.

Other features of the I-6 engines, which International says will improve heavy-duty durability are: six head bolts per cylinder, bearing-cap ladder reinforcement to provide added strength for high horsepower ratings, Cam Roller Followers for durability and reduced valve-lash growth, replaceable valve seats and guides that allow the cylinder head to be rebuilt, and four valves per cylinder to allow the engines to breathe easier for better performance and lower emissions as well as reduce vavletrain wear because the spring loads are reduced.

As well with a works kit from International, the engines have the ability to be completely re-built in-frame. The engines can be returned to original factory specifications for less than the cost of remanufacturing, which also gives them a strong value advantage at resale and makes them less expensive to lease, noted the manufacturer.

As an integrated truck and engine manufacturer, International has the ability to offer thousands of potential build configurations to suit numerous vocations.

The MaxxForce DT, MaxxForce 9 and MaxxForce 10 can be custom tailored to suit the needs of all customers, the company says.

Other features of the MaxxForce I-6 engines include: an upgraded EGR system that reduces NOx without sacrificing fuel economy due to increased EGR cooling; improved EGR mixing; higher flow rates and reduced pressure drop; the closed-crankcase ventilation system with a centrifugal oil mist separator has no filters to change, making it maintenance-free; and a new intake throttle helps raise exhaust temperature for active regeneration of the Diesel Particulate Filter and protects the DPF from high-temperature damage.

The 7.6L, MaxxForce DT powers Class 6-8 International DuraStar and WorkStar trucks with 210-300 horsepower and 560-860 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 9.3L, MaxxForce 9 powers Class 7-8 DuraStar and WorkStar commercial trucks and the International CXT with 300-330 hp and 800-950 lb.-ft of torque.

The 9.3L, MaxxForce 10 powers Class 8 International WorkStar and TranStar trucks with 310-350 hp and 1,050-1,150 lb.-ft. of torque.

“The MaxxForce 10 will be available up to 350hp, which is an upgrade from the 2006 product,” noted Lisboa.