COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins has developed a new global engine platform, which it says will complement its existing engine line.

The new G Series platform is an in-line six-cylinder engine, and will be available in 10.5- and 11.8-litre displacements for on- and off-highway use. The company says the new platform’s initial engines will be diesel-powered.

The new G Series line was developed in the US, but will be offered in markets around the world.

“The G Series global design approach is a vivid demonstration of how Cummins is transforming from a multinational to a truly global company,” said Steve Chapman, Cummins vice-president and group vice-president, China and Russia. “This engine platform has been designed for diverse and global markets by utilizing the expertise and local knowledge of our engineers from around the world.”

The engine was designed to minimize engineering requirements for vehicle and equipment manufacturers, thanks to a compact installation envelope. The company also reduced weight in order to increase the power-to-weight ratio. This was done in part by using a sculptured block that retains high rigidity while removing unnecessary mass, Cummins announced.

The company also used composite materials for the oil pan and valve cover for further weight savings.

The new G Series engines weigh just 1,900 lbs, according to the company. Cummins’ Xtra-High Pressure Injection (XPI) system has been adapted to the new engine platform, from the X Series engine.

Cummins says it has reduced parasitic loss for improved fuel economy without variable-flow pumps that add unnecessary cost and reduce reliability. The G Series uses a single cam in head (SCIH) design with roller valve train and high-efficiency intake ports for reduced complexity.

The first of these on-highway engines to hit the market in 2014 will be the Cummins ISG11 and ISG12. They’ll be available with 290-512 hp in a compact, lightweight package, Cummins announced. The engines will be suited for heavy-duty trucks in long-haul, regional-haul and vocational services.

“Cummins G Series will set a new benchmark as a global Heavy-Duty engine platform,” said Rich Freeland, Cummins vice-president and president, engine business. “With innovative and leading technology, the G Series will deliver superior performance to drive our customers’ success.”

Production of the new engine line will begin in the first half of 2014.