LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Cummins has announced three new horsepower ratings for its 2007 ISX, including a new 600 hp offering. The company also announced it will be offering a full lineup of horsepower ratings for its ISM at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

In addition to the 600 hp ISX, Cummins will also offer two other new ratings: the ISX 425 SmartTorque (ST) and the ISX 485 SmartTorque.

The ISX 425 ST delivers 1,550-1,750 lb ft of torque, the company announced. The higher torque ratings will allow drivers to remain in top gear longer, thus maintaining better road speeds and shifting less frequently on grades, Cummins officials said. Another benefit of remaining in top gear longer is improved fuel consumption, making the new ISX 425 ST ideal for truckload fleets.

The ISX 485 ST is designed for the premium truckload market and will be available in the traditional straight rating, or the new SmartTorque rating.

Owner/operators will be the most likely customers spec’ing the new Cummins ISX 600, which boasts 1,850 lb ft of torque. Cummins officials said the new 600 hp offering will also be popular among heavy haulers.

Each of the new horsepower ratings will be compatible with a wide variety of transmissions.

Jeff Jones, vice-president of sales and marketing, said “We continue to expand our ratings to deliver every advantage for our customers. These additional ratings hit the sweet spot for two very important but different sets of Cummins customers, with specific advantages for the needs of their very different business models. Those involved in truckload operations where the absolute best fuel economy makes the difference in business performance and those who need extra horsepower for demanding loads.”

Of course, the new engines will use exhaust gas recirculation, combined with a diesel particulate filter to meet the new emissions standards.

Meanwhile, the Cummins ISM heavy-duty engine will boast improved fuel economy, the company says, as well as 410- and 425 horsepower ratings. Both the ’07 ISM and ISX powerplants will be available in limited production in the fourth quarter of 2006, with full production scheduled to commence in the first quarter of ’07. For more on Cummins 2007 engine plans, as well as a description of the technology employed in the company’s diesel particulate filters, see the May issues of Truck News and Truck West.