COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins has announced its new ISX12 engine will deliver up to 12% better fuel economy than the ISX11.9 it replaces.

The company says the engine will be up to 5% more fuel-efficient than the ISX11.9 in regional haul applications and as much as 12% better in vocational applications.

Cummins credits the improvements to optimized calibrations.

“Cummins is excited about the opportunity to offer customers this evolution of our 12-litre product,” said Jeff Jones, vice-president, sales and market communications. “Through continuous product improvements, we are able to introduce the new ISX12 to better meet the demands of our customers and to provide value that only Cummins products can bring to their operations.”

In addition to improved fuel economy, Cummins says the ISX12 will also deliver better reliability and performance across a broad range of applications. Improvements will include better pulling power, excellent driveability and strong clutch engagement torque, making it ideal for rigorous duty cycles, according to the company.

The ISX12 will share some components with the ISX15, including the enhanced cooled EGR system, single variable geometry turbo and proprietary XPI fuel system. It will also use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology.

The new ISX12, which goes into full production in March, is available with standard ratings ranging from 310-425 hp and SmartTorque ratings from 330-425 hp. (SmartTorque ratings unleash higher torque in the two top gears, so that drivers can climb steep hills with fewer downshifts, Cummins claims).