REDFORD, Mich. — Detroit Diesel has announced it will be soon be offering a free software upgrade that will boost the fuel efficiency of its Series 60 engines.

The software will enhance fuel economy by up to 2.5%, the company says.

“Extensive testing of the Series 60 has shown our particulate filter regeneration process is more effective than originally anticipated,” said David Siler, director of marketing for Detroit Diesel. “The fact that the filters are staying clean, combined with some advancements in the regeneration software, allow us to enhance the regeneration process to improve the fuel efficiency for the engines.”

In addition to improving the DPF regeneration cycle, the new software will also enhance the shifting and cruise control functions, the company says. It will accomplish this by limiting engine speed during up-shifts and optimizing engine speed while in cruise control. Customers can receive the performance upgrades by visiting their Detroit Diesel dealer or service location, beginning July 1. The upgrades will be automatically built into new Series 60 engines produced after July 1, 2008.

“Two and a-half percent is a significant fuel economy improvement, coming at a point in time when our customers can really use it,” added Siler. “Nothing could make us happier than being able to report this right now when fuel prices are hitting all-time highs.”