LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Rounding out its series of heavy-duty engines, Detroit Diesel unveiled the DD16, which is the most powerful engine offered by Detroit Diesel and the first to be launched with BlueTec emissions technology.

The DD16 made its debut at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. and displaces 15.6 liters.

The DD16 features a robust core design, amplified common rail fuel system (ACRS), turbo compounding technology and superior power curves. It will be offered with a large variety of output and multi-torque power ratings from 1,750 to 2,050 lb-ft torque and 475 to 600 horsepower.

The DD16 is the third in a series of all-new heavy-duty engines from Detroit Diesel that covers three displacement categories: 13 liters, 15 liters and 16 liters.

"The DD16 is ideal for small fleets and owner-operators who demand more from their engines than ever available before from Detroit Diesel," said David Siler, director of marketing for Detroit Diesel. "We’re confident that the DD16 will exceed expectations in even the most extreme applications."

The DD16 was designed with a wide torque curve, so pulling power is never compromised. The torque curves, which are long, flat and peak at 1100 RPM, help the vehicle launch and maintain pulling power on steep grades.

The engine’s air management system features Detroit Diesel’s exclusive turbo compounding technology – which converts exhaust gas energy into usable horsepower. Turbo compounding, together with the DD16’s simplified turbocharger design and improved EGR system, also contribute to the engine’s superior power and torque response.

The DD16’s enhanced power and multi-torque ratings should also help improve fuel economy, a feature that used to be compromised with big power engines, and reduce powertrain wear and tear.

The ACRS inside the DD16 will allow the engine to optimize the injection events within each stroke. The "amplified" means the highest fuel pressure is generated within the injectors, leading to reduced pressure throughout the rest of the system and greater component reliability.

The DD16 will be available in Western Star and Freightliner heavy-duty trucks in March 2010. The engine will be assembled beginning in 2010 at Detroit Diesel’s production facility in Redford, Mich.

For a complete wrap-up of Day 1 at MATS, or a real-time account of Day 2’s events, check out Marco Beghetto’s blog.