The latest heavy-duty engine to fight for North American market share is the PACCAR MX, a 12.9-litre motor that’s already a European and international veteran. Some 125,000 MX engines, designed and built by PACCAR-owned DAF in the Netherlands, are already successfully operating in DAF trucks around the world. The engine has been modified, of course, for EPA 2010 standards and will use selective catalytic reduction in combination with exhaust gas recirculation to limit emissions. DAF trucks have used SCR to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 rules for several years.

The MX will be ready for use in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks this coming summer, for both over-the-road and vocational applications, available with a horsepower range of 380 to 485 hp and torque outputs up to 1750 lb ft.

Among the ‘new’ engine’s key features is a lightweight design based on the high-strength compacted graphite iron (CGI) used in the block and cylinder head, which DAF pioneered. It’s a premium material said to be more durable and lighter than conventional grey iron resulting in superior power-to-weight performance. There’s also an electronically controlled high pressure fuel-injection system, naturally, as well as an integral engine brake. The company claims that the engine’s block design and rear gear train contributes to “significantly lower in-cab noise levels.”

Not incidentally, the MX engine has been honoured with the “Best Engine of the Year Award” for three consecutive years at the Bus World Asia Exhibition held in Shanghai, China. It’s popular in the Chinese coach market.