LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 1, 2005) – International Truck and Engine took a serious step towards vehicle integration after announcing its own big bore diesel engine for the heavy-duty market.

International — which currently offers Caterpillar and Cummins engines primarily — says the ’07 compliant engine offers customers more variety in the class 8 highway market, although it pledged that the move doesn’t mean limited choices for Cat and Cummins loyalists. The engine. Which is aimed at severe service trucks, regional haul, and long haul tractors, is expected to hit the market in the fall of 2007.

“It’s about integration. It’s about being one company,” said Jack Allen, president of International Engine Group at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. “It’s a natural move for us to enter the big bore market and take advantage of one company designing the chassis, cab, and engine.”

International was sketchy on details of the engine, preferring not to disclose detailed ratings, branding information, or manufacturing location plans. It did say, however, that the engine — which will be an extension of German partner MAN Nutzfahrzeuge’s new European D20 engine — will enter the competitive 11-13 litre range market.

Late last year International and MAN announced a joint strategic agreement to collaborate on design, development, sourcing and manufacturing of diesel engines, as well as components and systems for commercial trucks. “The engine will be (from) a proven base platform design, which will be merged with leading technology from International,” Allen said.

Some key features of this modern big bore diesel include: Performance driven direct injection high-pressure common rail electronic fuel system capable of multiple injection events; Durable single overhead cam actuated with 4-valves/cylinder and roller rocker arms; Compacted Graphite Iron cylinder block for high strength and low weight; Rugged gear-driven air compressor and power steering pump; Rear gear train and pad mounted accessories designed for low noise.

Additionally, the company is expanding upon the technology platform it has been developing for the last five years, Green Diesel Technology. “Green Diesel Technology allows for optimized drivability and life cycle value, minimized emissions and a new level of driver comfort with very low noise and vibration — It’s pure power and power that is pure,” Allen said.

International says the flexibility of Green Diesel Technology provides the company with the edge to design application specific solutions using advanced air management, selected fuel system application, proprietary combustion strategies, electronic controls and optimized after-treatment solutions.