Cummins' easy climber
Page 10
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• Cummins has launched a "thinking" version of its 14-litre diesel with ESP (Electronic Smart Power) which can automatically boost power and torque for hill climbing.
ESP, which is based on Cummins' CELECT electronic fuel management system, has been introduced in the US on the N14 straight-six. A 10-litre version is due next year but neither are expected to reach the UK soon.
Ric Kleine, European director of automotive marketing, says: "We don't plan to release ESP at the present, but we'll evaluate the concept and value to end users for possible future application."
That could mean bringing in ESP for the Euro-2 emission standards in 1996. Cummins already offers three CELECT engines in the UK—the 14-litre N500E and N440E, and the L10350E. They were launched last September as part of its Euro-1 line-up.
A program within the CELECT control module determines torque output, taking into account road speed, throttle pedal position and engine load.
When a truck with an ESP engine is operating on the flat with cruise control its normal torque rating is applied. But when it starts to climb a hill the ESP program electronically raises the power and torque output to maintain the pre-set speed, thereby reducing the need to change down a gear..
Cummins claims ESP can "reduce shifting up to 75%. L10 with ESP will be a very attractive product from a fleet standpoint."
Last September Cummins revealed it was working on electronically controlled variable torque engines which would typically be rated at 231kW (310hp) for level running, rising to 320kW (430hp) with an extra 271Nm (2001bft) of torque when climbing (CM10-16 Sept).
ESP is restricted to the top few ratios of the gearbox and the driveline must be capable of handling the higher torque input.
CM'S prediction that Cummins is planning to increase the displacement of its L10 engine look like being borne out According to the latest US reports a bigger L10, with more power and torque, will break cover in 1994, along with a 145kW (195hp) naturalgas B Series, and a truck version of the CNG L10 bus engine is being developed.