Iveco to launch electronic eight
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by Brian Weatherley • The first fruits of the joint Iveco/Nissan truck diesel engine technology project are expected to be available next year when Iveco begins volume production of an all-electronically controlled, eight-litre, in-line six-pot engine.
The overhead-cam six, fitted with unit injectors, will be very light with power ratings from 200350hp. As well as launching the eight-litre engine, Iveco is expected to utilise its design features in a future range of 10 and 12litre diesels that will give the company a family of engines to take it to Euro-3 and beyond.
Jean-Pierre Lefebvre, vice-president of truck commercial operations, says the new Iveco engine will initially be sold alongside current Iveco power units, including the 9.5litre engine used in the EuroTech and EuroStar range. However, it will eventually replace those existing engines, which will then be used in nonEuropean markets.
Under the agreement between Iveco and Nissan both manufacturers have been looking at future engine technology, including engine electronics, turbocharging and fuel injection systems.
• Iveco is also developing a range of electronic four and six-cylinder engines under its membership of the European Engine Alliance (EEA), which includes Cummins.
The project was launched last year and could ultimately see Iveco producing 200,000 engines a year.
Despite Cummins' membership of EEA, Iveco says it will continue to fit its own engines, rather than proprietary diesels, in its trucks.
• Nissan has developed a small direct-injection diesel engine available in 2.5 or 3.0 litres with four cylinders in-line.
Fuel economy is claimed to be 40% better, while CO2 and NOx emissions are cut by about 30%.