International Truck and Engine Corp. has announced it will begin offering a Cummins 600-hp ISX engine in its new aerodynamic ProStar tractor, which was launched in January. The higher-horsepower rating, the OEM said, will appeal to customers who need higher performance to meet hauling needs but are still eager to benefit from the tractor’s fuel-efficient, aerodynamic features and low cost of ownership.
“The 600-hp engine is important to drivers who face severe operating difficulties in, say, mountainous regions, or who haul non-diminishing loads,” said Stephen Gilligan, assistant general manager-heavy trucks, International Truck. “We are offering them an efficient solution to offset the sacrifice in fuel economy they make in order to obtain higher performance when they need it.”
With the aerodynamic ProStar and the higher-horsepower engine, the company said, drivers will not have to shift as frequently when climbing a steep incline because more horsepower is in reserve to assist them.
“The ISX 600 offers great low-end torque to get the load moving, and peak torque across the broadest operating range for maximum performance and drivability,” added David Geraghty, executive director– Commercial Vehicle Engine Business, Cummins Inc.
ProStar tractors with Cummins ISX 600 engine are expected to be available early this summer.