International Truck and Engine Corp has completed the first cross-continental test of its camless engine technology in an International 530E diesel engine. This journey allowed engineers to test the technology's reliability, durability, and performance characteristics in real-world situations across terrain and temperatures that cannot be simulated in a lab.
The trek began with a test run to the top of Pike's Peak. From there, engineers from International and partner Sturman Industries drove the International 8100 truck — with 32,000-lb International Eagle Tour 2000 trailer in tow — west to San Francisco and down the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles before turning back east to cross the nation.
Expected benefits of International camless engine technology include a 40% increase in torque at clutch engagement speeds for smoother acceleration and faster starts, and increased parts reliability and less noise because the rate of closing is controlled with hydraulic actuation and the valves compress gently.
