SmartTorque ratings deliver higher torque in the two top gears so that drivers can climb steep hills with fewer downshifts. The product will be available in the fall of 2013 for linehaul, regional haul and less-than-truckload applications.

The ISX15 is an in-line, 6-cylinder, 14.9-liter diesel with variable geometry turbocharger and direct injection XPI fuel system.

The Eaton Fuller Advantage Series automated transmission will be offered as a small ratio step Over-Drive model with new Cummins ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings; the ISX15 415 ST2 with torque of 1,450/1,650 lb-ft (1,966/2,237 N·m), and the ISX15 450 ST2 with torque of 1,550/1,750 lb-ft (2,102/2,373 N·m). Through a combination of hardware and software enhancements, the powertrain package benefits include:

• Integrated power, fuel and shifting strategies to provide three and six percent fuel economy improvement for linehaul and regional haul applications;

• Optimized engine and transmission communications and new control logic enable further engine downspeeding in the over-drive position, and the effective use of direct drive technology in operational conditions required for a blend of perfect efficiency.

One of the main enhancements Eaton has made with its Fuller Advantage Series transmission is the elimination of the cooler, which helps to reduce the overall package weight and improve reliability. Combined with the use of aluminum for the rear transmission housing, range cylinder, shift bar housing and the shift tower—along with a thin wall, cast iron main case design—the new transmission weighs 75 lbs (34 kg) less than Eaton’s UltraShift PLUS LAS base model. A new precision lubrication system for precise and efficient transmission lubrication further enhances fuel economy by reducing churning losses.

The new engine and transmission combination has been designed specifically to work smarter to maximize fuel economy benefits. Cummins’ new ISX15 SmartTorque2 ratings are the next generation of today’s SmartTorque ratings and precisely manage the power needed for the load demand. The Vehicle Acceleration Management is a patented Cummins electronic feature that manages vehicle acceleration for smoother shifting. This feature contributes to fuel economy benefits in stop and go duty cycles found in regional haul applications.

The powertrain package is currently undergoing field testing with various sized fleets, and initial testing and customer validation results are confirming the 3% to 6% fuel economy improvement.