Eaton and Cummins Westport, a joint-venture company of Cummins Inc. and Westport Innovations, announced an integrated powertrain package for the Cummins Westport ISX12 G natural gas engine that will provide customers with the first automated transmission to be paired with a spark-ignited natural gas engine in the North American market.
The powertrain will combine an Eaton UltraShift PLUS automated transmission with the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine. Executives said this product announcement is a continuation of the long-standing collaboration between Eaton and Cummins, and builds upon the announcement one year ago of the SmartAdvantage Powertrain package for the Cummins ISX15 diesel engine.
The UltraShift PLUS automated transmission offers maximum power capacity, superior acceleration and low-speed maneuverability. Paired with the ISX12 G, the new powertrain package will be available for limited application release for linehaul and regional haul in mid-2014.
The Cummins Westport ISX12 G natural gas engine with heavy-duty durability is based on the Cummins ISX12 diesel engine, and operates on 100% natural gas, which can be carried on the vehicle in either compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) form. Ideally suited for regional haul applications, the ISX12 G has a robust power band at 1,500-1,800 rpm, and delivers excellent responsiveness, with peak torque at 1,200 rpm. This industry-leading heavy-duty natural gas engine is available with horsepower of 320 to 400 HP (239-298 kW) with 1450 lb.-ft. (1966 N•m) peak torque.
