Mack details its next 13-L engine for EPA 27: OEM’s 'most powerful' yet
Key takeaways
- Mack Trucks unveiled its new MP13 engine to meet upcoming regulations and boost performance.
- The new MP13 delivers up to 540 hp and 1950 lb.-ft. torque.
- The engine boasts improved fuel efficiency and engine braking power.
- Mack changed the engine block's material to compacted graphite iron for enhanced strength and reduced weight.
LAS VEGAS—Mack Trucks' next-generation MP13 engine is fully compliant with EPA27, offering gains in performance and efficiency to boot.
The new MP13 will meet federal NOx compliance and improve power for Mack’s future Granite, Anthem, and Pioneer trucks.
“Mack trucks will have a fully compliant engine for EPA 2027 regs,” Govi Kannan, Mack Trucks’ SVP of global products, told media at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo here in Las Vegas. “This is going to be our strongest and most powerful 13-liter that we have built, at 540 horsepower and 1950 lb.-ft. of torque.”
The big changes are a redesigned engine block and an enhanced aftertreatment system.
How is the next MP13 engine different?
The redesign is based on the same engine platform powering Volvo’s trucks, but with tweaks to the torque and horsepower curves to meet Mack customers’ needs.
Mack was also able to create improved fuel economy in the new engine. In the Mack Granite, the new engine brings up to 3% improved fuel efficiency.
Similar to Volvo’s new D13, Mack’s next MP13 significantly improves its engine braking power—up 20% to 630 hp, improving stopping power and minimizing brake wear.
To meet EPA's regulations, emissions are also reduced for the upcoming engine. Mack boasts an almost 75% reduction in NOx, achieved through changes in both the engine itself and the aftertreatment system.
Mack’s new engine block material
The next MP13 diesel engine block will be composed of a new compacted graphite iron to improve strength and reduce weight.
“We are coming up with a brand new, compact graphite iron-made engine, which is going to be strong and durable,” Kannan said.
The engine's overall weight will likely still increase slightly. Mack’s Kannan noted that, while the new engine material would not weigh more, the addition of new components adds “some weight changes, [but] not significantly different.”
“The graphite iron brings durability, but it’s also lighter than the prior block,” Fernando Couceiro, VP of highway trucks for Mack, added. “Because you’re adding other components, [the block's] kind of offsetting a little bit of the weight increase.”
How MP13 improved fuel efficiency, emissions
Mack’s Granite reaches that 3% improved efficiency with the new engine, largely due to a new piston design and enhanced downspeeding. The piston design, paired with an augmented aftertreatment system, also leads to cleaner (and compliant) combustion.
“We have introduced the wave pistons,” Kannan said. “With extra pressure, we are going to get a cleaner burn, and hence the fuel economy when it comes to the engine.”
The torque curve was also optimized to match performance with lower rotations: peak torque is as low as 900 RPM for drivability and downspeeding. To complement the engine upgrade, Mack also updated its automated manual transmission, which the OEM says brings quicker, smoother shifts.
On the aftertreatment side, like the heavy-duty market’s other OEMs, Mack introduced a heater system to boost the catalytic reduction process and meet the new emissions standards.
The next MP13 will also be compatible with R100 renewable diesel and biodiesel blends up to B20—an upgrade from the previous MP13’s B10.
When and where will the new engine be available?
Mack says the new MP13 will be available for order starting August 2026, with production timed to model year 2028 vehicles.
The engine will be available in the Mack Pioneer, Anthem, Keystone, and Granite.
Meanwhile, Mack’s LR + TerraPro will use the new X10 by Cummins, in place of the MP7. The OEM said that it has decided to sunset the 11-liter MP7 engine. The X10 will also be available in the Granite. Mack will still offer natural gas and electric powertrains for several models.
About the Author
Jeremy Wolfe
Editor
Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.