"We've been successfully preparing for the 21st century for nearly a decade now."
As Yogi Berra once said, "It's hard to make predictions, especially about the future." With all due respect to Mr. Berra, we at Cummins Engine Co. disagree. We've been successfully preparing for the 21st century for nearly a decade now - with an investment of more than $1-billion in our Interact System of products.
The Interact System is an innovative engineering platform that combines electronic engine controls with high-pressure fuel injection and high-strength componentry. We first demonstrated Cummins' commitment to this innovative new engine platform in April 1997, when we unveiled the 24-valve ISB for the medium-duty automotive market.
In June 1998, we dramatically proved our commitment to high-horsepower customers across North America with our launch of the first electronic dual overhead cam 600-hp. diesel in automotive history: the Signature 600. Later, we added the 24-valve in-line 6-cyl. turbocharged ISC and the lightweight, fuel-efficient heavy-duty ISM. The strongest engine in its class, the ISM offers up to 500 hp. for the vocational market and 425 hp. for fleets.
Now, the heavy-duty ISL is entering production. Building on the market leadership already established by the L10, the ISL is designed for vocational and LTL customers. It is both an intelligent and a rugged heavy-duty engine, with integrated features that optimize fuel, lube, cooling, air, and powertrain performance, while keeping track of vital statistics for the driver, technician, and/or fleet manager.
Today our newest entry to this family of products - the ISX - is moving into full production. This ISX engine is designed to meet the fleet owner's need to retain good drivers, as well as enhanced resale value and improved fuel economy. Like the Signature 600, the ISX platform delivers the performance and technology that - until now - fleet drivers only dreamed about.
We recently announced that Cummins is extending the depth of our ISX product line with the new ISX 475, with 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque, and ISX 475 ST2, with 1,650/1,850 lb.-ft. of torque, for high-horsepower fleets. The ISX 475 and ISX 475 ST2 fill an important niche between our 450- and 500-hp. ISX engines, and add significant depth to the ISX engine's product line range - all the way from 400 hp. (1,450 lb.-ft. of torque) to 600 hp. (1,850 lb.-ft. of torque). The ISX 475 can be spec'd with SmartTorque 2 (ST2). This Cummins-designed torque-management rating delivers an additional 200 lb.-ft. of torque in the top two gears of the transmission automatically - over and above the standard rating.
Like the Signature 600, the ISX features a totally integrated engine brake, capable of producing more braking power than horsepower. The ISX 475 and ISX 475 ST2 produce up to 500-plus brake horsepower as standard equipment.
The investment in the Interact System means that we have developed a family of products designed to meet the wants and needs of fleet owners and drivers well into the future. Interact means innovation, advanced technology, fuel-efficiency and driver delight.
It means that after nearly a decade of research and development, of leading-edge engineering and design, that Cummins has envisioned the most advanced diesel engines for the trucking industry today - and made them a reality for the fleets of the 21st century.
But most important, the Interact System family of products means, as Yogi Berra once said about a leader in his field: "If you can't imitate him, don't copy him."
