Vancouver-based Westport Innovations Inc., manufacturer of natural gas engines, has introduced a range of product enhancements for natural gas Class 8 trucks. First and foremost, the Westport HD 15L will now deliver up to 550 horsepower and 1850 lb-ft of torque, targeted for North American heavy haul vocations with the most exacting performance requirements. This power/torque option now matches what has been available in Australia for over three years with operations exceeding 10 million kilometers. Availability is anticipated early 2013.
“These product enhancements are in direct response to requests from customers that operate their trucks in the most demanding of applications, and further validate that Westport’s HD15L natural gas engine offers diesel-like performance in any environment,” said Clark Quintin, President of Westport HD.
Apart from the higher horsepower and torque, other product enhancements are:
- Eaton Ultrashift Plus AMT – the automated manual transmission is now available in all Kenworth and Peterbilt configurations in North America for fleets that desire additional driver options.
- Heavy Front End – available on Peterbilt Motors’ 367 SB; Westport HD now offers 16,000 lb front axles as demanded by a number of vocational applications.
- Emissions Aftertreatment Improvements – the Westport HD 15L will feature an optimized emissions equipment system, tailored specifically to the lower emissions profile of natural gas to reduce cost and weight, improve operation and reduce user intervention. Availability of these enhancements will commence during 2013.
“We are building on our established leadership in technology development to deliver improved horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency using low-cost natural gas, and are ideally situated to respond to the demands of the marketplace,” Quintin added.
“Westport is delivering on customer need by providing the most extensive natural gas offerings in the heavy duty transportation market today,” said Bill Kozek Vice President PACCAR / General Manager Peterbilt Motors Company. “Peterbilt applauds Westport’s commitment to ongoing development and improvements in natural gas engine technology, by providing the highest horsepower and torque rate available.”
Speaking about the Kenworth T800 chassis with Westport HD15L LNG power, Gary Moore, Vice President PACCAR / General Manager Kenworth Truck Company said; “The T800 has been a very successful platform for customers seeking to reduce emissions and save money while operating on natural gas with Westport HD’s high performance 15L product. These enhancements will further expand the target customers looking for diesel performance on LNG.”
(This article compiled using information from a Westport Innovations Inc. press release)
