Top torque for US-style Celect
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• Cummins has launched its 14litre 373kW (500hp) N14 500E Celect engine in the US. The engine is similar to that fitted in our test Foden 4500 this week (see p30), but with 13% more torque than in the Foden at a massive 2,373Nm (1,750Ibft) at 1,20Orpm.
The Celect electronics enable the engine characteristics to be tailored to market needs. The torque curve is different from its UK counterpart and peak power is developed between 1,600 and 1,700rpm, instead of 1,900rpm in its UK applications. Currunins is also offering a 500E with less torque in the US, 2,237Nm (1,6501bft) at 1,200rpm. The engine also shows a 3-4% fuel consumption improvement over the 460 version, currently the most powerful in the US. Peterbilt will get the first N14 500F,s for its big bonneted models.
Also scheduled for 1994 is the 10.8 litre Mll Celect engine developed from the L10 10 litre. The engine is likely to arrive in Europe in time for Euro-2 (CM 17-23 Jun).
7 CM drove the US N14 500E, running at the US 36.3 tonne GCW limit in a White GMC WIA, with 13-speed transmission. Gearshifting in most road circumstances was unnecessary as the engine has all the unstoppable feeling of a gas turbine.
There is a potential penalty with the comparatively light steer axles common in the US. Drivers must watch the way the torque builds from idle as the engine accelerates in the starting gear. Starting in second, the White reared up as the frame reacted to the massive torque. Driver training will be necessary to avoid driveline abuse.
The engine is aimed at similar buyers to those in the UK; owner operators and specialist operations.