MaxxForce engine to power Mahindra Navistar trucks

In November 2007, M&M; and Navistar set up a JV to manufacture the MaxxForce series of engines in India. Mahindra Navistar Engines Private Ltd. (MNEPL), the new company’s advanced diesel engines will power the full line of trucks and buses produced by the preceding JV, Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd. Engine components will be sourced locally, going up to 95 per cent within two years, with the strong availability of quality parts and materials from Indian suppliers. Currently the JV has achieved close to 70 per cent indigenisation level.

With a state-of-the-art product line-up of advanced engines, MNEPL has progressive and cutting-edge technology to power this array of products. With stringent emission norms introduced across the globe, MNEPL products are geared for the future through a range of technologies.

The MaxxForce 7.2 diesel engine is a 7.2 litre in-line six cylinder diesel engine and will bring new levels of power, reliability and fuel efficiency to on-highway heavy commercial vehicles in India. It is, in fact, the most modern engine in its class in terms of product configuration as well as components technology for the HCV segment in India. With the 4-valve per cylinder technology, the engine has been designed for better performance, higher power, better fuel efficiency and stricter adherence to emission standards.
The engine features both a mechanical injection system with a Bosch Rotary pump, as well as a high-pressure 1800 bar common-rail fuel injection system. This ensures outstanding fuel economy, performance and durability. The MaxxForce 7.2 diesel engine to be produced in India also fully conforms to BS III and BS IV emissions standards. It is positioned to outperform competition in three distinct areas of performance, reliability and fuel economy.

The engine delivers maximum power of 210 hp @ 2200 rpm. This is primarily for the multi-axle truck which will be first launched by MNAL. The other versions of the engine in higher and lower capacities will be launched in due course to power the other range of trucks and buses which the JV plans to launch. The engine with the max torque of 880 N-m at a low speed of 1200-1400 rpm provides superior lugging power with minimum gear changes, even on steep gradients. The turbo with charge-air cooler is tuned to reduce noise, improve fuel economy and make MaxxForce 7.2-powered vehicles responsive and driver friendly. The combustion technology with a 4-valve per cylinder and optimized fuel injection system helps in achieving stringent BS III emissions without any after treatment.

The MaxxForce 7.2 has been extensively tested both in Brazil and India. It has also been tested on trucks in various geographic and climatic conditions across India. This has resulted in 15,000 plus hours of engine testing and 1.5 million km of development and validation on Indian roads. Directed piston cooling jets and gallery-cooled pistons help achieve maximum durability and reliability and assure outstanding power and engine life.

The engine offers unparalleled fuel economy, besides excellent drivability and performance, with impressive low end torque.

For ease of maintenance, the uniquely designed individual cylinder head ensures minimum maintenance and repair cost. The steel cylinder head gasket is modular and has a long life, with low replacement cost and ease of service. The wet liner design ensures minimum replacement cost for liners. The water pump is driven by the engine gear train instead of the belt, allowing trouble-free operation. It also eliminates chances of engine seizure due to belt failure.