Detroit Diesel’s new DD16 engine available on Western Star models

user-gravatar Headshot

The new Detroit Diesel DD16 engine — the latest in Detroit Diesel’s series of all-new heavy-duty engines — will be in production for the Western Star 4900 series in March 2010 and the Western Star 6900 in July 2010, Western Star Trucks announced on Thursday, March 19, at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. Detroit Diesel says the DD16 is its most powerful engine offering and will be equipped with BlueTec emissions technology.

The DD16 displaces 15.6 liters and is suited for owner-operators, small fleets and specialty applications that include the mining, petroleum, agriculture, logging, hazardous material and heavy-haul segments. The DD16 is the third in a series of all-new heavy-duty engines from Detroit Diesel that covers three displacement categories: 13 liters, 15 liters and 16 liters. Part of the Detroit Diesel engine family, the DD16 shares a common platform design that is leveraged on a global scale by Daimler Trucks.

“The DD16 is ideal for small fleets and owner-operators who demand more from their engines than ever available before from Detroit Diesel,” said David Siler, director of marketing for Detroit Diesel. “We’re confident that the DD16 will exceed expectations in even the most extreme applications.”

Detroit Diesel says the DD16 features a robust core design, amplified common rail fuel system (ACRS), turbo compounding technology and superior power curves that gives drivers the torque response and pulling power they demand. It will be offered with a large variety of output and multitorque power ratings from 1,750 to 2,050 lb-ft torque and 475 to 600 horsepower.

In addition, the DD16’s pulling power allows the driver to haul heavier payloads up and down the steepest grades and hang in top gear longer, the company says; and thanks to the DD16’s integrated engine brake, getting down the other side is just as easy. With the DD16, Western Star customers can carry bigger loads with increased gross combination weight (GCW).

“The powerful DD16 will provide Western Star customers with yet another engine choice to tackle the most challenging jobs in the most extreme environments,” says Richard Shearing, senior manager of product strategy for Western Star. “Not only does the DD16 feature superior durability that will result in less engine wear-and-tear, it’s backed by Detroit Diesel’s proven engine technology.”

Partner Insights
Information to advance your business from industry suppliers

Western Star also announced:

  • The availability of its limited-edition Western Star 4900 model. The Limited Edition 67 — representing the year Western Star was introduced to the North American market — will be equipped with a specially-built Detroit Diesel DD15 engine and commemorative trim. Western Star will manufacture just 100 of these trucks this year. The Limited Edition 67’s DD15 engine features 560 horsepower and 1,967 lb-ft. of torque — the most powerful Detroit Diesel engine available today — and was built solely for this Western Star truck;
  • A new configuration option for its 4900 FA model series geared toward the construction and severe-duty applications such as West Coast mixers and super dump applications. The truck maker says the new set-forward 109-inch BBC twin steer features a three-degree wheel cut improvement over previous designs, which offers greater maneuverability for offroad applications. The 4900 FA 109-inch twin steer is equipped with a 450 hp, 12.8L MBE 4000 engine, Eaton Fuller 11-speed transmission and Meritor Tandem 40,000-pound front axles and 46,000-pound rear axles. In addition, the 4900 FA twin steer features shackled springs, rather than slipper springs, for a 30 percent ride improvement without compromising load ratings. The 4900 FA twin steer also features a roomy and well-insulated cab, in addition to suspended brake and clutch petals; and
  • An agreement with TravelCenters of America to add Western Star ServicePoint branded repair services to Petro:Lube facilities at Petro Stopping Center locations. Petro:Lube locations will become Western Star ServicePoint authorized providers at a select number of locations beginning now, with complete networkwide support by this summer. Services available to Western Star trucks include light repair and preventive maintenance checks, as well as factory-authorized warranty service. Western Star customers also will benefit from coordinated service support with the Western Star authorized dealer network for their full-service needs.