PSI, Capacity collaborate on natural gas engine
Globe Newswire
WOOD DALE — Power Solutions International Inc. and Capacity of Texas Inc. announced a collaboration to bring natural gas engines to the medium-duty truck market.
The alternatively-fueled PSI 8.8-liter, on-highway-certified engine will be used in Capacity’s TJ5000 tractor, which is designed for warehouse and distribution applications. The two companies exhibited this option in the Capacity booth at the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show, an annual forum for the heavy-duty trucking industry held this week in Louisville, Kentucky.
“PSI is broadening its range of medium- to heavy-duty truck offerings,” said Jeremy Lessaris, PSI director of marketing. “We are excited to continue that growth by collaborating with Capacity.”
The high-performance, 8.8-liter “big block” replacement offers 20 percent across-the-board improvements in power and 15 percent better fuel-efficiency over its most popular alternative, the now-discontinued General Motors 8.1-liter, Lessaris said. PSI designed the engine to run on a variety of fuels, including compressed natural gas, propane, and gasoline. The PSI 8.8-liter provides 430 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque at 3400 RPM.
Dan Grohoski, director of new business development for PSI, said medium- to heavy-duty truck markets are actively seeking engine replacements as existing big block inventories wind down.
“Up until now, most offerings compromised on power, efficiency or emissions reduction,” Grohoski said. “The PSI 8.8-liter offers OEMs a totally integrated solution with no compromises.”
Capacity’s durable and functional TJ5000 tractor provides 81,000 pounds of gross combined weight capability and is designed for a wide variety of yard, warehouse and distribution applications.
“Capacity is a terminal truck design leader because we listen to our customers,” said Phillip Ford, president of Capacity of Texas. “This collaboration with PSI helps us to continue pushing the cargo industry forward by offering cost-effective, alternative-fuel products that meet the demands of today’s market.”
PSI launched the 8.8-liter engine at the RVIA National RV Trade Show in November 2011. The 8.8-liter is capable of fulfilling power, efficiency, emissions and fuel-flexibility needs across a wide range of applications, including waste-hauling trucks, school buses, recreational vehicles, and medium-duty trucks.