[TechTalk]

Cummins Signature Motor Dear Inquiring Mind, We can provide no simple yes or no answer to your question, as there are several issues involved that greatly complicate engine selection at the moment. These include transmission capacity, the implementation of new emissions standards, and application engineering and support problems with Cummins. First, Allison currently limits their transmissions to a maximum of 525 hp and 1650 lb/ft torque. While in theory there are a couple of other automatic transmissions available (Eaton and ZF), they present availability, driveability, and engineering issues that we do not believe have been properly resolved. Without a suitable transmission, a higher horsepower engines is obviously a non-starter. A new set of emissions standards became effective with engines manufactured in October 2002 with more changes due this winter. During this transition, Detroit, Cat, and Cummins have all put their higher horsepower premium engines on the back burner, so availability of 600 hp engines of any brand is a big question while this sorts out. Finally, in addition to our standard Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, we have already installed Cat and Cummins engines on special order. While the Cat installations have been quite sucessful, we had a lot of difficulty getting application engineering support from Cummins, so coach delivery was delayed and it was several weeks before we could get Cummins to make the final adjustments so the engine would perform properly. Therefore, while we never say never, we would be "reluctant" to accept an order for a Newell that specified Cummins power.