MELROSE PARK, Ill. (April 10, 2000) — International Truck and Engine Corp. unveiled a camless diesel engine which the company said provides improved performance while reducing weight and meeting future emissions targets.

On Friday, the company demonstrated an International 530E diesel engine with electronically and hydraulically controlled valves. The controls eliminate the need for a mechanical camshaft and push rod assembly and provides precise management of valve-seating velocity.

This improves the mix of air and fuel that combusts and powers the engine, providing better fuel economy and a cleaner burn, said Dan Ustian, president of the company’s engine group. Also, hydraulic actuation means the valves compress gently, increasing parts reliability and creating less noise, he said.

Ustian said the technology yields up to a 40% increase in torque at clutch engagement speeds, meaning smoother acceleration and faster starts. In addition, a compression brake can be integrated into the engine, reducing weight added by a bolt-on device.

Perhaps more importantly, the technology will help diesel engines meet 2007 emissions standards established by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.

International will have a camless engine on the market within four years, Ustian said. The engine technology has been under development since International established a joint venture with Sturman Engine Systems in 1995.