MaxxForce 13
More On The MaxxForce 13
International searched the world for a partner for the big-bore engine that would eventually become the MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13. The company knew it lacked the scale to design and construct a low-cost, high-performance engine, so it looked for a partner who had a solid product and wouldn't be competing in North America.
As a result, International and the German company MAN Nutzfahrzeuge agreed to work together on developing products. The engine is sold internationally as the MAN D20. More than 200,000 of them are in operation right now.
While the essential parts of the engine—the block, crank, head, etc.—are the same in both the North American and European variants, the electronics and fuel and air management systems were developed to meet North American emissions rules and consumer needs.
Even by itself, the engine block is interesting. It is produced using compacted graphite iron (CGI), which according to International is 70% stronger and twice as rigid as traditional cast iron. As part of the CGI precision casting process, a small amount of magnesium is added to the molten iron. The increased rigidity and strength allow for a lighter casting. 2,244 lb, or 300 lb less than Cat's current C13, make up its weight.
A series of arching panels on the block's side were installed with the goal of reducing noise, and the results are simply amazing. Because of this and other noise-canceling methods, MaxxForce is a very quiet engine.
