FYI from MCI™

MCI J4500 new-engine production prototype debuts in Toronto

The United States has been preparing feverishly for the changes that will accompany the 2007 engine changes mandated by the nation's Environmental Protection Agency, standards that will also apply to Canadian vehicles. But when it comes to the availability of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel, Canada is already a step ahead. So it's only fitting that MCI has unveiled its production prototype J4500, equipped with a Cat C-13 engine and ZF ASTronic transmission, at the Ontario Motorcoach Association Annual Conference and Marketplace in Toronto.

MCI is right on schedule implementing the new engines, according to Bryan Couch, MCI vice president of product development. A D-Series pilot coach with a Detroit Diesel S-60 engine and Allison transmission came offline November 7, and Couch says a J4500 with a Cummins ISM engine and ZF ASTronic transmission will be in prototype production by the end of the year. The D-Series will also offer a Cummins power option, paired with an Allison transmission.

Engine manufacturers are required to begin phasing in the new engines no later than January 1, 2007, and MCI coaches equipped with the new engines are expected to be available by midyear. MCI plans to offer the widest selection of powertrain options in the industry, with three engine and two transmission packages for its J4500, E4500, D4500, D4000, D4505 and D4005 models. To accommodate the new engines, MCI is re-engineering exhaust and fuel systems, engine cooling equipment and airflow through the engine compartment. While the engine changes do not affect the styling of the J and E models, MCI is using the opportunity to improve the new-look D, restyling the rear and adding aerodynamic vents that enhance engine cooling. All together, MCI is investing more than $8 million in new tooling, pilots, prototypes and training related to the engine changes.

According to industry reports, the combination of new technologies and the use of ULSD fuel will make coach diesel engine emissions 90 percent cleaner.  ULSD is defined as having no more than 15 parts per million of sulfur particulates (as opposed to the current maximum of 500).

By offering the broadest selection of EPA-compliant engines in the industry, MCI offers customers the opportunity to custom-configure their coach drive trains to optimize their unique key performance criteria. The new engines also offer operators a marketing opportunity in taking advantage of their "green" appeal.

What's next on the Canadian clean-air scene? MCI will also be participating in cold-weather testing with Detroit Diesel starting December 6. Coaches will run between Thompson, Manitoba, and Winnipeg, MCI's production home. Says Couch, "Winters are longer up here."

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