Cummins Introduces New 650-hp Diesel Engine for Premium Motorhomes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 27, 2007) - Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) today introduced a new 650-hp diesel engine for luxury motorhomes, the ISX 650, at the RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) show. The ISX 650, with 1950 lb-ft of torque, represents a new level of performance in the premium motorhome market.

The Cummins ISX delivers superior performance through the use of its in-house core technologies, including Cummins advanced electronic controls, patented VG Turbo, high-pressure fuel system, combustion technology and exhaust aftertreatment. The new ISX 650 is fully integrated with the Allison 4000 MH model automatic transmission. The Allison 4000 MH model is rated up to 650 horsepower and 1950 lb-ft of torque. This rating and transmission integration demonstrates the ongoing collaborative efforts between Cummins and Allison Transmission.

According to Mark Conover, Cummins Director - RV Business, "We've listened to motorhome customers and understand that horsepower and performance are top of mind. The ISX 650 will provide exceptional acceleration, improved ability to climb steep grades, better downhill speed restraint with superior braking horsepower and all-around first-rate performance."

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins reported net income of $715 million on sales of $11.4 billion in 2006.

I wonder when the horsepower escalating wars will come to a halt with the price of fuel hovering around at any one time between three and four dollars a gallon.
But I suppose if you can afford one of those coaches that has one of those mega-power plants that's probably the least of your concerns. Ed.S

Personaly, I think it's rediculous.

It wasn't that long ago, the diesel pushers were driving around with placards on the back advertising the engines in the rigs as being 260 and 275 HP. Remember those rigs also had the 4 speed Allison transmission

Of course, those motorhomes didn't weigh 40-50,000 lbs like the big ones today with the monster motors.

I also agree the engine size is getting a bit overboard, but you know boys with toys....someones always got to be the person with the biggest on the block, so if folks keep buying them, the manufacturers will keep making them.

The Tim Taylor "tool time" syndrome hits everywhere....more power....more power.

My LADB with the ISX 600HP weighed 54K and some change wet and with everything that's being added to these coaches of late, I can see the manufacturers wanting to add more HP.

Yes, it's a situation where one would ask "is it really needed" and so on, but those folks aren't the ones the manufacturers are looking to sell these behomoth coaches to....
There will always be a market for every line of coach, whether it's a gas puller, or a diesel pusher and lots of things in between...

What I feel you'll see is the Prevost boys will soon abandon those Series 60 Detroits in favor of this Cummins rocket...
The Series 60 Detroit and the Cummins ISX (600) currently advertise similar torque versus HP ratios...

With the 650, Cummins pulls out front of Detroit Diesel......for now.

I saw one of these on a Travel Supreme, quite impressive.

Lenny, not sure where you may have seen the 650HP in a Travel Supreme unit as I believe the Select Limited is still using the ISX 600HP model.

Let me know if that's changed...

I wonder what it would take to up grade the ISX 600 to the 650? I wonder if it's a change in the air box/exhaust setup, or if it's just computer tuning? Wondering minds need to know...

Anyone want to play with the math? My 1932 Chevrolet weighs 1640#(give or take passengers), with a 26HP engine. How does that compare to a Prevost with the ISX650?

and I thought that there was a speed limit on roads