Few names are as synonymous with diesel power as Cummins. With a history going back over 100 years, Cummins engines have powered everything from big rigs to locomotives, construction equipment, generators, ships, and Ram enthusiasts will brag for weeks about their Cummins-powered pickup trucks. Through all that, however, there's never been a Cummins that burns gas.
Until now. Say hello to the B6.7 Octane.
Development of this engine actually began several years ago, but it just launched for use in medium-duty commercial vehicles. It's based on the company's B6.7 inline-six diesel platform and makes up to 300 horsepower with 660 pound-feet of maximum torque. Lower output versions in the 200-hp range with 600 lb-ft of torque are also available. Preliminary data shows the torque doesn't hit quite as low as the comparable B6.7 diesel, but it still maxes out around 1,600 to 1,800 rpm.
Cummins states the new engine runs on 87 octane gasoline, delivering diesel-like performance and reliability without the added complexity of DEF systems to meet regulations. On that front, the engine is both CARB and EPA compliant for 2027, though given the EPA's recent "biggest deregulatory action," those guidelines may be changing anyway. Specific fuel economy figures aren't mentioned, but Cummins claims the B6.7 Octane is 10 percent better versus comparable gas engines.
According to Equipment World, the new engine will launch with Kenworth in Class 5 to 7 trucks. That covers T180-T480 models, used primarily as straight trucks versus tractor-trailer operation. Availability in other vehicles or applications is unknown at the time.
Source: Cummins
