International’s S13 integrated powertrain is ready for EPA 2027 regulations.
The truck maker announced the news during a virtual media event Wednesday, sharing the incredible rollout success the powertrain has had since being launched in 2022 and how its 2027 model year version will capitalize on the “forward looking strategy” the company used to develop the engine nearly a decade ago.
According to Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations Dan Kayser, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Catrina Mitchell-Adegbemi, and David Hillman, vice president of integrated technology sales, the S13 integrated powertrain was the first engine designed leveraging the global resources of Traton Group. That expanded support enabled International to not only devise its first SCR-only engine for the North American market, but also a product that would be simply altered to meet the NOx regulations coming in January.
[RELATED: Dealers eye 2026 recovery but remain honest about market limitations]
International states the 2027 S13 integrated powertrain (featuring International’s T14 transmission) will carry over 90% of hardware from its current platform, which will enable consistency for drivers, service providers, dealers and more. It’s also expected to remain a market leader in fuel economy and driver performance, advantages International believe will enable the OEM to continue earning market share across all Class 8 applications.
“We’ve been preparing for EPA 2027 for years. Our customers won’t face surprises, only the same proven powertrain,” says Kayser. “Our customers get a reliable solution without unnecessary complexity.”
New features to the powertrain for 2027 will include:
- S13 Engine: Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which enables Variable Valve Braking (VVB) for improved braking performance, closed crankcase breather, oil centrifuge
- T14 Transmission: 24V Transmission Control Module with predictive shifting using GPS/topography data
- Electrical Architecture: Reduces complexity by using a standardized 24-volt electrical architecture across the entire powertrain platform; 24-volt alternator, starter, and engine controllers for improved cold-crank performance and durability, while retaining a 12-volt cab and chassis electrical system for battery accessories and body controls.
But the 2027 S13 integrated powertrain also is notable for what it won’t contain. Specifically an EGR cooler, or 48-volt electrical grid heater, the latter of which will be installed by other engine manufacturers to meet EPA 2027 NOx requirements. Hillman says it is the clean, simple design of the S13 that enables the engine to meet such impressive performance levels without the other componentry.
“You can’t do that without this design,” he says.
Adds Mitchell-Adegbemi, “International’s clean-sheet design, developed with TRATON, enables the S13 to meet EPA 2027 requirements with minimal changes, avoiding the need for additional hardware or complexity. With two years of proven reliability, we are confident in customer adoption, even with a design that differs from competitors.”
[RELATED: OEM experts share possible path forward for EPA 2027 regs]
The S13 engine will continue to feature its fixed-geometry turbo with smart DEF dosing, dual overhead cam design, 23:1 compression ratio, while the compact 14-speed transmission features planetary gearset, electronic clutch actuator, integrated PTO options and advanced oil lubrication system. The powertrain’s dual-stage aftertreatment will retain the same size and packaging in 2027.
With more than 700 million miles logged on North American roadways since its introduction, International says the S13 integration powertrain has proven its mettle as the strongest 13-liter application in the Class 8 sector. And because of the company’s global investments, Hillman adds its new version will be the “least disruptive” technological change in the market to meet 2027 standards.
“We are changing so little in terms of how this will function, you’ll almost need a trained understanding [of the powertrain] to know what has changed,” adds Kayser.
The S13 Integrated Powertrain also is approved for use with R100 renewable diesel, reducing well-to-wheel carbon footprint without any hardware changes. International states trials for B100 biodiesel compatibility are underway, reinforcing International’s commitment to practical sustainability.
As for when it hits the highway, Kayser says International hopes to make the integrated powertrain available to order mid-year. He says International believes any changes to the EPA 2027 regulation will not be NOx based and should not delay introducing the technology to the market.
“We are marching forward that this regulation lands in 2027,” he says. “We have no reason to believe that won’t be the case.”
