Detroit Introduces Gen 6 Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines

In the heavy-duty trucking and commercial vehicle powertrain sectors, Detroit has launched its Gen 6 DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines. The new generation complies with the US EPA 2027 emissions standards and is designed for Freightliner and Western Star heavy-duty truck platforms.

Production of the Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with the DD16 to follow in January 2028.

Compliance with EPA 2027 Emissions Standards
The Gen 6 engine portfolio is engineered to meet the forthcoming US EPA 2027 emissions regulation, which introduces stricter limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and durability requirements for aftertreatment systems.

Detroit states that the new engines refine the architecture of the previous generation while incorporating optimized technologies to offset efficiency impacts typically associated with tighter emissions control strategies.

This approach allows fleets to comply with regulatory requirements without departing from established engine platform characteristics in terms of reliability and serviceability.




Evolution of the DD Engine Platform
Since its introduction in 2007, the DD engine series has undergone multiple updates to meet progressively stricter emissions regulations:

More than 1.2 million Detroit heavy-duty engines have been sold for on-highway and vocational applications, supporting long-haul transport, regional distribution and specialized duty cycles.

The Gen 6 models continue this development trajectory, maintaining compatibility with established fleet maintenance practices while addressing new compliance standards.




Integration into Daimler Truck’s Global Engine Platform
The Gen 6 engines are the first product release within the latest evolution of Daimler Truck’s Heavy-Duty Engine Platform (HDEP). The global platform serves multiple brands and regions, with approximately 200,000 engines produced annually.

By leveraging a shared global architecture, Daimler Truck aims to maintain economies of scale while adapting engines to specific regulatory markets.

Manufacturing and Availability
All Detroit engines are manufactured in the United States at the Redford, Michigan facility, which includes engine research and development as well as production of engines, transmissions and axles.

The Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines will enter production in January 2027. The Gen 6 DD16 will follow in January 2028.




Application Scope
The DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines are intended for:

By combining emissions compliance with incremental efficiency improvements and platform continuity, the Gen 6 series is positioned to support fleet operators preparing for the EPA 2027 regulatory transition.

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