What a Visit to Cummins Taught Us About the Future of Truck Engines
Cummins Introduces X10 HELM Engine
Cummins has unveiled its new X10 mid-bore HELM 10-liter engine.

Cummins will showcase its new X10 HELM engine in booth #763 at Work Truck Show at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, March 5-7.
Photo: Cummins
Cummins has introduced its X10 engine. The new engine is designed deliver heavy-duty performance in a midsize package, Cummins said.
The X10 is a mid-bore heavy-duty engine that replaces both the L9 and X12 engine platforms. This X10 was designed to deliver performance, durability and efficiency for heavy and medium-duty customers, according to Cummins.
Choose Your Fuel
The X10 is part of the Cummins HELM engine platforms. HELM is a proprietary Cummin engine design that allows customers to choose the fuel type that best suits their needs.
Alongside the X15 and B Series engines, the X10 provides customers with a power solution to meet their unique operational requirements while maintaining the performance and reliability for which Cummins said it is known for.
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce the X10,” said Jose Samperio, vice president – North American On-Highway Engine Business. “Designed to replace the L9 and X12 platforms, the X10 brings robust capabilities, exceptional durability and unmatched versatility to customers looking for heavy-duty performance in a more compact, efficient package. We’re confident the X10 will offer our customers the right engine to help them meet their operational goals.”
Cummins X10 provides two ratings sets to offer customers flexibility when powering their vehicles.
For heavy-duty applications, the X10 delivers up to 450 horsepower and 1,650 lb-ft of torque, providing customers with an optimal balance of power and reliability.
For applications requiring a medium-duty package, the X10 delivers ratings up to 380 horsepower and 1,250 lb-ft of torque, ensuring strong performance across a variety of demanding applications.
Cummins said the new engine is built to perform in the toughest conditions and environments ensuring it stands up to the demands of the job.
The OEM said it features a class-leading power-to-weight ratio. This offers customers a combination of exceptional performance and efficiency, designed to enhance productivity without weighing down vehicles.
Application Flexibility
Whether navigating city streets or tackling tough jobs in off-road environments, the X10 brings a sustainable, high-performing solution to each demanding application, according to Cummins.
For those needing flexibility in how power is used, the X10 provides increased Power Take-Off (PTO) capability of 590 lb-ft continuous and up to 664 lb-ft intermittent, providing vocational truck customers with enhanced power and versatility. This increased PTO output allows for more efficient operation of auxiliary equipment.
The X10 will come equipped with Cummins’ suite of digital technologies. These are designed to optimize performance, boost uptime and lower total cost of ownership.
It features connectivity and instant access to a wide range of features and capabilities through Acumen, Cummins’ smart computing hardware and OEM first-fit solutions.
Customers can leverage digital tools that enhance driver experience, including predictive capabilities (prognostics) and advanced over-the-air updates.
The engine pairs with transmission options including fully integrated powertrain offerings from the Eaton Cummins Joint Venture, ensuring smooth shifting and maximum uptime.
When combined with Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems, including drivelines and axles, the X10 ensures that power is transferred efficiently to the wheels for maximum durability and control across diverse applications.
Cummins will launch the X10 in 2027, following extensive validation to meet customer needs, backed by millions of miles of planned on-road testing in real-world applications.
To view the engine firsthand, visit Cummins in booth #763 at Work Truck Show at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, March 5-7.
More Equipment

How Volvo Updated Its D13 for EPA 2027 [Watch]
Volvo’s updated D13 promises lower emissions without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. Take a closer look at what changed inside the engine in this HDT Spotlight video.
Read More →
Michelin Tire Improves Efficiency and Durability for Regional Fleets
The Michelin X Multi Energy D2 is a regional haul drive tire engineered to help fleets improve fuel efficiency, durability and traction in demanding stop-and-go operations.
Read More →
ZF Expands Commercial Vehicle Push in North America
ZF is expanding its North American commercial-vehicle presence with new transmission applications, electrification, trailer technology and autonomous-driving systems.
Read More →
Tesla Wants a Self-Driving Semi. Are Cameras Enough?
Could Tesla’s camera-only autonomous driving technology work on an 80,000-pound Semi? In this commentary, HDT's Deborah Lockridge takes a look at Tesla, Cybercab, and how autonomous trucks see the road.
Read More →
Kodiak: Driverless Long-Haul Truck Launch on Track for 2026
Kodiak AI says its driverless long-haul safety case is 93% complete and it remains on track to begin commercial operations by year-end 2026.
Read More →
What DOT’s Automated Vehicle Strategy Means for Trucking
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a new automated-vehicle strategy that outlines plans for driverless-truck regulations, cross-state freight corridors, and federal safety standards.
Read More →
East Coast Port Launches $45M Electric Truck Push
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced millions in incentives for zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and new charging hubs near the port.
Read More →
PlusAI Going Public to Fund Autonomous Truck Launch
A SPAC deal could provide PlusAI with up to $300 million as it works toward a 2027 commercial launch of factory-built autonomous trucks.
Read More →
NHTSA Moves to Rewrite Truck Fuel-Economy Rules
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it lacks authority to regulate medium- and heavy-duty truck engines separately from complete vehicles, but the existing standards have not yet been eliminated.
Read More →
Detroit Opens Orders for EPA 2027 Engines
Detroit isn’t starting from scratch to meet EPA 2027 diesel emissions standards. Its Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines keep much of today’s platform while updating the fuel and aftertreatment systems.
Read More →
