Fiat Powertrain Technologies and Perkins Engines Company Limited have agreed on a strategic partnership for a long term supply of a new FPT 3.4 litre engine for off–road applications to be marketed worldwide.

This new engine, with a total displacement of 3.4 litres, covers power ratings from 45 kW (60 hp) up to 86 kW (115 hp). The new engine version benefits from specific features such as high torque rise, excellent power performance and a low fuel consumption. This is achieved thanks to long-stroke design, a High Pressure Electronic Common Rail fuel injection system with a waste-gate turbocharged aftercooler and engine control provided by a state-of-the-art electronic engine management system, ensuring the engine meets Tier 4 Interim / Stage IIIB emissions standards.

"The engine will be marketed as the 854 Series by Perkins. "This strategic partnership ensures Perkins’ customers benefit from a class-leading offering, delivered through complementary abilities in engine design and a global product application and support network, providing customers with access to a complete suite of product solutions," said Perkins in a statement. "As with all Perkins engines flexibility and options availability for engine and aftertreatment will ensure easy packaging for customers," the statement added.

Starting from 2011, the engine, which develops a peak torque of up to 420Nm, will be available in the 2,200 to 2,500rpm speed range. FPT will supply Perkins Engines Company Limited with engines manufactured from its plant in Turin, Italy. "We are very proud of this strategic partnership that represents a further recognition of FPT technical capability in a very demanding sector such as the off- road applications, especially considering the evolution to the next Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission level. The achievement of this partnership with Perkins Engines Company Limited underlines FPT’s role as a major global player in the powertrain field," said Alfredo Altavilla, Chief Executive Officer of Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

"Customers will be really excited about the new 854E as it gives them greatly increased choice and flexibility in this highly competitive power range,” said Nigel Baseley, Perkins’ marketing director. “The increased torque, power density and performance of the 854E, complements Perkins’ Tier 4 Interim / Stage IIIB product range which we are confident will meet customers’ requirements. The power and performance provided by the new engine offering also supports downsizing which could help OEMs minimise the need for machine redesign in this cost sensitive climate,” he added.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies is the Fiat Group company specialized in and dedicated to research, development, production and sale of engines and transmissions. With its annual output of around 2,9 million engines and 2,4 million transmissions and axles, 20.000 employees, 16 plants and 11 research centres in 9 countries, FPT is one of the most significant players in the powertrain sector on a worldwide basis.