Who Makes The DD15 Engine & What Kind Of Horsepower Does It Produce?

It practically goes without saying — big trucks require powerful engines, and that's exactly what the Detroit DD15 engine promises to deliver. The engine was introduced back in 2007 after a nearly five-year-long development process costing $1.5 billion. The Detroit Diesel Corporation was the brains behind the six-cylinder DD15, and while the price tag for producing the engine might seem high, the results speak for themselves — which isn't a surprise, considering the company is known for making some of the most reliable diesel engines ever built. Designed to replace the series 60, the DD15 has met or exceeded expectations.

It has built a reputation for reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency, with advanced engineering and features like its asymmetric turbocharger, which improves the engine's performance by reducing internal friction, allowing for peak power and torque to be achieved at lower engine speeds. With a horsepower range between 425 and 505 HP and a torque rating from 1,550 to 1,850 lb-ft, the DD15 has become one of the most versatile options for heavy-duty trucking and a favorite among trucking companies and fleet operators. 

The company behind the DD15 engine, the Detroit Diesel Corporation, was founded in 1938 as the General Motors Diesel Division. It initially produced engines for use in construction, military, and standby generators before it began developing engines for use in commercial trucking in 1955. The Detroit Diesel Corporation as we know it today wasn't created until 1988, following a joint venture between Penske Corporation and General Motors. With this new model in place, it was undeniable that the company had become a serious player in the engine manufacturing industry, and its on-highway market share had gone from 3% to 33% by 1993.

The company didn't limit itself to just producing engines; over the years, it has expanded its product line to include powertrain components like transmissions and axels. Daimler Chrysler acquired the Detroit Diesel Corporation in 2000, and it became a subsidiary of Daimler Truck of North America, forming a new division with all commercial vehicle divisions coming under the same umbrella. Seven years later, in 2007, the company would release the DD15 engine, which would go on to win the Truck Writers of North America's Technical Achievement Award in 2008. 

With a horsepower range of between 425 and 505, suffice to say that the DD15 provides more than enough power for most trucking needs. Not every truck manufacturer has the same needs, and the Detroit Diesel Corporation understands that and has given the DD15 customization options to allow manufacturers to adjust the horsepower configurations based on their specific requirements, be that long-haul trucking or vocational tasks. As far as torque goes, it has a rating of 1,550 to 1,850 lb-ft, giving it strong pulling power and efficiency, even for demanding tasks. 

There has been some talk about the inline-six engine making a comeback, and Detroit Diesel Corporation has long recognized its utility, designing the DD15 with an inline 6-cylinder configuration and 14.8-liter displacement, both of which contribute to its overall performance and durability. The engine also has improved fuel economy over past models and has incorporated modern emissions control technologies to meet environmental standards.