AGCO has further extended its CORE series of engines with the introduction of the CORE80, a six-cylinder unit with a claimed output – in its initial state of tune – of 330hp and 1,680Nm of torque.
This is, so far, the largest of the CORE engine family, which was designed from the outset to run on a wide variety of fuels, thus ensuring that it will be able to cope with whatever may be used as an alternative to diesel fuel going forward.
AGCO invested over €1 billion in creating this engine alongside a new assembly facility at its engine plant in Finland.
CORE80 performance
AGCO claim that the CORE80 offers 15% more torque and 12% more power than the successful CORE75, a slightly smaller engine, yet there appears to be some confusion as to quite how much the new 8L engine produces.
AGCO list the CORE 75 as having 250kW (340hp) while the CORE80 is stated in the description as offering. 252kW (343hp).
However, elsewhere, AGCO tell us that there is a 12% increase in power with the extra half litre of displacement, which suggests that the CORE80 should have 280kW (381hp) on tap. It is hoped that AGCO might offer some clarification on this point.
Brake saving
This is the first engine in the CORE family to feature an engine brake integral to its Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), providing 90kW of braking effort.
This saves wear and tear on the mechanical braking system as well as helping prevent them overheating under load.
Being designed as an off-road engine has allowed for a more robust construction, as there are not the same weight constraints as with road engines.
It has fewer parts and does not require exhaust gas eecirculation as part of its stage V emission controls.
There is also an over-the-air connection to its engine control unit, enabling remote diagnostics, easy monitoring and straightforward updates. This has the potential to improve reliability and simplify fleet management.
As yet, there is no indication as where it will be seen first, although Fendt is the only AGCO marque to use the CORE series engines so far amongst the AGCO brands.
