HEADLINES: World’s Quickest Diesel Dragster Makes A Pit Stop

As it turns out, Michael Cordova didn’t exactly go straight home after the PRI Show in Indy… He and his record-setting rail made a quick stop over at Cummins’ corporate office in Columbus for a flawlessly executed photo op. In the months ahead, Cordova’s rail will likely spend time with a few of its sponsors in preparation for the ODSS season opener at Orlando Speed World in April. Between now and then, it’s anyone’s guess which go-fast tweaks or additions will be made to the world’s quickest eighth-mile diesel dragster.

Owner Of CFT Performance Passes Away

Industry pioneer, innovator and master fabricator, Joshua Chapman, passed away on December 9, at the age of 37. Josh blasted onto the diesel scene with his Nissan Titan project, where he was able to turn the 5.0L V-8 Cummins-powered ’16 XD into a 550-rwhp monster—the most powerful Titan XD Cummins in the world at the time. His company, CFT Performance, was one of the first companies to offer extensive aftermarket support for the platform. Over the years, he had a hand in various race team programs, and gradually added powder coating, cerakote laser engraving, fitness equipment and even firearm resales to his list of offered services. Josh was everyone’s friend. He will be greatly missed.

Aftermarket

What The FASS?

Meet FASS’s EGR Solution for late-model diesels. The company’s EGR Solution brings a revolutionary filtration fix to engines equipped with exhaust gas recirculation systems. With it, a long-term filter removes as much as 85-percent of the engine’s soot (PM) before it’s allowed to reenter the intake tract. Think about it: no more clogged up intake manifolds, or excessive carbon and grime buildup in cylinder heads hindering your diesel’s performance. So far, FASS has developed systems for ’17-’19 and ’20-‘22 L5P Duramax-powered GM HD’s, and ’17-’19 Ford 6.7L Power Strokes. Plans to offer additional EGR filtration systems are in the works.

OEM

Ford Cuts EV Production

On the heels of halting a $12 billion EV investment back in October, Ford has also recently cut F-150 Lightning EV production. The Dearborn-based automaker has reportedly decided to build 1,600 battery electric Ford F-150 Lightnings per week in 2024—half of what was originally projected. The news reflects the current state of the EV market, where consumer demand has gone ice-cold, and where a formidable competitor exists in the form of Tesla’s Cybertruck. Ford’s electric F-150 sales do total roughly 20,000 units this year, but it’s a figure that pales in comparison to the company’s ICE pickup sales, which are north of 600,000.

Emissions

Achates Power Completes Real-World Test Of 10.6L Opposed Piston Engine

Achates Power has released the results of its real-world testing performed in conjunction with WalMart. Its findings show that, on average, its 10.6L, two-stroke, opposed-piston Class 8 diesel engine is 10-percent more fuel efficient than the best-in-class reference engine, a traditional inline-six ICE. The unique three-cylinder power plant also illustrated the ability to meet 2024 CARB and 2027 EPA emission standards and CO₂ regulations. Future testing will include operating the 10.6L power plant with an aftertreatment system aged to 435,000 miles, 600,000 miles, and 800,000 miles to ensure its ability to comply with 2024 CARB/2027 EPA emission regulations, at full useful life, as well as the 2027 EPA greenhouse gas requirements.

EV’s

EV Cold Weather Tip #1: Don’t Get In A Hurry

The largest open electric vehicle DC ultra-fast charging network in North America has released its cold weather tips for owners. Long story short, expect less range, more range anxiety, and longer charge times. EV drivers are also urged to plan out their public charging sessions ahead of time (to ensure a charging station is even present), keep an eye on overnight temperatures (as frigid temps reduce range considerably), and park indoors whenever possible. Or, you could keep your ICE-equipped vehicle, continue to top off in 3 to 5 minutes, and go on about your business…