LOUISVILLE -- Power Solutions International and Capacity of Texas announced a collaboration to bring the attractive economics of natural gas engines to the medium-duty truck market. 

The alternatively fueled PSI 8.8-liter, on-highway-certified engine will be used in Capacity's TJ5000 tractor, which is designed for warehouse and distribution applications.

PSI designs, engineers and manufactures emission-certified, alternative-fuel power systems, while Capacity of Texas has been serving the terminal tractor industry for nearly 40 years under the Trailer Jockey brand.

"PSI is broadening its range of medium- to heavy-duty truck offerings," said Jeremy Lessaris, director of marketing at PSI, in announcing the deal at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week.

He says the high-performance, 8.8-liter "big block" replacement offers 20% across-the-board improvements in power and 15% better fuel-efficiency over its most popular alternative, the now-discontinued General Motors 8.1-liter. PSI designed the engine to run on a variety of fuels, including compressed natural gas, propane, and gasoline. The PSI 8.8-liter provides 430 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque at 3400 RPM.

Dan Grohoski, director of new business development for PSI, says that medium to heavy-duty truck markets are actively seeking engine replacements as existing big block inventories wind down.

"Up until now, most offerings compromised on power, efficiency or emissions reduction," Grohoski says "The PSI 8.8-liter offers OEMs a totally integrated solution with no compromises."

Capacity's TJ5000 tractor provides 81,000 pounds of gross combined weight capability and is designed for a wide variety of yard, warehouse and distribution applications.

PSI launched the 8.8-liter engine at the RVIA National RV Trade Show in November 2011. It says the 8.8-liter is capable of fulfilling power, efficiency, emissions and fuel-flexibility needs across a wide range of applications, including waste-hauling trucks, school buses, recreational vehicles, and medium-duty trucks.