With ratings from 340bhp at 1,800rpm to 700bhp at 2,300rpm, the C12 suits a range of applications in small to mid-sized commercial vessels.

The new engine is immediately available for worldwide distribution.

While the C12 borrows heavily from previous Cat diesel designs, several new components enhance both performance and durability.

A new exhaust manifold design with a special casting at the entrance to the turbocharger reduces backpressure and improves exhaust gas flow for increased power and lower exhaust temperatures.

Piston ring position and cooling oil jet flow to the piston have been fine tuned to reduce engine temperatures and improve power output. A new aftercooler core design also reduces thermal and vibration stress to increase durability.

In its three highest ratings configurations, the C12 uses the same high-efficiency turbocharger that has proven successful in a twin-turbo arrangement on the larger Cat 3412E.

Electronic control is provided by Caterpillar's ADEM III electronic control module (ECM). ADEM III has nearly eight times as much memory, nearly double the input/output capacity, and significantly faster processing speed compared to previous Cat ECMs.

These improvements provide increased engine control and monitoring capabilities through the Cat Marine Power Display and allow for future enhancements such as multistation controls, optional gauges, and enhanced customer diagnostic capabilities.

The C12's ECM control software is written to maximise power and performance at all commercial ratings while reducing fuel consumption and meeting all known current and future required NOx emissions.

While all ratings are available in easily installed heat exchanger cooled configurations, the new engine is also available in keel-cooled configurations for demanding workboat and fishing boat applications.

MJ Information No: 17419