Rising to the challenge with the 2027 X15
Heavy-duty engines are no strangers to hard work. Every mile, every load, every job depends on performance that holds up in the real world.
In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Adam Whitney, GM Regional Fleet Sales, North America, and Brad Sutton, Executive Director, Powertrain Engineering, to look at what keeps fleets moving and why the X15 continues to earn its place on the road. The conversation moves beyond the engine itself into the full powertrain, where integration, data, and real-time insight shape how trucks perform day to day.
Adam shares what customers ask for when they spec a truck and why uptime, fuel efficiency, and total cost of ownership still define success. Brad explains how powertrain integration pushes performance further, from fuel savings to driver safety, and how data is changing the way fleets plan, maintain, and operate.
This episode shows how Cummins supports customers across the full lifecycle, from initial spec to long-term optimization. These efforts help fleets move everything from food to fashion — keeping shelves stocked and supply chains flowing.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
* How predictive diagnostics help fleets plan maintenance before issues disrupt operations
* Why full powertrain integration can unlock measurable gains beyond engine limits
* How data insights guide fleets to operate equipment more efficiently and safely
Additional Resources:
* Rising to the challenge: Cummins 2027 X15 [https://www.cummins.com/en-na/engines/on-highway/heavy-duty-truck/2027-x15]
* Exploring Cummins X15 [https://www.cummins.com/en-na/news/2025/02/17/exploring-cummins-2027-x15-engine]
* The X15 Legacy: 25 years of innovation [https://www.cummins.com/en-na/news/2024/10/21/x15-legacy-25-years-innovation]
* Cummins takes Forever Rising Tour nationwide after strong customer response [https://www.cummins.com/en-na/news/releases/2026/03/26/cummins-takes-forever-rising-tour-nationwide-after-strong-customer]
* Getting more with less: 2027 Cummins Connected Solutions [https://www.cummins.com/en-na/news/2025/05/07/getting-more-less-2027-cummins-connected-solutions]
* Cummins Engines
[https://www.cummins.com/en-na/engines]
Videos:
* Cummins 2027 X15 engine walkaround [https://youtu.be/ePYUzfHnU_8?si=eoak2zTBGYwDEW70]
* Forever Rising: The 2027 X15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oieIgFHvxDg]
* Forever Rising Tour | Nashville, TN [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oieIgFHvxDg]
* Forever Rising Tour | Louisville, KY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXiObLsPlJw]
* Forever Rising Tour | Atlanta, GA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmzbrvMF9UI]
Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe [https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe]
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:13) Why performance matters in real-world operations
(01:20) What makes the X15 a trusted platform over time
(02:40) What fleets look for when specing a truck
(05:00) How predictive diagnostics is changing uptime
(06:05) Thinking beyond the engine to full powertrain integration
(08:08) Hidden advantages customers may not consider
(09:40) How partnership supports fleets across the lifecycle
(10:40) Turning data into uptime and cost savings
(12:20) Moving from reactive fixes to predictive maintenance
(14:40) Helping customers operate equipment more effectively
(15:00) What the next generation of powertrain will bring
(16:21) Lightning round
(17:13) Big idea for this episode