Details Announced on Propane Engine Coming to Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2

The engine manufacturer for the new Thomas Built Buses' propane-powered Saf-T-Liner C2 announced the name of its new 8.0-liter V8: The PIthon.

Power Integration said its new engine, pronounced "python," embodies durability and efficiency.

"Pythons are strong, powerful snakes that constrict their prey," explained Powertrain Integration President Robert Pachla. "PIthon squeezes every bit of power, every penny of savings out of operators' precious fuel and maintenance dollars."

CleanFUEL USA developed the liquid fuel injection system, known as LPI.

Meanwhile, the new propane-autogas C2 goes into full production in early June, a Thomas spokeswoman said, but some initial production units are already being delivered to customers.

Powertrain Integration is a manufacturer of on-highway engines and drivetrains that is headquarted north of Detroit. The company said the PIthon resulted from four years of "rigorous" development and testing to OEM standards. It is designed to fill the gab for big-block engiens in the medium-duty, on-highway market.

Power Integration also said in a statement Thursday that PIthon-equipped vehicles weigh approximately 500 pounds less than comparable diesel chassis, which "enables user to increase their payload by an equivalent amount or possibly save more fuel."

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and Thomas Built Buses are the first OE truck and bus builders to adopt the PIthon propane autogas engine for production. Read more here.