Diesel of the Year 2026, and the winner is…AGCO Power CORE80!

Exactly twenty years after the first Diesel of the Year award was presented in 2006, the 2026 edition marks a milestone in the evolution of propulsion systems for non-road applications. The Diesel of the Year 2026 has been assigned to the AGCO Power CORE80, an engine that embodies the award’s two founding principles: delivering propulsion to NRMM (Non-Road Mobile Machinery) and acting as a true driver of innovation.

The Diesel of the Year is not simply a recognition of technical excellence. It celebrates engines capable of shaping the future of powertrain development in off-highway sectors. In this perspective, the AGCO Power CORE80 goes far beyond performance figures. It represents the most powerful expression of the CORE family and symbolizes a new chapter in AGCO Power’s strategy as a leading provider of propulsion solutions, both for AGCO Corporation brands and for the broader OEM market.

Diesel of the Year 2026, AGCO’s engine has the Best-in-Class torque in its Segment

With a displacement of 8.0 litres and six cylinders (110 mm bore, 139 mm stroke), the CORE80 delivers a maximum power of 252 kW (338 hp) at 1500–1700 rpm. Its torque peak of 1680 Nm, available across a useful range of 1200–1400 rpm, positions it as a genuine best-in-class in its displacement category.

The wide and usable torque band ensures high responsiveness and superior dynamics, characteristics that are crucial for modern non-road machinery operating under variable load conditions. 

Engineering Innovation: Beyond EGR

Unlike previous generations, the CORE80 stands out for its innovative EGR-free architecture. AGCO Power’s engineering team has deliberately moved beyond traditional Exhaust Gas Recirculation, relying instead on a high-pressure common rail system working in synergy with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT).

This approach allows for the optimization of the engine’s footprint, without increasing the cooling packages or penalizing specific performances, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions at the source. The engine complies with EU Stage V and US Tier 4 Final emission standards, supported by an aftertreatment system based on DOC + DPF + SCR technology.

The VGT also contributes significantly to braking performance, while supporting excellent fuel economy. This dual benefit enhances both operational efficiency and machine control.

A New Era for AGCO Power

Designed from the ground up with durability in mind, the CORE80 features a robust structure with 25% fewer components compared to previous generations. The reduced parts count, combined with the EGR-free layout, translates into enhanced reliability and simplified service operations — key factors for OEMs and end users operating in demanding environments.

By awarding the Diesel of the Year 2026 to the AGCO Power CORE80, the jury recognizes not only a high-performing engine but also a strategic vision. The CORE family stands as a disruptive platform within the off-highway landscape, capable of serving both internal AGCO applications and external OEM partners with a scalable and future-ready architecture.

Twenty years after the first Diesel of the Year was assigned, the 2026 winner confirms how innovation in Diesel technology continues to evolve, combining performance, efficiency and reliability. The Diesel of the Year 2026 paves the way for the next generation of off-road propulsion systems and beyond.

AGCO Power Vice President Juha Tervala: “This award belongs to our entire AGCO Power organization. Our Linnavuori plant brings engineering and manufacturing, quality, aftermarket and the whole corporation’s powertrain R&D under one roof.”

Fabio Butturi, Editor in chief POWERTRAIN International: “AGCO Power’s CORE80 highlights AGCO Corporation’s transition toward propulsion systems that balance power delivery tailored to off-road work cycles with low fuel consumption and best-in-class maximum torque. The CORE80 is the natural leader of a platform designed for further decarbonization, such as hydrogen ICE and hybridization.”