The Perkins Engines Company CV8, CV12 and CV16 were developed from the well-established Eagle and 'C range in-line six-cylinder truck and industrial engines.

Innovative design features include unique slip fit 'dry liners' with oil backing. In the field no special tools are required to change these liners, thus allowing very fast turnround times. The extensive use of internal oilways has significantly reduced the number of parts and potential leaks, making for a much more reliable and durable product in service.

CV engines operate with either a conventional mechanical flyweight governor, or with a full authority electronic Engine Management System (EMS). Highly responsive, EMS continuously monitors engine output and adjusts the control functions to optimise performance. In addition, the EMS controls the Inlet Manifold Heater (IMH), used on some higher rated low-compression versions during initial cold starts and light load running. IMH gives excellent startability, even dbwn to -35/-40°C, with the minimum of black smoke emission.