Built on the same proven design principle, the series designation refers to cubic engine displacement/ cylinder - 71 and 92 in3 respectively. Models include naturally aspirated, turbocharged and after-cooled engines from 4 to 16 cylinders with ratings from approximately 100 to 1,450 hp.

The 8V-71T engine is widely used in self-propelled artillery powering the M107, M109 andM110 and the related M578 armoured recovery vehicle.

The 12V-71T has been chosen to power the Vickers Defence Systems Mk 3 MBT and its specialised variants and, is also offered in various retrofit packages for the M47 and M48 MBTs.

Detroit Diesel is currently utilising a Low Heat Rejection cylinder head for M109A6 Paladin and associated FAASV engines which uses heat shields cast into the head air passages, ultimately reducing the engine's heat rejection to coolant. This allows for moderate horsepower growth which was previously limited by the marginal cooling system of the M109. Glow plugs were also incorporated into the head, allowing the engine to be cold started at -25°F in less than 1 minute. This technology will be adopted in other higher horsepower engine programmes.

The 6V-92TA rated up to 550 hp and the 8V-92TA at 800 hp are especially suitable for applications requiring a compact high power-to-weight engine. The 6V-92TA has accomplished its first major US Army military programme award by being selected to power the US Army M8 Armored Gun System light tank in the 19to 23 ton (US) range. Although the M8 has been type classified by the US Army, the whole programme was cancelled early in 1996. United Defense, who designed and built the M8 is continuing to market the M8 in various parts of the world, especially in Asia. - One of the latest production applications of the Detroit Diesel 6V-92TA rated at 475 hp is the Singapore Technologies Automotive Bionix infantry fighting vehicle now in volume production for the Singapore Armed Forces.