New Volvo drivelines increase power and decrease fuel consumption

In January Volvo Trucks launched the world’s most powerful truck, with a power output of 700 hp. Now the company is renewing its entire driveline range. The result is higher power, up to three per cent lower fuel consumption and significantly lower emissions.

“We work continuously to offer products that increase our customers’ income-earning ability and reduce their costs,” says Ricard Fritz, head of strategic planning at Volvo Trucks. “Our new drivelines with powerful, economical and reliable engines, Volvo I-Shift and the VEB+ engine brake allow the driver to maintain a higher average speed and to get more done in a shorter period of time. At the same time, fuel consumption is considerably lower.”

The renewal programme covers all variants of Volvo Trucks’ 7-, 11- and 13-litre engines, which are now available in mandatory Euro 5 configuration. A number of technical improvements with the focus on optimised combustion and a new SCR catalytic converter have made it possible to combine increased power with decreased emissions and lower fuel consumption. For the 11- and 13-litre engines, idling is now 2 dB quieter, a significant reduction. What is more, Volvo’s successful I-Shift gearchanging system has been further developed and features a range of new functions that contribute to lower fuel consumption and higher driving comfort.

Up to three per cent lower fuel consumption
For a driveline consisting of Volvo’s 13-litre engine combined with I-Shift, fuel consumption can be lowered by up to three percent compared with the model’s Euro 5 incentive predecessor .

“We took a leading position in fuel efficiency with our first generation of the 13-litre engine,” says Ricard Fritz. “With this new engine generation, we have strengthened our position still further.”

From 240 to 700 hp
The new engines offer not just low fuel consumption, but also higher power output and torque. All told, Volvo Trucks’ engine range now encompasses power outputs from 240 hp to 700 hp.

13-litre engine with 540 hp and 2600 Nm
The Volvo D13, which can be specified on the Volvo FH and Volvo FM, is now available with up to 540 hp, an increase of 20 hp compared with its predecessor. Maximum torque has risen by 100 Nm to 2600 Nm and this is reached from just 1000 r/min. This gives the engine a broader operational range than before and it is now smoother and more responsive. Together with the increased torque, this results in fewer gearchanges and lower fuel consumption.

Approved according to Euro 5, tailored for EEV
The Volvo D13 and Volvo D11 are available in both Euro 5 guise and in versions that meet the even lower particle and smoke emission levels specified in the EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) norm. EEV is a voluntary framework that can be applied by local authorities to speed up the introduction of vehicles with a smaller environmental imprint.

“In many parts of Europe, truck owners are being encouraged to switch to vehicles that meet EEV,” says Ricard Fritz. “For this reason we are now offering both the Volvo D13 and the Volvo D11 in EEV versions.”


Volvo D11: wider range and more economical
As recently as last summer, Volvo Trucks launched a new 11-litre engine for the Volvo FM. The focus then was on weight-sensitive applications such as tanker and bulk haulage duties. Now the range is being broadened with more power outputs to make the Volvo D11 an even stronger alternative for regional transports, construction duties and refuse handling. The Volvo D11 is available in power outputs from 330 hp to 450 hp and has become a couple of per cent more economical than Euro 5 incentive models.

“The Volvo D11 in combination with I-Shift and VEB also offer class-leading performance and fuel consumption,” says Ricard Fritz.

More power output variants for the Volvo D7
The Volvo D7, which is found in the medium Volvo FL and Volvo FE trucks, is now also available in additional power output classes.

“A wider range of power outputs means it is easier to optimise each truck for its application. And with up to 340 hp the Volvo FE is now an excellent alternative not just for regional distribution but also for more demanding construction duties and refuse operations,” explains Ricard Fritz.

New features in Volvo I-Shift
More than half of all Volvo FH and Volvo FM trucks are now sold with I-Shift and this proportion is increasing all the time. With the new version of I-Shift, the driver has access to more intelligent software functions that save fuel and improve comfort. It features a further-developed freewheel function, more scope for choosing fuel-saving gearchanges when driving without a load, and the possibility of driving on the idling regulator and avoiding unnecessary downchanges. It is easy to adjust speed when driving in traffic tailbacks, for instance. For construction and timber haulage duties, I-Shift is available with a new function that improves traction on poor and slippery surfaces.