Volvo Trucks North America has introduced its powertrain lineup for model year 2017. The new offerings include the D11, D13 and D16 engines; enhancements to the I-Shift transmission; a new one-box exhaust aftertreatment system; and continued offering of remote diagnostics.
The 2017 Volvo D11 offers up to 425 HP and 1,550 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase of 20 HP. The engine also delivers up to a 2.2% fuel efficiency improvement compared with the previous D11 engine (all fuel efficiency numbers according to Volvo). According to the company, the D11 is ideal for regional, less than truckload (LTL) and pickup-and-delivery applications. The D11 is available in Volvo VN daycabs, VNM 430 and VNL 430 sleeper models, VAH and VHD models.
The 2017 Volvo D13 features a new wave piston, which increases the compression ratio and maximizes fuel efficiency. Improved flame propagation reduces soot, while also increasing cylinder efficiency. It offers a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 2.5% compared to the previous D13.
New features offered with the D13 include turbo compounding, a technology that recovers wasted exhaust heat and converts it to useable mechanical energy in the form of 50 additional horsepower that is transferred back into the engine, which results in up to a 6.5% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with previous engine models; the option to spec with eXceptional Efficiency (XE) powertrain packages, which allow the engine to cruise at up to 300 RPM less than the average truck sold today, according to Volvo; and an updated EGR flow sensor has a new double-wall casing that reduces condensation and soot buildup in cold weather.
The 16-liter Volvo D16 offers horsepower ranging from 500 to 600 HP, with 1,650 lb.-ft. to 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque; it is available in the VNL and VNX models.
Volvo also launched its latest I-Shift transmission, now available with Crawler Gears, which brings crawler functionality and start ability, making it ideal, according to Volvo, for vocational applications requiring slow speed and maneuverability. It will be available in 14-gear and 13-gear versions.
I-Shift transmissions will now also come with the Volvo I-See system, a new feature which learns the topography of the road, memorizes it and stores it in the transmission for use the next time the driver travels the routes. The system stores up to 4,500 different hills. The built-in electronics constantly monitor factors such as road grade, speed, weight and engine load to help maintain the most efficient gear possible. When the truck is operational, it automatically uses its knowledge to save fuel during the driving cycle. It optimizes gear shifting on rolling hills and hilly terrain. I-See handles hills efficiently by building speed before the hill, then curbs speed before the crest, Eco-Rolling down the hill and engine braking if necessary.
Volvo also introduced a new one-box exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS) that combines the diesel particulate filter (DPF) with the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid doser into a single unit. The system also features a new copper-zeolite coating that improves low temperature NOx conversion for improved emissions. The new design configuration results in better thermal performance for improved efficiency, smaller packaging requirements and an approximately 17-lb. weight reduction compared with the two-box unit, Volvo explained. This provides additional frame rail space for added packaging flexibility.
