A prototype D13-LNG engine, the first integrated natural gas solution for the North American market from Volvo Trucks, has been unveiled in a Volvo VNL day cab model. The Volvo D13-LNG compression-ignition engine extends the OEM’s Blue Power natural gas strategy, joining previously announced spark-ignited natural gas engine options for model VNM and VNL day cabs. VNL day cabs powered by the Volvo D13-LNG engine will be available for order during the second half of 2014.

The Volvo 13-liter compression-ignition engine utilizes a small amount of diesel fuel to ignite LNG. According to the company, the engine delivers horsepower and torque comparable to a diesel engine at a lower fuel cost, and provides about a 20% fuel efficiency improvement compared with spark-ignition natural gas engines.
 
Volvo Trucks has also announced it is boosting peak torque in its 13-liter D13 engine with the introduction of a 500 HP, 1,850 ft.-lb. rating. The new rating will be available for order on all Volvo VNM, VNL, VAH and VHD models beginning in the third quarter of 2013. Previous peak torque across Volvo’s product lineup was 1,750 ft.-lb.

Volvo’s 500 HP-1,850 ft.-lb.torque rating for the D13 engine is an Eco-Torque rating, which allows the truck to accelerate normally through all bottom gears. In the top two gears, where most of fuel is traditionally consumed, the engine defaults to the lower torque curve, helping save fuel. The higher torque is available on demand.

The D13 engine for linehaul, heavy haul and on- and off-highway vocational applications can provide horsepower and torque equal to larger displacement engines, notes John Moore, Volvo Trucks powertrain product manager, while also providing improved fuel efficiency and weight savings. “Added torque provides even better gradability in mountainous terrains and improves startability in heavy-haul and off-road vocational applications,” he added.