Volvo Trucks said it would now offer a 455 horsepower rating for the XE13 – exceptional efficiency – powertrain package. Volvo Trucks introduced the initial XE13 package with a 425 HP rating in September 2011. The new rating provides additional horsepower while still allowing the engine to cruise at just 1,150 RPM at 65 MPH.
“Our first introduction of the XE13 concept focused on exceptionally fuel-conscious fleets that spend considerable time cruising at highway speeds,” said Ron Huibers, president of North American sales and marketing. “The new 455 horsepower rating is aimed toward the higher performance demands of long-haul fleets.”
According to the truck maker, the XE13 package lowers engine RPM at a given vehicle speed, a concept Volvo calls “downspeeding.”
“Customer data shows the XE13 package consistently operates in the engine’s ‘sweet spot’ – 1,050 rpm to 1,500 rpm – with up to 70% of operation in the most efficient range of 1,100 rpm to 1,200 rpm,” said Ed Saxman, Volvo Trucks product manager, powertrain. “Operating in this range yields about a 1.5% fuel efficiency improvement for every 100 RPM of ‘downspeeding,’ so the XE13 package with the 455 HP rating will deliver about a 3% fuel efficiency gain.”
Available on Volvo VN series tractors, the XE13 455 HP package is rated up to 80,000 lbs. (GCWR) and includes the following components: Volvo D13 engine with 455 HP and 1750 ft.-lb. of torque; Volvo I-Shift overdrive transmission with a 0.78:1 ratio; axle ratios of 2.64 to 2.69; and proprietary software that facilitates communication between Volvo’s integrated powertrain components.
