Volvo reveals revamped heavy-duty range

Volvo Trucks has pulled the covers off its revamped heavy-duty truck line-up, with the new range boasting a new 17-litre engine platform and a raft of improvements across the Volvo FM and FH, along with the introduction of a new model – the Volvo FH Aero – for the European market.

The new D17 17-litre engine platform boasts a single turbocharger and Volvo’s patented “wave piston” design for optimised combustion and reduced emissions, while a new fuel injection system is said to deliver improved fuel economy and a higher peak cylinder pressure enables high power output.

While power ratings (and specifications) for the Australian market are yet to be announced, in Europe the D17 will be available in the following formats:
• 600hp and 3000Nm
• 700hp and 3400Nm
• 780hp and 3800Nm

“This is a world-class engine in terms of technology,” says Volvo Trucks’ Commercialization Manager New Offer, Tomas Thuresson. “It is energy-efficient with fast engine response, less weight, high productivity, and improved engine brake performance.

“Thanks to its high torque, drivers can maintain higher gears for longer periods, and save fuel. This benefits the environment while also leaving customers with more money in their pockets.”

All engines will be available with 13- and 14-speed Crawler and Ultra-Low Crawler I-Shift automated manual transmissions, while the FH16 600 will also be offered with an optional and new low-drag I-Shift variant for highway applications.

Volvo’s intelligent cruise control, I-See, has been refined to help further reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while the new range also benefits from Volvo’s new (and optional) Camera Monitoring System (CMS), which sees traditional external mirrors replaced with external cameras and two internal A-pillar-mounted digital displays.

The system is said to provide a wider field of view than a traditional setup along with less aerodynamic drag, while the displays can also be activated remotely from the sleeper to provide additional security when parked.

An updated brake system comprising Volvo’s patented ‘drag-free’ discs, pads and hubs is said to boost braking capacity, while both the FM and FH also benefit from several aerodynamic improvements. The FH, meanwhile, receives a revised audio system as well as interior styling and branding tweaks.

Also turning heads, in Europe at least, is the arrival of a new model that takes advantage of a recent relaxation of length limits in that part of the world. The new Volvo FH Aero sees an extra 240mm added to the front dam of the FH cab, extending the front of the truck and reducing its drag coefficient. However, the FH Aero has only been earmarked for the European market.

Volvo Group Australia President and CEO, Martin Merrick, said the new heavy-duty line-up would bring benefits for Australian drivers and operators on numerous levels.

“This latest iteration of the Volvo FH is the cleanest, most efficient, and most powerful truck we’ve offered Australian customers yet,” he said.

“With the Volvo FH having just celebrated 30 years of delivering unparalleled levels of safety, performance and efficiency, it’s fitting that the revamped Volvo range has raised the bar in these areas once again.

“I’m confident that the new D17 engine will be a game-changer for both linehaul, regional and heavy haulage customers across this country. This engine has been subjected to a brutal local testing program in some of the harshest conditions and some of the highest weights this country has to offer to ensure the uptime and productivity that Volvo Trucks customers have come to expect.

“Regardless of driveline, whether ICE or BEV, the Volvo FH will continue to deliver efficiency, safety, power and comfort for Australian drivers, and I for one will be very proud to see the first of these trucks roll off our Wacol assembly line mid-2024.”