January 11, 2008 With its 700 hp and 3,150 Nm of torque, the new Volvo FH16 is the most powerful commercially-produced truck in the world. Its turbocharger and intercooler 16-litre 6-cylinder diesel D16G engine is derived from Volvo’s previous 16-litre engine and has more torque and an additional 40 bhp. Quite spectacularly, the truck achieves the same economy as the previous 660 bhp version, and fewer emissions.
“The Volvo FH16 is intended for the very heaviest and most demanding of transport operations. It is also a highly prestigious truck for the customer who is looking for something truly out of the ordinary. Now, with 700 hp, the Volvo FH16 sets itself apart from everything else in the industry,” says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks.
With higher power, one might well expect that fuel consumption would head in the same direction, but that is not the case. “Our aim is to have both the best performance and the best fuel economy in the segment. With the new D16G engine, we have succeeded in keeping fuel consumption the same as before despite the power increase. In comparison with the competition, we believe we are doing very well,” reveals Staffan Jufors.
Through a number of measures - including redesigned pistons - Volvo’s engineers have optimised the combustion process and met demands for high performance combined with efficient fuel utilisation, low emissions and long lifetime. Both maximum power and maximum torque span a wider rev range than before, contributing to excellent driveability. The engine now also features a new oil thermostat that has a favourable effect on fuel consumption.
The noise level during idling has now been lowered by 2dB(A). With the help of pre-injection, where a small amount of fuel is sprayed into the cylinder, the result is a gentler combustion sequence and a far lower noise level.
Another important change is that in the two most powerful engine variants is a new and larger exhaust after-treatment system. Since the system can handle a larger flow of exhaust gases, counter-pressure is reduced and power losses are minimised. A larger-capacity system also results in better cleaning capacity. As with the current model, the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system is used, taking effective care of harmful emissions.
The Volvo D16G is equipped with a new, electronically-controlled exhaust brake (EPG) as standard with an output of 230 kW. Electronic control makes it possible to reduce the number of moving parts, promoting simpler operation, higher reliability and lower weight.
There is also the option of the Volvo Engine Brake (VEB+) with 425 kW maximum braking effect.
The Volvo FH16 is certified for the new Euro 5 European emission requirements that come into force this October, which means that oxides of nitrogen emissions have been cut by more than 40 per cent. In other words, the new Volvo FH16 has become even more powerful, but without compromising on the environment. In addition to the 700 hp version the Volvo FH16 is also available in variants producing 540 and 600 hp respectively.
“The new Volvo FH16 has hauled heavy road trains through Australia’s deserts, carried timber in northern Sweden, operated in severe cold and was tested at altitudes of up to 3,600 metres (11,800 feet) up in the Rocky Mountains,” explains Henrik Lindeberg, Chief Project Manager for the new D16G engine.