HAGERSTOWN, MD. Retooled engines and a variety of transmission and total powertrain enhancements are on the way from Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) later this year and on into 2017.
Volvo’s retooled D11 engine features a 2.2% fuel efficiency improvement versus the previous 2014 model along with several enhancements: a new two-piece valve cover; new common-rail fuel system that helps boost fuel savings while quieting the engine; new wave pistons that improve fuel/oxygen mix for cleaner burning; an assembled camshaft that reduces weight by 27 lbs.; shimless rockers; and a power boost to 425 hp. Volvo said the new D11 production will start in January 2017
Volvo’s revamped 2017 D13 engine offers a 2.5% fuel efficiency gain versus its 2014 predecessor, using the same new common-rail fuel system, wave pistons, and assembled camshaft as found in the 2017 model D11, along with a new two-speed coolant pump on XE models that boosts fuel economy by 0.5%. Volvo is also offering 100 ft.-lbs. of extra torque for the 455 hp of this engine, increasing overall torque to 1,850 lb.-ft. Production for the new D13 will begin in October this year.
In mid-2017, Volvo plans to roll out a D13 engine featuring turbo-compounding, which adds another 50 hp via waste heat recovery, offering a further 3% fuel economy boost versus the “regular” 2017 D13 model.
“This will allow fleets to cruise down highway in one extra gear, further improving fuel efficiency,” noted Wade Long, Volvo’s director of product marketing. He added the D13 with turbo compounding will be aimed at highway applications where steady-state speeds offer the best environment to maximize fuel savings.
Long noted that no major changes are being made to the 2017 D16 model compared its previous 2014 iteration, with the D16 maintaining its iron-zeolite catalyst, eliminating the need for sulfur regeneration. Production for the tweaked 2017 D16 model begins in January 2017.
Volvo is also rolling out other enhancements to its aftertreament system and I-shift automated manual transmission (AMT) for 2017:
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A new one-box exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS) that combines a diesel particulate filter (DPF) with the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) doser into a single unit.
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That EATS package also features a new copper-zeolite coating that improves low temperature oxides of nitrogen (NOx ) conversion for improved emissions.
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The new design configuration results in better thermal performance for improved efficiency, smaller packaging requirements and an approximately 17-pound weight reduction compared with the two-box unit.
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The new one-box EATS will be standard on the D11- and D13-equipped powertrains. The two-box solution will remain on the D16.
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An I-Shift featuring “Crawler Gears” for applications requiring a slow speed and maneuverability – applications such as concrete mixers with curb-pouring capability, asphalt paving, spreaders, dump trucks, heavy haul and line painters, as well as heavy haul and up to 220,000 lbs. GCW or more with application approval.
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One I-Shift with Crawler Gear version features 14 forward gears, including one low crawler gear (19.38 gear ratio) and one ultra-low crawler gear (32.04 gear ratio), which can operate down to 0.6 mph with 3.58 rear axle ratio
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The second features 13 forward gears, including one low crawler gear (17.54 ratio).
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Available as an overdrive in Volvo VHD, VNX, VNM and VNL models, the I-Shift with Crawler Gears can be spec’d with Volvo D11, D13 and D16 engines.
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A new “I-See” system, launched this week in North America, that will work in tandem with the I-Shift transmission. It “learns” the topography of the road, memorizes it and stores it in the transmission for use the next time the driver travels the routes; storing up to 4,500 different hills.
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I-See is designed to optimize gear shifting on rolling hills and hilly terrain, building speed before the hill, then curbs speed before the crest, Eco-Rolling down the hill and engine braking if necessary.
