Volvo Trucks’ XE fuel efficiency package, which “downspeeds” engines by 200 rpm to maximize fuel economy, has been added to two additional Volvo powertrains featuring the 16L D16 engine.
The new packages are for combination weights up to 143,000 lbs. common in the heavy long combination vehicle market, and for five-axle tractor-trailer combinations up to 80,000 lbs.
“XE16 directly addresses the needs of two important market segments that historically have had very few fuel-efficient powertrain options,” said Ed Saxman, Volvo Trucks drivetrain product manager. “The beauty of Volvo’s XE powertrain is that it delivers the full power and low-end torque needed for higher weight applications while saving fuel by running at a lower rpm.”
XE16 packages downspeed the engine by 200 rpm or more to increase fuel efficiency. The new packages utilize the D16 engine with a rating of 500 hp. and 2,050 lbs.-ft. of torque, Volvo I-Shift automated mechanical transmission, specialized axle rations, specific tire sizes and proprietary software. The XE16 provides the full 2,050 lbs.-ft. of torque while running as low as 1,000 rpm to improve low-rpm drivability.
Developed for gross combination weights up to 143,000 lbs., the heavier-spec XE16 package utilizes heavy-duty suspensions and rear axles with a 3.21 ratio instead of the 3.73 rear axle often specified on North American LCVs. The XE16 package reduces cruising rpm from 1,425 to 1,225 at 62 mph, yielding about a 3% fuel efficiency improvement.
The second XE16 rating addresses 80,000 lb. tractor and semi-trailer combinations that are specified with a focus on both fuel efficiency and high performance. The engine, in combination with a 2.64 rear axle ratio and overdrive I-Shift transmission, will operate within its sweet spot throughout the vehicle speed range to improve fuel efficiency for this class of vehicle.
