Volvo unveil new FH16 truck

Company to celebrate flagship model’s 25th anniversary with launch of a 750hp version in 2012

VOLVO Trucks have announced the latest version of their flagship F16 model, the new FH16 750, will deliver 750hp and 3,550Nm to handle the most demanding and heavy transport assignments. The new truck will be available in time to celebrate the 16-litre engine’s 25th anniversary in 2012.

Volvo introduced the F16 truck with the company’s first-ever 16-litre engine (470hp) in 1987. Since then, the evolving truck market has driven development towards more powerful vehicles.

‘With the Volvo FH16 750, we can offer our customers a truck with top performance, good fuel efficiency and extremely low emissions,’ said Staffan Jufors, president and CEO of Volvo Trucks. ‘It’s an uncompromising combination for the heaviest and most demanding of transport operations.’

The new engine is based on the same technology as the current 16-litre 700hp diesel engine – an in-line six with overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and unit injectors. It has been specially optimized for higher power and torque, although fuel consumption remains the same. The 750hp engine is available in two versions: one for Euro 5; and the other for EEV (Environmental Enhanced Vehicle), giving lower particle emissions and reduced smoke.

The Volvo I-Shift automated gear changing system will be fitted as standard on the FH16 but modified to handle the engine’s high torque. The rear axle range will encompass axles for gross combination weights of up to 250 tonnes.

The FH16 750 truck will produce 2,800Nm of torque at 900 rev/min with a peak level of 3,550Nm at 1,050 rev/min, which levels out to 1,400 rev/min. This makes it possible to maintain high speeds on tough uphill climbs.

‘The more power you have at your disposal at low revs when starting to haul a heavy load, the less strain on the engine and the more fuel-efficient your progress,’ commented Hayder Wokil, product manager for Volvo Trucks. ‘This, in turn, results in excellent drivability. For many FH16 customers, the focus is on transporting as many tonnes as possible in the shortest time possible.’

Production of the new Volvo FH16 trucks with the higher power output for the European market will begin in early 2012.