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Volvo launches new highway truck, powerful engine
By Sean Kelley
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At a press and Volvo dealer event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Feb. 3 Volvo Trucks North America unveiled its latest foray into the on-highway market: the new VT 880, featuring Volvo's biggest engine, capable of up to 625 horsepower.
Aimed at the owner-operator market, the VT 880 is designed for applications where high speeds must be maintained over steep grades with heavy loads. Customers can order the truck now with deliveries beginning in June. Full production will begin in the fourth quarter.
The company says the truck, combined with its new D16 power plant, can maintain 65 mph on a 3 percent grade while running at 1400 rpm.
“The D16 is the most powerful truck engine Volvo has ever built, but it is powerful for a reason,” said Peter Karlsten, president and CEO. “This engine is for customers who haul heavy loads or need to maintain a high average speed through the mountains for reduced trip times. And since it is paired with the bold new Volvo VT 880 owner-operator truck, it will be very popular with customers who seek a strong image and serious performance.”
In addition to 625 hp and 2250 lb-ft, the Volvo D16 will have three other power ratings:
500 hp @ 1850 lb-ft
550 hp @ 1850 lb-ft
600 hp @ 2050 lb-ft
The Volvo D16 introduces a new Volvo technology called Intelligent Torque, or I-Torque, to protect drivelines from excessive torque at low speeds. I-Torque should extend tire wear and protect drivelines by limiting engine torque output to 1650 lb-ft in startup gears, switching to 1850 lb-ft as speed increases. Two stages are used to phase in the higher torque for the 600 hp and 625 hp ratings.
Volvo says the VT 880 was designed to deliver lower operating costs, including better fuel economy, better driver productivity and lower maintenance. The truck features a large grille and long hood in addition to aerodynamic features designed to channel airflow around the engine. This design should help Volvo meet the cooling requirements of low-emission engines scheduled to hit the market in 2007 and 2010.
Other design features:
A chrome grille that is 15 percent larger than other Volvo grilles.
Chrome bezels for headlights.
A polished, all-steel bumper with available inset fog lamps.
Chrome air intake surrounds.
Polished steps, fuel tanks, tank straps and quarter fenders, and polished twin exhaust stacks mounted outside the body for a more classic look.
The truck also features a longer hood and a set-forward axle. The truck's cab is set back on the chassis from the engine, giving the truck a quieter ride. The truck is 200 inches from bumper to back of cab.
The 77-inch sleeper features more than 374 cubic feet of space and has a high-roof design. Customers can choose among three interior trip packages, including Premier, which is not available on other Volvo models. The Premier interior features a light tan color, leather seats and brick-colored trim. An optional work station functions as a dining table, office desk and den. Bench seats convert to a full-length lower bunk. An upper bunk folds down from the back of the cab.
Volvo VT 880 Specifications
BBC: 200 inches (bumper to back of sleeper cab)
Front axle position: 43.1 inches
Cab size: 77-inch raised roof sleeper
Engines: Volvo D16, from 500 hp @ 1850 lb.-ft. to 625 hp @ 2250 lb.-ft.
Cummins ISX, from 475 hp @ 1850 lb.-ft. to 565 hp @ 1850 lb.-ft.
Transmission: Eaton RTO, RTLO 10, 13, 18 speeds. Eaton Autoshift 10 and 18 speeds
Front Axle: 12,000 to 13,200 lb. spring suspension
Rear Axle: 40,000 to 46,000 lb. (Dana Spicer, Meritor). Amboid rear axle (multi-torque)
Rear Suspension: 38,000 to 40,000 Volvo air suspension
46,000 high-torque/high GCW non-torque-reactive suspension
Frame rails: Seven sizes RBM 1,382,000-2,448,000
Interior Trim: Premier (unique to VT 880) – Saddle color, with brick accent
Elite (two trim levels) – Aurora and Prism, with Saddle accents
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