For the likes of Pat and others,
Came across this Press release, from Volvo Trucks.
Enjoy!
Jim.
Volvo unveils “most powerful engine” ever built
GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 7, 2005) – Volvo Trucks North America says “the most
powerful diesel engine on North American highways” will be available this
summer. It was introduced in conjunction with Volvos new flagship truck,
the Volvo VT 880, and is available in North America exclusively in the VT 880.
Volvo Truck says the 16-litre, inline six-cylinder diesel Volvo D16 engine
with 625 hp and an unmatched 2,250 lbs.-ft. of torque, has the power to
handle the biggest loads and the steepest roads.
“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.”
The Volvo D16 was designed to have more usable power than competitors,
best-in-class fuel economy, high-speed gradeability, and driveability. The
engines unmatched torque allows it to pull heavy loads up long grades
without losing speed or needing to downshift. An example of this high-speed
gradeability is the D16s ability to propel the Volvo VT 880 up a 3 per cent
grade at 65 mph at 1,400 rpm, while loaded to 80,000 pounds, the company says.
In addition to 625 hp and 2250 lbs.-ft., the Volvo D16 will have three other
power ratings: 500 hp at 1850 lbs.-ft.; 550 hp at 1850 lbs.-ft.; and 600 hp
@ 2050 lbs.-ft.
The D16 – designed to meet stringent 2007 and 2010 emissions standards –
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
1,650 lbs.-ft. in startup gears, switching to 1,850 lbs.-ft. as speed
increases. Two stages are used to phase in the higher torque for the 600 hp
and 625 hp ratings.
The engine’s larger displacement gives it advantages over existing 15-litre
engines. The larger bore (or diameter) of the D16s cylinders gives the tops
of its pistons more surface area. This means it can generate more power and
torque than a 15-litre engine, with lower internal forces, Volvo says,
adding that its shorter stroke means less piston travel inside the cylinder,
which Volvo has found leads to less engine wear.
Service life is also enhanced by the length of the Volvo D16 engine block.
The D16s block has more space between the cylinders, which makes the base
engine stronger, and results in more consistent engine temperatures. This
reduces mechanical and thermal stresses, which can prematurely weaken engines.
The Volvo D16 has a rear-mounted gear train, which drives the camshaft, air
compressor, and power steering pump. The D16 also uses a damper on the
camshaft to reduce torsional vibration, for a quiet and smooth running
engine. The cam is designed to lift up and out from the engine for easy
servicing, if needed, unlike other designs which require the removal of the
engine or radiator to service the cam.
The VolvoD16 includes a number of other Volvo engine features, including:
– The Volvo Engine Brake is an integrated engine compression brake that
provides 335 hp of braking power at 1,500 rpm, to control vehicle speed on
downhills, while conserving foundation brake service life. The VEB
performance is not as sensitive to altitude as other engine brakes.
– The Volvo Exhaust Pressure Governor allows the engine to warm up quickly
and to maintain engine temperature at very low idle speeds, thus saving fuel
and money, and reducing emissions. It also works in conjunction with the
Volvo Engine Brake to provide very high retarding power throughout the
entire rpm range.
– The Volvo Pre-Heater heats the intake air for fast and reliable engine
startup in cold weather, without white smoke.
The fuel system is similar to the Volvo D12s system, and provides constant
fuel temperature to the injectors, while using a low flow fuel return. This
means more consistent power output and longer injector service life. – from
TruckinInfo.com
I’m headed for OH with a reload in PA back to Winnipeg. Just driver training right now, with my full provincial road test next monday. Here’s hoping, then I can get out on my own! yay! WITH A VOLVO 
, I’d give it back and take a proper aerodynamic 630. I reckon Volvo have really got their collective heads up their arse’s on this one, seems they are trying to immitate Freightliners lame duck the ’ Coronado ', which is a ’ large car ’ version of the Century/Columbia.