New Volvo Engine Offers Fuel Economy, Efficiency Gains
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DUBLIN, Va. — The next generation of the 13-liter turbo compound engine from Volvo Trucks North America offers improved fuel economy over the current model, as well as efficiency gains over a wider range of applications, the company announced.
“This engine is the most fuel-efficient we’ve ever built,” said John Moore, a product marketing manager for VTNA, during a Sept. 12 media event at the company’s customer center here. “In doing so, it has the lowest carbon footprint of any engine we’ve ever built.”
The company said the new engine — the D13TC — offers a 3% improvement in fuel economy over the current engine, will offer a new power rating designed for fuel economy and can be set to operate in three drive modes — performance, economy and extra efficiency.
“One of the biggest differences [with the new engine] that I see is that it is more versatile,” Moore said. “The next generation D13TC has a wider operating range in engine rpm, can also handle a wider range of engine modes and still be as fuel-efficient as it was loaded. And that’s one of the big keys, so it can be used in different applications.”
A new 405-horsepower rating is intended for carriers that are squarely focused on fuel economy, he added.
“This rating is specifically designed for fleet customers trying to get the maximum fuel efficiency out of this powertrain combination,” Moore said.
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That combination, noted Ashley Murickan, also a product marketing manager, includes Volvo’s 13-speed I-Shift automated transmission and a reduced gear axle ratio. The lower rating maintains the same 1,750 pound-foot torque rating of the 425-hp and 455-hp versions, Moore noted.
The D13TC also features a “dynamic torque” system that is designed to provide appropriate torque based on driving conditions. Instead of operating in high- and low-torque modes, the system sets a torque level dependent upon the weight of the truck, along with road grade and conditions, Volvo said.
The new D13TC will be available for order in the fourth quarter of 2019 and go into production at the end of the first quarter of 2020.
