Volvo Exhibits New VNX Heavy-Haul Tractor
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Volvo Trucks unveiled a new heavy-haul tractor here Thursday, the VNX. Powered by the company’s D16 engine, the VNX will transport extraordinary loads ranging from 110,000 to 200,000 pounds.
The tractor is positioned to compete with the Mack Titan, also part of Volvo Group, and Daimler Trucks’ Western Star line.
On the official opening day of the Mid-America Trucking Show, company executives said the tractor will come in 6x4 or 8x4 configurations and the 16-liter engine produces a maximum 600 horsepower and 2,050 pound-feet of torque.
Also at the press conference, the Greensboro, N.C., manufacturer said its I-Shift transmission will become standard equipment on Volvo Trucks purchased with Volvo engines, starting in late April.
The company also clarified its plans on natural-gas vehicles. Volvo will offer ISX 12G engines from Cummins Westport this year. The spark-ignition 12Gs can use either compressed or liquefied natural gas.
In mid-2014, Volvo will start taking orders for its D13-LNG engines with Westport Innovations’ high-pressure, direct-injection fuel system.
