Volvo Improves Fuel Efficiency in 2016 VN Tractor
Volvo Trucks said it has improved fuel efficiency in the model year 2016 VN series highway tractor using several aerodynamic and powertrain enhancements.
Improvements to the bumper, chassis and roof of the new model reduce air turbulence around the exterior and improve airflow under the truck, around the tires and trailer gap, resulting in 3.5% improved fuel efficiency.
The XE-Adaptive gearing and torque management options can provide a further 2.5% fuel efficiency improvements for operations that depart loaded and return empty or lightly loaded, such as flatbed carriers, liquid tankers and bulk haulers, according to Volvo Trucks.
“With Volvo’s model year 2016 vehicles come an even greater value of ownership as we continue to refine the aerodynamic profile of our VN series tractors and redefine traditional expectations of powertrain performance through our integrated Volvo engines and I-Shift transmission,”Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North American sales and marketing, said in a statement.
The XE system is a direct and overdrive driveline depending on the rear-axle load that is monitored by the system in real time. When loaded, the transmission locks out the 12th gear to provide fuel-efficiency benefits of direct drive and while unloaded operates in overdrive.
The adaptive gearing will be available for Volvo’s D11 and D13 engines pared with an I-Shift automated manual transmission.
“Our wide selection of torque management software allows motor carriers to break free from traditional driveline options and choose a spec that’s been tailored to terrain, load type, delivery and performance,” John Moore, Volvo Trucks product marketing manager, powertrain, said in a statement.
