Volvo has launched its highly-anticipated update to the VNL Series prime mover in America, boasting increases in efficiency, productivity and safety.
While it will be one of the key models for the brand in the US market, it won’t be coming down under with Australia only getting Volvo’s cab over configuration and not conventional cabs.
According to president of Volvo Trucks North America, Göran Nyberg, efficiency was the key word throughout the design process.
“The new Volvo VNL builds on our long-standing commitment to deliver the safest, most comfortable and most efficient long-haul truck on the market,” Nyberg said.
“Infused with new innovations and technologies, we’re proud to expand upon that commitment to our current and future customers with this new design.”
Much of the work has gone into aerodynamic gains with a redesigned and repositioned engine air intake and new roof fairings.
Director of product marketing Wade Long believes the new design is a step forward in two areas – aesthetics and efficiency. step
“While we wanted the new VNL to make a statement on the road, we knew that it also had to make a statement to our customers’ bottom lines” Long said.
“The incredible design elements that we’ve incorporated not only look great, but they add value for the customer. Whether it’s the sleek new bodywork that improves aerodynamics, or the new three-piece bumper that aids in repairability, every design change we’ve made has a purpose.”
Volvo has also made the interior more ergonomic by using an all-new dashboard which puts often-used controls within the driver’s reach.
The dash features a central in the gauge cluster is a configurable, five-inch color driver information display that provides trip and diagnostic data.
The new Volvo VNL is also equipped with Volvo’s smart steering wheel, putting controls for nearly all of the driver interface functions right at a driver’s fingertips and is fully adjustable to ensure all statures are catered for.
“We relied on feedback from nearly 2,000 driver interviews to make sure the changes we were making aligned with drivers’ needs. The results speak for themselves: our new VNL features the most comfortable, driver-friendly environment we’ve ever built” said Jason Spence, Volvo Trucks product marketing manager – long haul.
The VNL comes starndard with a 13-litre D13 engine but a Cummins X15 can be optioned, while the VNL 400 models come with a D11 option.
Both the Volvo D11 and D13 engines feature Volvo’s patented wave pistons, a unique design that helps burn fuel more efficiently. Fuel is delivered by a proven common rail fuel system with proprietary features that improve fuel delivery precision, cut weight and reduce noise.
The entire Volvo VNL series comes standard with Volvo’s I-Shift automated manual transmission, which is fully integrated with Volvo engines. With a full array of sensors detecting speed, grade and load, the I-Shift knows when to shift, hold a gear or coast in neutral. Also, by eliminating traditional shifting, the I-Shift enables the driver to focus on the job.
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