Volvo Trucks Unveils New Engines for Increased Fuel Efficiency

Volvo Trucks North America has introduced its model year 2017 Volvo engines, which the company described as “delivering increased power, performance and fuel efficiency.”

Engine improvements to extend fuel efficiency include enhancements to the Volvo D11 and D13 engines, as well as the development of the Volvo D13 with turbo compounding. As a result, Volvo reports that it is delivering between 2.2 to 6.5 percent better fuel efficiency with the 2017 engines compared with previous generation power.

The Volvo D13 with turbo compounding was designed for customers in long-haul applications. Turbo compounding is a technology that recovers wasted exhaust heat and converts it to useable mechanical energy in the form of 50 additional horsepower that is transferred back into the engine. This results in up to a 6.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with previous engine models.

The D13 with turbo compounding can also be spec’d with Volvo’s XE – eXceptional Efficiency – powertrain packages or in super direct drive. Through downspeeding, XE allows the engine to cruise at up to 300 rpm less than the average truck sold today – significantly improving fuel efficiency. The D13 with turbo compounding is available on an XE driveline with a 2.47 rear axle ratio.

Volvo also updated its 11-liter D11 and standard 13-liter D13 engines. Designed to be even more reliable, the engines feature a proven common-rail fuel system for reduced engine and cab noise, providing drivers a more comfortable ride.

The 2017 Volvo D11 offers up to 425 horsepower and 1,550 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase of 20 horsepower. The engine also delivers up to a 2.2 percent fuel efficiency improvement compared with the previous D11 engine. With the right blend of power and a lighter weight, the D11 is ideal for regional, less than truckload (LTL) and pickup-and-delivery applications. The D11 is available in Volvo VN daycabs, VNM 430 and VNL 430 sleeper models, VAH and VHD models.

The 2017 Volvo D13 features a new wave piston, which increases the compression ratio and maximizes fuel efficiency. Improved flame propagation reduces soot, while also increasing cylinder efficiency. The updated D13, available in the Volvo VN, VHD and VAH models, offers a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 2.5 percent compared to the previous D13. These engine enhancements were also included in the 2017 Volvo D13 with turbo compounding.

The 16-liter Volvo D16, the largest engine in its class, offers power and reliability for hauling heavy loads, with horsepower ranging from 500 to 600, with 1,650 lb.-ft. to 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque. Available in the VNL and VNX models, the D16 is an ideal choice for line-haul and heavy-haul operations.

Category: Engines & Drivetrains, General Update