Volvo’s Mean Green hybrid truck continues to impress 09 May 2012

Volvo's hybrid truck 'Mean Green' has established new world speed records after running at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA.

The truck achieved world record speeds at the flying kilometre (236.577km/h (147.002mph)) and standing kilometre (153.252 km/h (95.245 mph)).

"We are very pleased with Mean Green's performance, especially at such a high altitude," comments Boije Ovebrink, the truck's driver and owner.

"We knew Wendover would present challenges, because it's more than 1,280metres above sea level."

The speed record attempts were sanctioned by the US Auto Club, an extension of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), motoring's international governing body.

Though Mean Green's modified aerodynamic body design bears little resemblance to a freight-carrying tractor unit, the truck is comprised almost entirely of production components from the Volvo vehicle family, including a Volvo VN cab and frame.

The hybrid features a highly tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo's automated I-Shift gearbox, which also interacts with the hybrid's electric motor.

The combination of an electric motor and Volvo D16 diesel engine delivers 2,100bhp and nearly 6,780Nm torque – of which 200bhp and 1,200Nm of torque come from the electric motor.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Volvo Group UK Ltd

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