Volvo is about to launch its FH16 in a version for heavy haulage, involving gross combination weights of up to 295 tonnes, dependent upon gradient.
The new heavyweight has been equipped with a 16-litre engine producing 600hp and 2,800Nm of torque, matched by a seven-speed automatic transmission with the all-important torque converter.
Hayder Wokil, product manager for the long-haul segment at Volvo Trucks, says this combination allows the truck to start off smoothly and improves manoeuvrability at low speeds.
He also says that the tall seventh gear makes it possible to maintain a high average speed on the highway at relatively low engine revs.
And he points to the engine's additional Volvo's VEB+ engine brake, which offers braking effect of up to 425kW on top of the transmission's integrated retarder, which produces up to 450kW braking power.
Beyond all that, the new Volvo FH16 is available as a tractor with leaf springs or air suspension and comes in a range of wheel and axle combinations.
"Both transport cost and fuel consumption per transported tonne are lower in heavy haulage compared with rigs with lower gross combination weights," says Wokil.
