Volvo Trucks unveils lineup of 2007 engines: Will cost $7.5 K more

TAMPA BAY, Fla. — Volvo Trucks North America unveiled its comprehensive new family of heavy-duty diesel engines for 2007 — the 11-litre D11, 13-litre D13 and 16-litre D16 — meets strict new U.S. emissions standards that take effect in 2007.

“Volvo customers now have the ability to choose the precise engine for their business in terms of displacement and power ratings, without any compromise in technology, features or benefits,” said Peter Karlsten, president and CEO of Volvo Trucks North America.

Like most other enginemakers, Volvo will use high-performance cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and diesel particulate filters (DPF) to achieve the new emissions standards that reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by 50 percent, and particulates (soot) by 90 percent from current levels. The third component of the emissions reduction formula is the ultra-low sulfur diesel which will be introduced in North America in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Volvo announced that the 2007 emissions technology price increase for its trucks will be $7500. This charge is associated with the new technology necessary to meet the new emissions standards, Volvo says. The price increase will be listed as a surcharge on invoices of new trucks built with the 2007 engines.

The Volvo D11 will be available in the Volvo VNM (medium hood length) and Volvo VNL (long hood) models. The engine will be available with 325 hp to 405 hp, with torque from 1250 to 1450 lb-ft. Primary applications will be pickup and delivery, LTL and regional distribution. The D11’s low weight of 2175 pounds also suits it for weight-sensitive applications such as bulk tanker and petroleum transport, the company says.

The Volvo D13 will be available in the Volvo VNM and Volvo VNL tractors, as well as the Volvo VHD vocational truck and tractor. The D13 will be available with 335 hp to 485 hp, with torque levels from 1350 to 1650 lb-ft, and weighs 2250 pounds. Primary applications for the D13 are LTL, truckload, linehaul freight and vocational duties.

The Volvo D16 was first introduced for North American use in 2005. For 2007, it has been updated to the new emissions standards. The D16 will again be available in the Volvo VNL and Volvo VT. For 2007, the D16 will be available with 450 hp up to 600 hp, and with torques from 1650 lb-ft to 2050 lb-ft. The D16 weighs 3070 pounds. The D16 provides maximum power for applications such as heavy haul, owner-operators, and small premium fleets.

The company will also continue to offer the popular 15-litre Cummins ISX with 2007 emissions technology as an option in its Volvo VN and Volvo VT highway tractors.

A Few Volvo Engine Features:

Ultra High Fuel Injection Pressure (UHFP): With maximum fuel injection pressures raised 20 percent over the Volvo D12 to 35,000 psi. The higher pressures improves fuel atomization and dispersal in the cylinder for more efficient combustion and lower emissions.

Multiple fuel injections per stroke: Utilizing a new proprietary actuation strategy for the dual-solenoid unit fuel injector Volvo introduced on its 2002 Volvo D12. This gives extremely precise control over fuel injection for emissions control and engine performance.

Single-stage variable geometry turbocharger (VGT): with a sliding nozzle and electronic actuation. The VGT delivers enhanced engine response and driveability, as well as greater backpressure for the EGR system. The electronic actuator gives more precise control than a pneumatic actuator. Both the turbo bearing housing and the actuator are water-cooled. Volvo first introduced this technology on the D16 in 2005.

Single-piece, rigid deck cylinder head with four valves per cylinder and 38 cylinder head fasteners is built to withstand the higher injection and cylinder pressures for increased durability and reliability.

Rear-mounted gear train with camshaft damper: Drives the overhead camshaft, air compressor, and power steering pump. The viscous damper on the camshaft absorbs the torsional vibrations generated by high-pressure fuel injection and routes those vibrations into the flywheel, where they are effectively absorbed. Placing the gear train at the rear of the engine block also improves air flow and cooling around the engine, the company says.

Volvo VECTRO EMS: Engine electronics with enhanced diagnostics builds on the established engine controls and extensive diagnostic capabilities of the previous generations of VECTRO. VECTRO easily handles the additional requirements of the DPF’s operation.

Low-return, low-flow fuel system: Cools fuel in the engine, not the fuel tank, providing consistent fuel temperature to the injectors regardless of extreme summer heat or winter cold, for consistent power and better fuel economy.

Service and Maintenance:

Oil drain intervals for the new engines are, depending on duty cycle: up to 30,000 miles for the D11; up to 45,000 miles for the D13; and, up to 50,000 miles for the D16.