Volvo Trucks has launched the world’s most powerful series-manufactured truck — the Volvo FH16 with 700hp and 3150Nm torque.
Volvo Trucks has launched what is claimed to be the world’s most powerful series-manufactured truck — the Volvo FH16 with 700hp and 3150Nm torque.
The European launch took place on January 7 and is being trumpeted as being an historic day for truck enthusiasts.
Volvo Trucks says it is the first manufacturer in the world to be able to put a 700hp badge on its vehicles. The truck model in question is the company’s flagship, the Volvo FH16, which to date has had a maximum power output of 660hp.
“The Volvo FH16 is intended for the very heaviest and most demanding of transport operations. It is also a highly prestigious truck for the customer who is looking for something truly out of the ordinary. And with 700 hp under the engine compartment cover, the Volvo FH16 sets itself apart from everything else in the industry,” says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks.
With higher power, one might well expect that fuel consumption would head in the same direction, but apparently that is not the case.
“Our aim is to have both the best performance and the best fuel economy in the segment. We have succeeded in keeping fuel consumption the same as before despite the power increase. In a comparison with the competition, we are doing very well indeed,” Jufors says.
The Volvo FH16 is certified for the new Euro 5 European emission requirements that come into force in the second half of 2009, which means that emissions of nitrogen oxide have been cut by more than 40 percent.
Volvo says the FH16 has become even more powerful without compromising on the environment. In addition to the 700hp version the Volvo FH16 is also available in variants producing 540 and 600hp respectively.