Volvo FH16, Worlds Most Powerful Truck, Unveiled In Europop Music Video

With 700 HP and 2323 Lb-Ft of torque, the new Volvo FH16 is the most powerful semi-truck in the world. Unfortunately, that message is lost in the Eurotrash technopop music video reveal.

When we downloaded this video from Volvo Trucks, we were expecting some seething electric guitar, heavy drums and prominently featured heavy equipment. Well they came through with the heavy equipment, but the rest is hilariously absent. Regardless of the interesting anthem choice, you can't argue with the figures — 16 liter, 6-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel, 700 HP, 2323 Lb-Ft of torque, 62,000 miles between oil changes. That is crazy. Sure you can get it with lesser powerplants, but what the heck is the point of that. Then you couldn't say "I own the worlds most powerful commercially built truck."

The press release follows:

Premiere for the most powerful truck in the world

January 7 is a historic day for all truck enthusiasts. Today is the day Volvo Trucks is launching the world's most powerful series-manufactured truck. The Volvo FH16 with 700 hp and 3150 Nm of torque.

Volvo Trucks is the first manufacturer in the world to be able to put a 700 hp 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 660 hp.

Prestigious powerplant
"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, the Volvo FH16 sets itself apart from everything else in the industry," says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks.

Competitive fuel consumption
With higher power, one might well expect that fuel consumption would head in the same direction, but 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," reveals Staffan Jufors.

Lower environmental impact
The Volvo FH16 is certified for the new Euro 5 European emission requirements that come into force in autumn 2009, which means that emissions of nitrogen oxide have been cut by more than 40 percent. In other words, the Volvo FH16 has become even more powerful but without compromising on the environment. In addition to the 700 hp version the Volvo FH16 is also available in variants producing 540 and 600 hp respectively.

It was already powerful, now it is the most powerful in the world. Enter the Volvo D16G – the beating heart of the Volvo FH16.

With 700 horsepower and 3150 Nm of torque, Volvo's most recent 16-litre engine sets a new benchmark for the truck industry. This is the first time ever that a commercially produced truck is being launched with such a powerful engine, designed for the very heaviest and most demanding of haulage assignments. The Volvo D16G is also available with 600 and 540 hp.

40 extra horsepower, 40 percent lower emissions
The new engine is a further development of Volvo's previous D16 engine that produced 660 hp. In addition to an extra 40 horsepower and somewhat higher torque, the new engine produces cleaner exhaust gases. Emissions of nitrogen oxide are 40 percent lower than in the previous engine. The new 16-litre engine is certified for the new Euro 5 European emission requirements that come into force on October 1, 2009.

Optimised combustion promotes higher efficiency rating
Despite the higher power, fuel consumption remains the same as in the previous engine generation. Through a number of measures including redesigned pistons, Volvo's engineers have optimised the combustion process and met demands for high performance combined with efficient fuel utilisation, low emissions and long lifetime. Both maximum power and maximum torque span a wider rev range than before, contributing to excellent driveability. The engine now also features a new oil thermostat that has a favourable effect on fuel consumption.

Quieter idling
The noise level during idling has been lowered by 2dB(A). With the help of pre-injection, where a small amount of fuel is sprayed into the cylinder, the result is a gentler combustion sequence and a far lower noise level.

Effective exhaust cleaning
Another important change in the two most powerful engine variants is a new and larger system for exhaust after-treatment. Since the system can handle a larger flow of exhaust gases, counter-pressure is reduced and power losses are minimised. A larger-capacity system also results in better cleaning capacity. Just as before, the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system is used, taking effective care of harmful emissions.

EPG or VEB+
The Volvo D16G is equipped as standard with a new, electronically controlled exhaust brake (EPG) with an output of 230 kW. Electronic control makes it possible to reduce the number of moving parts, promoting simpler operation, higher reliability and lower weight. There is also the option of the Volvo Engine Brake, VEB+, with 425 kW braking effect.

Facts, Volvo D16G Euro 5

16-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler.
Power output: 700 hp, 600 hp or 540 hp.
Torque: 3150 Nm, 2800 Nm or 2650 Nm.
Auxiliary brake: EPG with 230 kW at 2200 r/min or VEB+ with 425 kW at 2200 r/min.
Exhaust treatment: SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction).
Oil-change interval: 100,000 km or once a year
Power take-off (option): 1000 Nm at a standstill, 650 Nm on the move.
Available with open or closed crankcase ventilation.

[Source: Volvo Trucks]