The factory gates open and the first Volvo FH16 700 appears. An
eager Tore Aase from Norway is there to take delivery of the
world’s most powerful series-manufactured truck. On Norway’s hilly
west coast, the truck’s power will come into its own.
The truck will be used in long-haul operations in the west of
Norway, hauling equipment for the oil industry. The 700 horsepower
and massive 3150 Nm of torque will be put to good use.
"The reason why we chose the FH16 700 is that we haul loads of up
to 50 tonnes. The roads are often narrow and there may be
kilometre-long gradients of between 6 and 10 percent, so you can
never really have too much power," says Tore Aase, owner of haulage
company Spesial og Tungtransport AS, located in Förde 170
kilometres north of Bergen on the Norwegian west coast.
Higher average speed
Tore Aase spends up
to 200 days a year in his truck and his trips along Norway's
demanding west coast test the truck to its limits.
"With our new 700, I will be able to maintain a far higher average
speed on the long and steep gradients. I-Shift is also very
important to me - not having to make constant gearchanges will
considerably reduce my work behind the wheel. I've been driving
trucks since the mid-seventies and I'm beginning to get a few aches
and pains in my elbow."
When asked how his colleagues will respond when he becomes the
first customer to drive the world's strongest truck, Tore Aase
replies with a knowing smile:
"Well, I'll be leader of the pack and this truck is sure going to
attract a whole lot of attention!"
Roo-bars to protect against deer
The new truck will become operational toward the end of July.
Before that, it will be fitted with a variety of accessories,
including roo-bars. Not that kangaroos are a common sight on
Norwegian roads, but the region abounds with wild deer, elk and
reindeer.
Tore Aase is a loyal Volvo customer who has driven trucks of the
same make for the past 18 years.
"I have tried other makes but I stick with Volvo. One important
reason is that I get excellent service from my local dealer."
Unique performance and fuel economy
The Volvo FH16 with 700 horsepower is the world's most powerful
truck. It is built for the most demanding haulage assignments.
Despite its 700 horsepower, there is no increase in either its
emissions or fuel consumption. On the contrary, nitrogen oxide
emissions have dropped by 40 percent compared with the previous
model, so the new truck meets the forthcoming Euro 5 emission
standards.
"The FH16 700 is in a class of its very own on the world truck
market. It offers a unique combination of performance and fuel
economy. We have already noted considerable interest in the new
model among customers who run particularly demanding transport
operations," says Claes Nilsson, President of the Europe division
at Volvo Trucks.
Built at the Tuve plant
The new Volvo FH16
700 is built at the Tuve plant outside Göteborg in Sweden. There
hopes are high that the new model will become a success.
"We're really proud to have been given the job of building and
supplying the world's strongest truck. Handing over the key to our
first customer is a landmark event that speaks well for the
future," says Johan Jinhage, Plant Director at Volvo Trucks in
Tuve.
Engine specifications
Type designation
D16G700 EU5SCR-M
Max power output at 1550-1800 r/min 700 hp (515 kW)
Max revs 2000 r/min
Max torque at 1000-1550 r/min 3150 Nm
Displacement 16.1 dm3
Compression ratio 17.3:1
Exhaust brake output at 2200 r/min 230 kW
Engine brake output (VEB+) at 2200 r/min * 425 kW
Dry weight (base engine) approx 1325 kg
*VEB+ is available as an option.