Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/153582
start News & updates from the Volvo world New VNX brings high performance to heavy-haul Volvo Trucks has raised the bar for North American heavy-haul tractors with the Volvo VNX, a high-performance model designed for extreme gross weight applications. Revealed at the Mid-America Trucking Show in the spring, the VNX was developed for applications up to 225,000 pounds. At the core of the powerful VNX is a Volvo integrated powertrain featuring a newly introduced D16 engine with 600 horsepower, 2,050 lb.-ft. torque and I-Shift automated manual transmission. The Volvo VNX is ideal for long combination vehicles, heavy equipment hauling, aggregate, low-boy, logging, oil field and mining operations. VNX demonstrator models became available in early summer, and customers can begin placing orders fall of 2013. "We're proud to introduce a truly premium heavy-haul tractor, which combines an extremely powerful integrated powertrain with the safety and comfort features drivers desire," said Göran Nyberg, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. The 16-liter D16 engine, with 600 horsepower and 2,050 lb.-ft. torque, is Volvo's most powerful North American engine. The VNX also features Volvo's I-Shift automated manual transmission, a standard feature across Volvo's North American product lineup. I-Shift's integrated sensors identify truckload and road grade to place the truck in the right gear for the conditions for smooth, optimum shifts, improving fuel efficiency and extending clutch life and service intervals. "A Volvo integrated powertrain ensures seamless communication between the engine and transmission and maximizes the efficiency of the components," says Nyberg. "The Volvo D16 engine and I-Shift are a proven combination utilized globally for heavy-haul applications." 8 Available in 6x4 and 8x4 configurations, the Volvo VNX offers a wide range of heavy-haul components to ensure it's properly spec'd for the job. Front axle ratings range from 16,000 to 20,000 pounds with parabolic springs. The VNX is available with 385 wide-base, 425 and 445 tires to match front axle load capacity. Available rear axles range from 46,000 to 52,000 pounds in regular, dual-track and wide-track tandem configurations. Dual steering gears and a 20,000-pound steerable pusher axle are also available as options. The imposing VNX provides an increased ride height to accommodate more articulation and front ramp angle. A signature feature of the VNX is its distinct metallic, honeycomb-patterned grille and brightfinish steel bumper with center tow pin. A brightfinish steel moose bumper with center tow pin is also available. The VNX utilizes Volvo's full-size daycab equipped with Volvo's ergonomic dash, ample storage room and contemporary styling and trim levels, ranging from vinyl for rugged applications to premium leather for ultimate driver comfort. The Volvo VNX also provides proven safety features like a sloped hood and large windshield for superior visibility, standard driver's side airbag and cab constructed with High-Strength Steel. Also standard is Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology, a full electronic stability program that assists the driver in maintaining control during emergency maneuvers and braking events, dramatically reducing the likelihood of a rollover or jackknife. Standard on all Volvo-powered trucks, Remote Diagnostics helps maximize vehicle uptime by providing diagnostic and repair planning assistance with detailed analysis of critical diagnostic trouble codes. DRIVER 'S DIGEST #2/2013 DDQ213PG005-9_Start.indd 8 8/13/13 8:32 AM