Overdrive

July 2017

Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info

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44 | Overdrive | July 2017 DRIVE TEST V olvo's regional work- horse tractor, the VNM, having been on the market for more than two decades, was overdue for a refresh. But Volvo designers did much more than modern- ize its body lines in producing the VNM's successor, the VNR, introduced in April. Since regional trucks rarely get the same attention regarding fuel economy and driver comfort as long-haul trucks, many fleets suited for VNM trucks were opting to spec VNL long-haul tractors just to get their improved look and driver amenities, said Chris Stadler, Volvo Trucks North America prod- uct marketing manager for regional haul. Recognizing that lengths of haul are shrinking and drivers' demand for home time is increasing, Volvo gave major consideration to ame- nities and aerodynamics with the VNR, pronouncing it "the future of regional haul." It's available in three models: daycab (VNR 300), 42-inch flat roof sleeper (VNR 400) and 61-inch mid-roof sleeper (VNR 640). A holdover from the VNM, all three VNR models measure 51.1 bumper-to- front-axle inches and feature a 50-degree wheel cut, but having an extra 4 inches of corner visibility makes the VNR shine in tight spac- es. At 113 inches, the VNR's bumper-to-back-of-cab is about 9 inches shorter than the VNL, making tight turns more uneventful. I put the VNR 300's maneuverability to the test during a white-knuckle drive hauling a 28-foot pup trail- er through crowded urban roads around Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Fighting traffic on the narrow streets was surprisingly effortless. The VNR comes stan- dard with a 12-speed I-Shift transmission and Volvo's D11 engine that can provide up to 425 horsepower and 1,550 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared to a VNM spec'd with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2014-compliant engine, it improves fuel effi- ciency by about 2.5 percent. Equipped with a 425-hp engine, my VNR 300 was a little over-spec'd for its 43,680 GVW, but Stadler said Volvo intentionally added flexibility – including options for a large sleeper and D13 engine – so that VNRs could adapt as a fleet's load type and length of haul change. The extra horses came in handy when I jumped into a VNR 400 tasked with haul- ing a concrete block load Volvo puts some long-haul qualities in improved regional truck BY JASON CANNON The VNR's biggest exterior change concerns the hood, which offers improved sightlines. The truck will succeed the VNM as Volvo's regional flagship truck later this year. Best of both worlds A three-motion adjustable steering wheel has a 4.5-inch telescoping range and a 30-degree head tilt, which allows drivers better comfort and an optimal view of the dash displays and switches that are within easy reach.

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