Overdrive

July 2017 | Overdrive | 45 of nearly 76,000 pounds. The rig effortlessly dragged the blocks to and from the skirts of Mount Airy, North Carolina. Both the D11 and the optional D13, which offers up to 500 hp and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque, can be matched to the standard 12-speed I-Shift, a 12-speed Severe Duty I-Shift, a 13- or 14-speed I-Shift with Crawler Gears or a 10-, 13- or 18-speed Eaton Fuller manual. Outside of a few niche operations, why you would opt to shift gears is beyond me, especially in a downtown start-and-stop application. The I-Shift is flawlessly smooth and precise. Also, my VNR 300 was equipped with Volvo's Hill Start Assist, which prevents rollback when the driver's foot comes off the brake on a steep grade. The VNR's biggest exteri- or change concerns the hood, which improves sightlines by adding 4 extra inches of corner visibility. It's also 70 pounds lighter than the VNM hood. Aerodynamically designed LED headlights rated for 10,000 hours were pulled into the front of the truck rather than mounted along the side, lessening the likelihood of damage. A redesigned grille features a honeycomb style that helps optimize airflow under the hood, and its matte chrome bezel looks pretty cool while also boosting ser- viceability. The steel bumper is shaped around the truck, contributing to a more than 1 percent fuel economy boost from aerodynamics alone. Inside, the VNR adds 2 inches of seat travel. Movable modular cupholders are rail-mounted and slide via a toggle switch release. An insert is available for a rail-mounted electronic log- ging device. An optional infotainment system features a 7-inch color touchscreen and an integrat- ed premium audio system. Drivers also can install navigation tools and other third-party apps. Volvo added enough USB and 12-volt power sources that you can charge a phone and/or tablet while also pow- ering an ELD and a GPS. With the debut of its 2017 engine line- up, Volvo was able to reduce engine noise, and the VNR's dense floor covering and insulation dampen road noise even further. Acoustics from the sound system have been improved by relocating the speaker lower on the door, and the door also features deeper storage pockets. Each VNR has three inte- rior trim level options and seven seat options. Jason Cannon is equipment editor for Overdrive.

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