Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/893962
48 | Overdrive | October 2017 DRIVE TEST V olvo has made inroads with own- er-operators with the roomy comforts and driv- ability of its VNL 780, but the truck maker is hoping a new super-luxury model will open even more doors. Its Globetrotter package, which will make its U.S. debut on VNL 760 and 860 trucks next model year, was introduced in the late '70s in Europe to accommodate drivers who spent the most amount of time on the road. Volvo hopes its highest trim level, which blends the best elements of trucker form and function, will resonate with long-haul drivers in the United States looking for premium comforts as the company phases out the 780 in favor of the 860. "All along the way, driv- ers have had input on the design," said Jason Spence, Trucks Product marketing manager. For more than 20 years, the VNL has been the torchbearer of the compa- ny's truck catalog. Not only is it the historical leader in order volume, the long- haul tractor has served as a rolling proving ground for innovation. The VNL gets a new look for the coming model year, borrowing several design cues from its VNR region- al-haul sister, which was introduced this year as the successor to the VNM, and Volvo's SuperTruck project. Aerodynamic improve- ments, which aid in a 1 percent fuel economy gain, include repositioned air intakes, an aggressively sloped hood and tapered fenders that keep air attached to the sides. Chassis fairings are moved lower, cutting the effects of crosswinds. The hood, now tightly shrunk around the cooling package, has been rede- signed for aerodynamic and visibility improvements. The center section of the aero- dynamic bumper has been pulled out 1.4 inches to give the front a wedge-like design. All lights are LED, which trims power consumption while providing softer light- ing, and the truck's head- lamps can defrost themselves – a function enabled by fans in the back of the lamps that reverse the air flow. While the exterior design changes are striking, many of the most obvious enhance- ments are at the driver's fingertips. The first thing you notice is that the ignition switch has been relocated to the lower left side of the steering wheel. Volvo's Position Perfect steering wheel, which was introduced on the VNR earli- er this year, also will be avail- able in the VNL. It features 21 tactile buttons that bring many of the functions previ- ously integrated into a stalk onto the wheel itself. The buttons allow the driver to navigate a 5-inch color LCD In addition to the interior upgrades, Volvo's VNL 860 boasts aerodynamic improvements that aid in a 1 percent fuel economy gain. All new VNL models, with the exception of the VNL 760, go into production this month. Production on the VNL 760 kicks off in November. Luxury old and new Volvo combines best features for Globetrotter package on new VNL models BY JASON CANNON