Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/324702
June 2014 | Overdrive | 33 Text INFO to 205-289-3555 or visit www.ovdinfo.com get-go to be robust and durable." Spence pointed to I-Shift's Power Launch feature as proof. Stopping the VNX on an unpaved grade covered with loose gravel, he had me shift to neutral, rev the D16 up to 1,300 rpm and then shift into drive. The transmis- sion immediately delivered a smooth, metered burst of rear-wheel torque that easily powered the truck forward. "This feature allows iShift to pre- cisely deliver the power needed to get a big, heavily loaded truck like the VNX out of a deep hole or sandy soil," Spence said. Stylistically, VNX shares more than a passing resemblance to the VNL family of tractors, though with a more robust look, bold chrome grille and wider stance. The truck stands tall on vocational floatation tires. The daycab interior is appointed nicely with large windowpanes allow- ing plenty of daylight inside while providing panoramic 360-degree views that are helped by large rearview mir- rors. And while Volvo's D16 diesel is a quiet engine anyway, when you pair that with ample sound insulation, you get remarkably low cab noise levels. Pulling oversize/overweight loads like the VNX is designed to do usually means lots of small-step shifting to get the truck going. But I was happy to let the I-Shift do the hard work while I concentrated on traffic and steering. Deep wheel cuts helped me maneu- ver the flatbed through the narrow mountain roads. Despite the big flota- tion tires under me, I found the VNX to be pleasantly docile on the twisting hills. Later at highway cruise speeds, the truck held its place with little or no steering input. Spence credited this to a twin-steering gear design that ensures excellent handling. On the interstate, the integrated engine brake easily held our speed in check on long downhill runs with min- imal braking. The cruise control works in conjunction with the I-Shift to main- tain desired highway speeds, so even in mountainous terrain, you easily can adjust your speed settings to stay with a preset limit. The transmission will down- shift accordingly and apply the engine brake on downhill grades to keep you within a given range. It's a slick system that reduces driver fatigue, improves brake life and enhances safety. The VNX features head-turning con- ventional styling with a killer combina- tion of brute power and refined technol- ogy. They work together well to get the toughest trucking jobs done. Want to see more of the VNX? Visit our video channel at youtube.com/overdrive- mag. Under the Drive Tests playlist, Jason Spence provides more detail of the test drive model. Under the Trucking Products playlist, Volvo's Frank Bio points out features at the VNX's 2013 introduction. at youtube.com/overdrive- TestDrive_0614.indd 33 6/3/14 11:07 AM