Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/738771
32 D R I V E R ' S D I G ES T #2 /2016 Text Will Bender Photo Arne Edström QUESTIONS & ANSWERS The SuperTruck project resulted in a culmination of ideas and concepts that will prove to benefit society moving forward. For Keith Brantley, project manager, advanced complete vehicle at Volvo Trucks, it was an opportunity of a lifetime. "e willingness and effort put forth for the SuperTruck project was unbelievable." What does SuperTruck represent for society as a whole? "SuperTruck represents sustainability and conservation of fuel while still delivering the goods and services to America by truck. With SuperTruck, I truly believe we introduced the future of trucking while reducing dependence on foreign oil." Describe the process of building SuperTruck from the ground up. "To be honest, just like it sounds — one part at a time. From a 4mm screw to a complete cab assembly built from scratch, we started with a bare frame in April 2014 and by February 2016 we had a running truck. Every part, from the tires on the ground to the solar panel roof was custom designed for the Volvo SuperTruck." What ties does the SuperTruck have to existing Volvo products? "From a vehicle perspective, SuperTruck has strong connections to the model year 2016 aero- dynamics package. From an engine perspective, the 2017 powertrain lineup including turbo compounding, wave piston, and the common- rail fuel system were developed and or refined in the SuperTruck program." Where was the SuperTruck built? "SuperTruck was a melting pot of sorts. e complete cab was assembled at our North American headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, as well as most of the brackets and pipes. Parts and components came from all across the United States; from North Carolina, California, Texas and Michigan. e body in white was custom built at our production plant in New River Valley. Cab exterior parts came from California, Michigan and North Carolina." Explain the on-highway testing/validation process. "SuperTruck's highway testing was done using three different cycle tests. SuperTruck ran a flat, rolling hill and a hilly cycle at a cruise speed of 65 mph with a payload of 34,500 pounds. All testing was done using a 2009 reference Volvo truck, which is used to measure the increase in freight efficiency in comparison to the SuperTruck."