Volvo Trucks Australia has announced it will be opening local order books for its most powerful FH16 model in July this year, which will become Australia’s highest horsepower on-highway truck.
After launching the new FH16 in Sweden in January this year, the range has now been given the green light for Australia with power outputs of 600hp, 700hp and 780hp confirmed.
The new FH16 range features Volvo’s new 17-litre D17 engine, developed to offer more power, fuel efficiency and driveability than the outgoing 16-litre D16 powertrain. Volvo increased the bore of its D16, as well as fitting low-friction liners and wave-top pistons for better bang.
While offering a class-leading 780hp/3800Nm the new D17 is Euro 6 compliant and Volvo Trucks says it can even run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable diesel alternative.
“A world of possibilities has been built into this engine platform,” said Volvo Group Australia Director of Product and Performance, Shayne Commons.
“Highly efficient drivetrains capable of using alternative fuels will be a key part of our path to net zero emissions.”
The increased horsepower and torque characteristics of the new D17 make it an on-highway workhorse that will be suited to heavy applications navigating steep terrain.
“More power gives us the option of gearing our trucks for more efficiency on highway, more torque means less gear changes and more top gear time,” Mr Commons said.
“However, for the person behind the wheel, the performance of the D17 engine in the new FH16 will impress, driver feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, especially in regard to holding road speed in undulating terrain.
“Drivers will want to drive this FH16.”
Volvo Trucks Australia confirmed it will begin taking orders from July this year, but did not offer any indication of expected delivery times.
