XE16 package rated for 143,000 lb

Volvo Trucks has paid attention to Canada with the addition of two new ‘XE’ drivetrain packages featuring the 16-litre Volvo D16 engine. The first, a heavy-spec XE16 package rated for combination weights up to 143,000 lb, was designed specifically for North American heavy and long-combination-vehicle (LCV) markets. The second XE16 package promotes fuel efficiency with performance for five-axle tractor-semitrailer combinations up to 80,000 lb.

Both XE16 versions drop engine rpm by 200 rpm or more at cruising speeds, compared to traditional specs. They follow on the very successful launch last year of the XE13 package centred on lighter weights and the D13 engine.

Volvo drivetrain chief Ed Saxman says XE16 directly addresses the needs of two important market segments that historically have had very few fuel-efficient powertrain options. He says it delivers the full power and low-end torque needed for higher weight applications while saving fuel by running at a lower rpm.

Each package is based on a new D16 engine rating of 500 hp and 2050 lb ft of torque, with Volvo’s I-Shift automated mechanical transmission, specialized axle ratios, specific tire sizes, and proprietary software that facilitates communication among powertrain components. The XE16 provides the full 2050 lb ft of torque while running as low as 1000 rpm to improve low-rpm driveability.

Saxman says the engine can handle such big torque at low rpm because of its “massive” connecting rods with large bearing surface areas that help alleviate bearing stress.

Good for up to 143,000 lb gross weight, the heavier-spec XE16 package uses a heavy-duty air suspension and 18-in. rear axles with a 3.21 ratio instead of the 3.73 rear axle more often spec’d on North American LCVs. The XE16 package reduces cruising rpm from 1425 to 1225 at 62 mph (100 kph), yielding about a 3% fuel efficiency improvement.

The second XE16 rating addresses 80,000-lb tractor and semi-trailer combinations that are spec’d with a focus on both fuel efficiency and high performance. The engine, in combination with a 2.64 rear-axle ratio and overdrive I-Shift transmission, will operate within its sweet spot throughout the vehicle speed range to improve fuel efficiency, says Volvo.

Volvo first introduced its “downspeeding” concept in September 2011 with the XE13 powertrain package. Available on all VN highway tractors, the XE13 powertrain package offers the 13-litre D13 engine with up to 455 hp and 1750 lb ft torque at 1050 rpm.

The Truck Writers of North America awarded Volvo’s XE13 powertrain package its 21st annual Technical Achievement Award earlier this year.