Like its long-haul VT 880 brother introduced earlier this year, the new VT 800 daycab from Volvo Trucks North America comes standard with the company’s beefy D16 motor sporting up to 625 hp.

Aimed at owner operators and applications such as heavy-haul flatbed, bulk products, and livestock hauling, the VT 800 has the same long-nose look as the 880. The big grille sits in front of a radiator and cooling capacity designed to handle the heat generated by current and future emissions-compliant engines. The new D16 comes in four ratings – 500, 550, 600 and 625 hp – with torque maxing out at either 1850 or 2250 lb
ft.

Four Cummins ISX engines are also on tap, with 475, 500, 530, or 565 hp, all with 1850 lb ft of torque.

Transmission offerings include Eaton Fuller RTO and RTLO 10-, 13-, and 18 speeds plus Eaton Autoshift 10- and 18-speeds. Rear axles by Meritor are available with ratings up to 46,000 lb, with Volvo air suspensions to match, while front axles up to 13,200 lb can be spec’d.

Based on our test drives of the VT 880, the daycab’s long 134-in. BBC should produce a smooth ride. The cab has been moved back 8 in., which isolates the driver from the engine. Exterior features include: a polished steel front bumper; a large chromed grille; polished or bright aluminum fuel tanks; outboard exhaust stacks; and polished
aluminum step panels (with batteries and toolbox in behind).

Inside the air-ride cab there’s a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, “high-performance” climate control system, and double-sealed doors to keep out dirt, dust, water and noise in challenging jobsites.

Those doors stay closed during collisions, but open afterward, Volvo says. Other safety features include Enhanced Stability Technology as standard, to help maintain control of the truck in slippery conditions and to help prevent rollovers. An air bag for the driver is also
standard, as is an energy-absorbing steering column. The engine and
transmission are designed to drop under the cab during frontal impacts, to prevent intrusion into the cab.