GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 7, 2005) — Volvo Trucks North America has rolled out its new flagship truck, the long-hood, high-horsepower Volvo VT 880 for the premium owner-operator market.

According to Volvo, the new VT 880 combines a dramatic design with high-output engines, including the new Volvo D16 engine, with ratings up to 625 hp with 2,250 lbs-ft. of torque, the most powerful truck engine available. (see next online story for more details).

The VT 880 will meet the demanding cooling requirements that will come with the 2007 and 2010 emissions standards.

In its announcement, Volvo said VT 880 with the D16’s high power ratings will be suitable for customers who want to maintain high average legal speeds through mountains while transporting full-weight loads — in refrigerated operations, for example. It will excel in heavy-haul, drop-frame and other high gross weight applications, the company says.

The Volvo VT 880 was engineered for lower operating costs, including fuel economy, driver productivity and lower maintenance. Its large grille and long hood, plus aerodynamic features designed to channel cooling airflow around the engine, ensure that the VT 880’s engines will keep their cool and perform as designed, even under the most demanding conditions.

The truck is meant to appeal to image-conscious customers and includes these features:

— A chrome grille that is 15 per cent larger than other Volvo grilles, with a full chrome surround.

— Chrome bezels for the headlamps, inside the distinctive aerodynamic lamps.

— A polished, all-steel bumper, with a three-piece design for improved serviceability, plus available inset fog lamps with LED accent lights.

— Chrome air intake surrounds, with inset LEDs for a distinctive look at night; as well as polished steps, fuel tanks and tank straps, and polished twin exhaust stacks, moved outboard to follow the profile of the cab. the stacks can also be mounted inboard for a more aerodynamic look.

The Volvo VT 880 has been tuned by Volvo engineers to produce a comfortable ride and smooth handling. The front axle has been moved forward 12.4 inches (315 mm) to what Volvo calls the “Comfort Position,” which is said to optimize cooling airflow for the high-horsepower engine, while giving the Volvo VT 880 an excellent 45-degree wheel cut.

Just as the front axle moved forward, the cab itself moved back eight inches (200 mm) on the chassis. This isolated the cab from the engine for a quieter and smoother ride. It also gave the Volvo VT 880 a long 200-inch BBC (bumper to back of sleeper cab), which allows owner-operators to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy by spec’ing a smaller gap between cab and trailer.

To handle the 2,250 lbs.-ft. of torque produced by the 625 hp Volvo D16 engine, the Volvo VT 880 offers a non-torque-reactive rear suspension, the Hendrickson Primaax. It was specially engineered to provide a smooth, comfortable ride and good handling in high-torque, high gross weight applications.

The Volvo VT 880’s 77-inch sleeper cab has more than 374 cubic feet of space, and more than 520 cubic feet of total living space, including the driver and passenger seat area. The high-roof design has plenty of room to stand up, and the living area is designed to maximize storage and convenience with ample space to stretch out and relax. Owner-operators can choose from three coordinated interior design packages.

The sleeper has an optional workstation that functions as dining table, office desk and den. After supper, the bench seats quickly convert to a full-length lower bunk. The upper bunk with premium mattress folds out from the back of the cab, and a foldaway ladder allows easy access.

— from TruckingInfo.com