DALLAS, Tex. — Volvo’s heavy-duty VT 880 is getting a daycab sibling, the truckmaker announced at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas.

And like its long-haul big brother, the new VT 800 daycab comes standard with the powerful Volvo D16 engine, with up to 625 hp and 2250 lb-ft of torque and Volvo Intelligent Torque (I-Torque) torque management system. The Cummins ISX engine, which provides up to 565 hp and 1850 lb-ft of torque is optional.

The Volvo VT 800 brings the VT’s muscular design and intense visual appeal to a premium daycab. Owner-operators in this segment want a blend of big-block diesel power and performance that will stand up to demanding duty cycles and conditions, the company says. Typical applications for the Volvo VT 800 are heavy haul flatbed or lowboy, bulk haul, grain body, livestock hauler, tanker, and double- and triple-trailer combinations.

“This is a truck that has it all — power, performance, great looks and unmatched driver comfort,” said Scott Kress, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. “Plus, the Volvo VT 800 was designed from the beginning to showcase Volvo’s traditional values of safety, driver productivity, quality, reliability and uptime. This is the truck for the operator who needs the level of performance that can only be found by combining the most powerful engine with our world-leading engineering and design excellence.”

The Volvo VT 800 continues the bold appearance of the VT series, the company says, including: A long and distinctive hood; a large chromed grille; aerodynamic features for improved airflow for less drag; outboard exhaust stacks; and polished aluminum step panels that remove easily for access to tools. The long, 134-in BBC makes for a smooth ride and exciting look. The cab was moved back 8 inches, which isolates the driver from the engine.

According to Volvo, performance is enhanced by a 45-degree wheel cut, for a tight turning radius and maneuverability. Driver visibility is excellent due to the sloping hood, the driver seating position and the huge one-piece windshield. Projection beam headlights also improve nighttime visibility on the right side of the truck.

The Volvo VT 800’s driver ergonomics play a key role in performance, by placing controls and instruments within easy reach and clear sight lines. And double-sealed doors keep out dirt, dust, water and noise in challenging jobsites.

Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology is standard, to help maintain control of the truck in slippery conditions and to help prevent rollovers.

Transmissions offered are the Eaton RTO, RTLO, at 10, 13, 18 speeds, or Eaton Autoshift 10 and 18 speeds.

Meanwhile, the truckmaker is combining its high-tech Volvo Link satellite communications system with its technical support resources for Volvo VT 880 owners — wherever they are.

This new service, Volvo Link Sentry, monitors the Volvo VT 880’s onboard computers to track vehicle fault codes. If a fault code is active for more than a predetermined amount of time (usually five minutes), Volvo Link Sentry sends a message with all the active fault codes to Volvo Action Service (VAS), Volvo’s 24/7 roadside assistance service.

VAS’ technical support experts will review the fault codes and determine what, if any, corrective action should be taken. VAS will then contact the driver, either by cell phone or through the Volvo Link communications display in the truck’s gauge cluster. VAS will explain what the fault code means and actions the driver should take. VAS will assist the driver in scheduling service at a Volvo dealership.

Volvo Link Sentry is available at no charge for the 2006 Model Year Volvo VT 880. Volvo Link hardware is included on the VT 880; other Volvo Link services are available to VT 880 owners for a reduced fee.