Volvo Trucks Unveils 610-hp D16C for European Market

HOGA KUSTEN, Sweden (June 6, 2003) — Calling it the most powerful engine ever installed in a Volvo truck, the Swedish truck maker today launched the D16C into the European market. The engine is available in two horsepower/torque ratings: 550-hp with 2500 Nm (1880 lb-ft) of torque, and 610 hp with 2800 Nm (2065 lb-ft) of torque. The Volvo Truck Corporation of Goteborg Sweden says the D16C will position the company perfectly for the Nordic (Finland and Sweden) heavy-haul market, where weights of 60 tonnes are permitted, as well as for anticipated increases in European Union (EU) weight and dimension allowances.

The D16C is a 16.1-litre, in-line-six turbocharged and intercooled overhead-cam diesel engine with four-valves per cylinder, a single piece cylinder head, and electronic unit injectors. The power curve of the D16C puts maximum horsepower to the flywheel between 1600 and 1700 rpm, while maximum torque is achieved at 950 rpm. The torque curve is completely flat from 950 all the way up to 1400 rpm in both the 550- and 610-hp versions. The clutch engagement torque on the 610-hp version is 2200 Nm (1550 lb-ft).

Volvo opted for the in-line six configuration rather than the V8, like its competitors, because of the synergies in existing production (straight six D9 and D12 engines), future product development, and aftermarket service.

The D16C also features an optional, patented compression brake in addition to an exhaust brake, which together can produce up to 380 Kw (509 hp) of retarding power.

“This engine not only has the power to haul heavy loads uphill. It also has the power to brake a heavily loaded rig on downhill gradients – a vital consideration in order to be able to maintain a high average speed without compromising on safety,” says Lennart Langervik, project manager for the D16C.

In Europe, all trucks are limited to 90 km/h; so sustained higher road speeds aren’t much of a consideration. Instead, Volvo Trucks is promoting the D16C as an engine that can shorten trip time by maintaining higher average trip speeds, despite the grades. Torque is a greater asset than horsepower in Europe, and the D16C has enough torque in every gear to manage any grade it’s likely to encounter.

The engine was designed to deliver power on demand, says Volvo, and the Electronic Management System can wind the D16C up to 90% of rated output within two seconds of flooring the throttle pedal.

“The driver should feel that the power is always there, when the engine operates within its maximum torque band,” said Langervik.

The D16C will be available on all Volvo FH16s, and will be standard equipment throughout Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and possibly South America. Volvo Truck Corporation isn’t revealing when, but it has suggested the D16C will be available in North America sometime in the near future.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*