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New Volvos Part 2
Page 16
Page 17
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Volvo has now revealed the finishing touches to the total renewal of its truck line-up, started last year with the FL and continued just last month with the FH. The final bits of the jigsaw are provided by the latest FM and a new nine-litre engine range. Colin Barnett attended Volvo's Truck Convention 2001, where the new additions were unveiled in a cloud of dry ice.
• UK operators buy four times as many FMs as FFis, unlike in some markets such as Holland where the proportions are reversed. So a new FM is a significant event for the British market. And unlike the FH, aimed largely at the premium long distance market. the FM range is designed to appeal to a considerably wider operator base, including local and regional distribution and the construction sector.
The FM shares the styling and aerodynamic changes that contribute to the crisp new look of the FH ( CM 1-7 November), but as on the current range the main identifying cue for truck spotters is the FM's shallower panel between the grille and windscreen. The FM's range of cab types begins with a new extended day cab which features a useful 150mm of extra length behind the seats, and goes on to the high-roofed Globetrotter.
In between are a pair of sleeper cabs, the standard height version and a special ultra low roof sleeper suitable for overcab bodywork such as car transporter prime movers. The full range of cab interior changes reported at the FH launch apply to the FM, with Volvo's new more modular approach to cab layout.
FM's power is provided by a range of seven Euro-3 straight-six engines providing five ratings. 1 he 121-litre D12 is available at 340, 380 and 420hp, and the new 9.4-litre D9 at 260. 300, 340 and 380hp. In the case of the overlapping ratings, the larger capacity option produces around 9% more torque.
Engine brake
Most FMs (and FHs), ie all versions with air rear suspension, and the steelsprung 4x2 tractor, will come with electronic disc brakes, and all will have the option of the improved VEB engine brake with smoother operation. The ESP stability system ( see CM 21-27 June) will only be available on 4x2 tractors initially.
While the current FM range was somewhat restricted in its scope by comparison with the FH, the newcomer's option list is effectively the same as the
ew FH's. The result is that both )ature a vast degree of potential )1" customisation, ranging from ictory-fitted hydraulic kit for tipart up to ready-to-work ADP 'actors. There are, for example, even different transmission posbilities, including the new I-shift utornated unit, and nine different tar axles available.
Versatility extends to chassis oecification. Tractors are availble with five different chassis eights, from 810 to 1,200mm, and gds with five, from 850 to 200mm. Volvo's own fifth wheel istallation is said to offer a 50kg wing over third party offerings. Dualeight and low friction fifth wheels can Is° be specified.
Rigid models can be had with wheelases from 3,200 to 6,000mm. Fuel tanks f all shapes and sizes, including the atented D-shaped item, can be speci
fied up to maximum of 1,180 litres on a 4x2 tractor.
Driveline alternatives for tractors include two or three axles, one, two or three of which can be driven, while rigids come with two to four axles, with drive through one or two in each case. All 6x2s, rigds and tractor alike, have the choice of tag or pusher axle.
Pricing details for the new FH and FM ranges have still not been revealed, but are expected to show a slight increase to reflect the improved spec, model for model.