New Volvos in 1966 Range
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TH the introduction of four new four wheel models this week, the current range of commercial vehicles offered by AB Volvo, of Sweden, consists of 10 designs, only two of which existed six months ago. At the Frankfurt Show Volvo brought out the F 88 series of fourand six-wheelers for operation at up to 70 tons g.t.w. or g.c.w. The current introductions fall into the middle of the range and the two existing vehicles, which have been renamed, are lighter-weight chassis—the F 82 and F 83, which were the L 42 and L 43.
The new Models are the N 84, a normalcontrol design for 10.75 tons gross, the F 85 forward-control for 12.5 tons gross, the N 86 normal-control chassis for up to 32 tons g.c.w. and the F 86, a forward-control version of the N 86. All four models have newly-designed engines and gearboxes and in addition the F 86 and N 86 have new rear axles and frames.
Two basic engines are involved and these are used in naturally-aspirated or turbocharged form. The D 50A 5.1-litre unit used in the N 84 produces 105 b.h.p., whilst the turbocharged version, the TD 50A, gives 135 b.h.p. at the same speed. In the two larger models there is the option of the D 70A 6.7-litre diesel producing 140 b.h.p. at 2,500 r.p.m. or its turbocharged version which gives 170 b.h.p. at 2,400 r.p.m. The figures given for power output are net.
In the F 85 and N 84, a five-speed gearbox is employed but in the F 86 and N 86 there is an eight-speed unit. This is the R 50, which is based on the principles used in the R 60 box designed for the 88 series. There is a four-speed main section and a two-speed auxiliary section which gives highand low-speed ranges. Change-over between the ranges is effected by compressed air and is only carried out once when going through the eight ratios. The low-speed range is usable up to about 16 m.p.h. and high up to about 59 m.p.h.
Improved braking is employed on the new designs and both the F 86 and N 86 have three separate air circuits, one for the front axles, one for the rear and one for the combined parking and safety-brake system (spring-brake units). Either air-assisted hydraulic or vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes can be provided on the F 85 and N84.
Suspension is by semi-elliptic leaf springs throughout the range with telescopic dampers at the front axles; power-assisted steering is standard on all except the N 84.
The new rear axle on the F 86 and N 86 is a hypoid-drive design and has a threebearing support for the pinion shaft.
An air-operated differential lock is incorporated.