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Automatically superior
Page 68
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Back in 2001 we put a Volvo FM12 Geartronic through its paces...
We tested the fleetoriented FM12 at the turn of the millennium. It was a 6x2 with a Globetrotter long-distance sleeper cab powered by Volvo's DC12C 12litre Euro-2 motor rated at 380hp. And, significantly, it featured a Geartronic 2 automated box based on the 14-speed VT2014, complete with automated clutch.
Automated transmissions weren't really catching on but the auto box certainly didn't hurt the FM 12's fuel consumption: apart from the Cummins-powered ERF's amazing I ig ures, t he Volvo self-changer went top of the fuel economy tree for 380hp,41-tonners.
It was particularly impressive through the toughest stretch of the route:a figure of 5.23mpg along the MS lived up to its claim to be in the right gear all the time, and Geartronic 2 never failed to produce perfect shifts,even on the worst of the killer climbs It cracked on too, producing a 74.3k mill overall average speed. That's quicker than anything below 400hp, and a match for tractors with 200hp more on tap.
The lowdown
We've covered the Volvo FM's core virtues often enough not to have to repeat them in full the combination of driver appeal and productivity makes for a jack of all trades and a master of many However, this test was all about what, if anything, had been lost along with the clutch pedal.
No-one would dare suggest that Geartrortic 2 can do a better job than a very good driver on peak form. But, unlike even the best driver, Geartronic 2 never gets tired or angry, never fails out with the wife and never worries about the result of the 3.15 at Lingfield.
Modesty (oh, all right, reality) forces us to admit that we could never hope to improve on Geartronic 2's performance in the vast majority of circumstances, arid in those few, cl early defined situations where manual control is preferable the chips are happy to relinquish the reins.
It's not getting any easier out there. Anything that frees the driver's mind so it can give more attention to making the truck stop,go, point in the right direction and avoid all those idiots trying to walk, ride or drive under its wheels has to be worthwhile.