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Polished performance
Page 14
Page 16
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The capabilities of Volvo's 11-litre engine are surprising, while the Globetrotter LXL cab will appeal to technophiles
Words: Colin Barnett MAYBE VOLVO'S bosses are superstitious, but when the old 12-litre engine gained another nominal litre, they were reluctant to call the resultant models FM or FH 13. Now they've gone even further by introducing an 11-litre engine that overlaps the bottom end of the 13-litre range.
No-one can accuse Volvo of not covering every angle. In the middle of its range, it now offers no fewer than 10 different engines between 360 and 480hp. The new SCR-equipped Euro-4 or 5 D11B, effectively an enlarged ninelitre rather than a downsized 13-litre, comes with either 390 or 430 ratings, the higher option powering our test truck. Compared with the nearest rival from the 13-litre line-up, the D13B 440, it is understandably a bit more peaky. While the 440's Imperial 434hp is maintained from 1,450 to 1,800 rpm, the 430's true 424hp is achieved between 1,800 and 1,900rpm. Likewise, the 430's 2,100Nm torque is delivered from 1,100 to 1,300rpm, the 440's 2,150Nm spans 1,000 to 1,400rpm.
The new engine is specifically aimed at weight-conscious operations such as tankers and bulk tippers, where the 140kg weight saving over a 13-litre example of similar power can be utilised. To illustrate this, the example we drove, a 6x2 FM-430. was hauling a powder tanker, loaded to give a full 44 tonnes. Driving away from Volvo's Warwick base, the 430 propelled us away briskly enough to prompt a request for confirmation of that weight.
Full steam ahead
With I-Shift performing with its usual efficiency, we were left to concentrate on the unfamiliar characteristics of the short Feldbinder tanker, waiting to cutin and punish a moment's inattention with a trip over the kerb.
Following the familiar track of CM'S tipper test route, we headed south of Stratford before turning down to Banbury. This gave us the a chance to tackle the once formidable challenge of Sun Rising Hill, but with Power mode engaged on the 12-speed 1-Shift and the mid-lift axle dumped, the FM romped away from the hairpin bend in sixth, then only briefly dropping to fourth for the very steepest bit.
Even Volvo's veteran test driver, Rod Collett, was surprised by its capability there. The only time that the peaky engine was really noticeable was moving off from uphill junctions, but any delays would be insignificant over a working day. We weren't carrying out fuel testing on this occasion but Volvo's bench testing figures are said to show a significant difference in consumption between 11 and 13-litre engines, power for power.
Room for manoeuvre
Our test wasn't just about the engine, though. The truck also featured another Volvo newcomer, the new Globetrotter LXL cab, aimed squarely at the likes of Scania's G cab. This combines the lower portions of the low-floor FM with the FH Globetrotter XL's high roof. The easy two-step access for frequent deliveries is retained, but even with the moderately high engine hump, there is still plenty of headroom for most drivers. Changes at driving seat level include a clearer driver information display and a general tidying up of the central dashboard with improved minor storage facilities. The audio system now includes a fully integrated Bluetooth telephone connection, and a row of auxiliary power outlets now includes USB and AUX inputs for digital music. But it's at roof level where the greatest changes have been made. Three roller-fronted cabinets at the rear and two at the front provide plenty of space for most potential users, such as those enjoying regular nights out. For real technophiles, there's even a facility to mount a flat panel TV above the driver's head. The bunk area also includes a very comprehensive secondary control panel. •