The FM reborn By David Wilcox VOLVO'S REVISED FM will
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make its debut at next month's CV Show, featuring Euro-6 engines, new suspension, innovative multi-axle configurations and a new dashboard.
FM rigids and tractor units will be powered by Euro-6 versions of either the 10.8-litre D11 engine or the 12.8-litre D13, both running a combination of mild EGR plus SCR exhaust aftertreatment. The new D11K is available in the same four nominal power ratings as the D11C in Euro-5 FMs (330hp, 370hp, 410hp and 450hp) and peak torque values are also identical, although the torque plateau of the 410hp and 450hp ratings has shrunk slightly, from 950rpm1,400rpm to 1,000rpm-1,400rpm. These ratings are 10hp below those that will be used by Renault in its version of this Euro-6 engine, the DTI11.
The Euro-5 engine has unit injectors; there is common-rail injection on the Euro-6 version. Volvo has ditched the 380hp version of the 12.8-litre engine, leaving three nominal ratings of the Euro-6 D13K: 420hp, 460hp and 500hp, with peak torque figures unchanged. But this time the torque plateau has widened, thanks to better values at low engine speeds. The 420hp rating looks outstanding, with 2,100Nm of torque from just 860rpm to 1,400rpm. This engine retains its Delphi unit injectors, even at Euro-6.1he FM's ratings are 20hp below those to be used by Renault Trucks' version of this engine, the DTI13.
On the lighter side of life An accumulation of small weight savings has offset the extra weight of the Euro-6 emissions kit, with Volvo claiming modest reductions of up to 75kg in the case of a 4x2 FM tractor.
Suspension has been revised at both front and rear, with better steering and stability claimed as a result. The electrically managed and assisted Volvo Dynamic Steering — an option on the new A The new dashboard affords more cab space FH — is also an option on the FM, but costs £3,000. The I-See forward-looking topographysensing cruise control system, reportedly giving fuel savings of 2% to 5%, is a £2,400 option.
New styling at the front of the FM echoes the new FH, but without the expense of developing a new cab shell. Bigger headlamp units integrate daytime running lights and are claimed to give better light output. As with the FH, Volvo has taken the space beneath the windscreen to promote its own brand rather than leaving it clear for customers' liveries.
The cab also has a new dashboard. The ignition key now goes into the dashboard rather than into the steering column by the driver's knee, to create more space. A new option makes it possible to delete the floor-mounted I-Shift control from beside the seat, replaced by four gear mode selection buttons on the dashboard.
Tanker and bulk operators will be interested in new 8x2 configurations with three steered axles. With a conventional 2+2 axle layout, the extra positively steered axle is the rear tag; on a 1+3 layout, the first and third axles of the tridem bogie are steered. •