The first, a heavy-spec XE16 package rated for combination weights up to 143,000 pounds, was designed specifically for the North American heavy long combination vehicle (LCV) market. The second XE16 package combines exceptional fuel efficiency with outstanding performance for five-axle tractor-semitrailer combinations up to 80,000 pounds.
“XE16 directly addresses the needs of two important market segments that historically have had very few fuel-efficient powertrain options,” said Ed Saxman, Volvo Trucks drivetrain product manager. “The beauty of Volvo’s XE powertrain is that it delivers the full power and low-end torque needed for higher weight applications while saving fuel by running at a lower rpm.”
The XE16 packages “downspeed” the engine at cruising speeds by 200 rpm or more than traditional specs. Each package utilizes a new D16 engine rating of 500 horsepower and 2,050 lb-ft. of torque, Volvo I-Shift automated mechanical transmission, specialized axle ratios, specific tire sizes and proprietary software that facilitates seamless communication among Volvo’s integrated powertrain components. The XE16 provides the full 2,050 lb-ft. of torque while running as low as 1,000 rpm to improve low-rpm drivability. Key enablers of XE16’s low engine speed technology include the exceptionally powerful Volvo Engine Brake, as well as massive connecting rods with large bearing surface areas that help alleviate bearing stress.
“Both XE16 packages provide unheralded fuel efficiency for customers requiring high horsepower and torque and the heavy-spec XE16 package is the first integrated fuel efficiency powertrain designed exclusively for the over-the-highway North American LCV market,” Saxman said.
XE16 package for vehicle combinations up to 143,000 pounds
Developed for gross combination weights up to 143,000 pounds, the heavier-spec XE16 package utilizes heavy-duty suspensions and rear axles with a 3.21 ratio instead of the 3.73 rear axle often specified on North American LCVs. The XE16 package reduces cruising rpm from 1425 to 1225 at 62 mph (100 kph), yielding about a 3 percent fuel efficiency improvement.
XE16 package for vehicle combinations to 80,000 pounds
The second XE16 rating addresses 80,000 pound tractor and semi-trailer combinations that are specified with a focus on both fuel efficiency and high performance. The engine, in combination with a 2.64 rear axle ratio and overdrive I-Shift transmission, will operate within its sweet spot throughout the vehicle speed range to improve fuel efficiency for this class of vehicle.
Volvo first introduced its “downspeeding” concept in September 2011 with the XE13 powertrain package, which utilizes Volvo’s 13-liter D13 engine. Available on all VN highway tractors, the XE13 powertrain package offers up to 455 horsepower and 1,750 lb-ft. torque at 1,050 rpm – 200 rpm or lower than traditional specs.
The Truck Writers of North America (TWNA) awarded Volvo’s XE13 powertrain package the 21st annual TWNA Technical Achievement Award. XE13 also received a 2012 Top 20 product award from Heavy Duty Trucking magazine.
Volvo Trucks’ will offer two XE16 powertrain packages. The first, a heavy-spec XE16 package rated for combination weights up to 143,000 pounds, was designed specifically for the North American heavy long combination vehicle (LCV) market. The second XE16 package combines exceptional fuel efficiency with outstanding 
performance for five-axle tractor-semitrailer combinations up to 80,000 pounds.
Volvo Trucks North America’s operations and products are guided by the company’s three core values: Quality, Safety and Environmental Care. The Volvo VN, VHD and VAH trucks are assembled in the United States at the New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia, while Volvo engines for North America are assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland. Both plants are certified to ISO14001 environmental and ISO9001 quality standards.
Volvo Trucks North America is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services, and one of the world's leading producers of heavy-diesel engines (9-16 liter). The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs almost 118,000 people, has production facilities in 19 countries and sells their products in more than 180 markets. Volvo Group sales for 2011 amounted to nearly $47.8 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Shares are listed on Nasdaq OMX Nordic Exchange and are traded OTC in the U.S.
April 19, 2012
For further information, please contact Brandon Borgna, Volvo Trucks North America, phone 336-393-2143, email brandon.borgna@volvo.com
www.volvotrucks.us.com