Volvo’s engineers have managed to squeeze out 780hp from the new 17-litre engine, which is just enough for the FH16 to knock arch-rival Scania off the top spot to become Europe’s most powerful production truck, PowerTorque’s European Correspondent, Will Shiers reports.

You can be sure that this new 780hp power rating, released by Volvo Trucks in Europe, led to some soul-searching in Gothenburg. After all, the truck maker is vocal on its carbon reduction targets and is busy plugging its full range of electric trucks. Put simply, does taking the diesel horsepower bragging rights from its competitor really fit with its green narrative?

To many it was a surprise that Volvo had been able to channel enough money away from its zero-tailpipe-emission budget to invest in a new 17 litre diesel engine platform. But then, as Tobias Bergman, director of press tests told me on a recent driving event in Thessaloniki, Greece, combustion engines form one-third of Volvo Truck’s three-path strategy.

“We are deep into electrification and the transition over to green energy,” said Tobias. “We will need battery electric trucks, and likely fuel cell electric too. But it’s very important that we must not forget the combustion engine. Not all transport assignments can move to electric tomorrow, and for these unique situations we will still need a combustion engine.”

Image: Will Shiers

Nosing Ahead

With its new Aero cab, Volvo is the latest truck manufacturer to take advantage of the 2020 changes to European regulations on masses and dimensions, which permit longer cabs in the name of improved aerodynamics and reduced CO2.

Available on all models of FH and FH16 in Europe, it features a 240mm protrusion at the front. This has allowed Volvo to round-off the cab’s corners, which are areas prone to air flow separation. Surfaces have been cleaned, and gaps have been filled, all resulting in a far more slippery shape.

Image: Will Shiers

Adding to the enhanced aerodynamics is the Camera Monitoring System, or CMS, mirror replacement system. The cameras are mounted on 375mm arms, which are less obstructive to airflow than mirrors.

Together, these changes mean the Aero cab produces 11 per cent less drag than the original FH cab (which remains in production), equating to an improvement in fuel economy of up to five per cent.

In addition to the aerodynamic enhancements, Volvo has also taken the opportunity to give the cab a new look. It has lowered the grille, freeing up a panel beneath the windscreen, which is ideal for displaying an operator’s livery.

Like with many things in today’s world, the price has increased, but perhaps not by as much as you might expect. While I was unable to get a figure for the Australian market, I’m told that the Aero cab will add around £4,500 ($8,500) to the price in the UK, and that this initial investment should be recouped via fuel economy improvements.