Volvo Truck VNR

Less is more
Lighter, quieter and stronger — still saving 2.5% fuel

Regional haul requires power and performance. The Volvo VNR with the new D11 engine delivers a power-to-weight ratio unlike anything Volvo has ever made.

Even though it’s 350 pounds lighter than the D13, and 21 pounds lighter than previous D11 models, the new D11 produces 20 more horsepower than before, reaching 425 hp with a maximum torque of 1550 lb.-ft. It’s up to 2.5% more efficient than previous models. (With aerodynamic improvements the savings are up to 3.5%.)

Maximum power-to-weight "That’s the highest power-to-weight ratio of any engine we have which makes it a perfect engine for regional haul applications," Moore says as he walks the floor of the Hagerstown, MD, plant where all Volvo Trucks engines are manufactured. "It can haul 80,000 pounds. In regional haul, you’re not typically climbing mountains or running consistently at highway speeds with that weight, but now with the 425 hp engine, you can when you need to."

VNR Engines Image 1

It’s one of the most impressive things we have going

The new D11 engine was designed to match the Volvo VNR for weight-conscious, cost-conscious applications. "It’s perfect for hauling fuel or any expensive load," Moore says, "Because if you’re saving 350 pounds in engine weight, that’s 350 more pounds of load you can haul."

Waves of innovation Several improvements in engine technology explain how the engine produces more power and extra efficiency.

The new D11 features wave pistons, a patented Volvo technology that burns fuel more cleanly. A common rail fuel delivery system with proprietary features is more efficient but also lighter, quieter and more precise. Both innovations reduce friction, which means longer life for the engine – and a much quieter ride for the driver.

The D11 is also easier to service. Shimless rockers and quicker access to the exhaust aftertreatment system shrink maintenance time, which means more uptime for the truck.

Combined with a Volvo Trucks XE transmission package, the D11 is even more efficient. Lower gear ratios in the rear axles bring the engine rpms down and save fuel.

Variety of torque Split torque packages also save fuel without sacrificing performance. On flat land and in city driving the engine runs at lower torque for more efficiency. Going uphill or passing, software in the engine detects the need for power and shifts to a higher torque curve.
"We’re different from our competitors because we offer so many variations on our torque packages," Senior Product Manager Brett Pope says. "We put the highest torque right where it’s most efficient to drive."

"We’re trying to give as much value to the customer as we can," Pope says.

John Moore: Product Marketing Manager

John Moore
Product Marketing Manager

Design Highlights

Wave Piston

Wave Piston | Catching the wave

Catching the wave

A new, patented piston design uses a wave-shaped tab inside the piston. The injector sprays fuel directly onto the tab, which deflects the fuel back to the center of the cylinder for a cleaner burn. The wave tab eliminates wet spots on the cylinder walls and reduces soot. “Engineers in Hagerstown found a 90% reduction in soot because of this piston,” says Brett Pope.

Fuel Efficiency Packages

Fuel Efficiency Package

Squeezing more from every drop

The XE engine package creates efficiencies. I-Shift transmission with overdrive and I-See predictive cruise control create savings both in heavy traffic and on the open road. Packages include low rolling resistance tires for even more fuel savings.

Engine Design

Engine Design | Safety in (smaller) numbers

Safety in (smaller) numbers

Because they’re smaller — and don’t require the cooling package of a larger engine — the new D11 and D13 engines allowed Volvo designers to shrink hood lengths and tuck fenders tighter. The result? Increased visibility. And the quieter, smoother engine means less driver fatigue, another safety plus.

Common Rail Fuel Delivery

Common Rail Fuel Delivery | Special delivery

Special delivery

A common rail fuel delivery system allows for an assembled camshaft, which saves 21 pounds of weight. Common rail also allows the engine to run more smoothly, cutting noise and vibrations to the cab. The results? A noticeably quieter engine, fuel savings, less wear and tear on the camshaft and longer engine life—plus calmer, more relaxed drivers.