Volvo took the wraps off its new VNR regional haul truck at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s spring meetings, touting a 7.5% improvement in fuel economy and new safety offerings.
The truck is a complete redesign, to the tune of 90%, over the previous VNR, and borrows heavily from the design of the all-new VNL highway tractor launched last year. The VNR is geared toward shorter hauls but offers the comfort needed for longhaul trips and can be spec’d with or without a sleeper.
While it shares certain design traits with the VNL, the new VNR will primarily be deployed on shorter hauls and often to tighter urban environments.
“Look how compact and how short this model is. That means maneuverability and visibility second to none,” Magnus Koeck, vice-president of strategy, marketing and brand management said, pointing to the 113-inch BBC versus the VNL’s 125-inch BBC. “You also see the three-piece steel bumper, because we are targeting different applications and different segments than we did last year with the VNL.”
Configurations include: the VNR 300 for urban delivery and tight turning radiuses; VNR 440 featuring a compact 42-inch mid-roof sleeper; VNR 640 with 62-inch mid-roof sleeper ideal for multi-day runs; VNR 660 with Volvo’s most spacious VNR sleeper, a high-roof, 62-inch design; and the VNR straight truck available in any cab size for use as a box truck, flatbed, roll-back, expeditor or tanker.
“So, you will have the 4×2 and the 6×4 available as straight trucks in all these configurations,” Koech said. “By doing that, that means that we are getting into more customer applications than we have ever had. It’s fair to say this is our most versatile truck yet.”
The truck can be dressed up in two trim levels – Core and Edge. The latter offers chrome accents around the grille and air intake, as well as a chrome-plated metal bumper, and other styling upgrades.
Like the new VNL, the VNR features Volvo’s 24-volt electrical architecture to support increasing power demands. Volvo is the only North American OEM to offer 24-volt architecture on its trucks.
Safety features
The new VNR also comes loaded with safety features in the form of Volvo’s active safety platform, including Volvo Active Driver Assist with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. It also debuts E-Call, which notifies emergency responders in the event of a crash.
Optional driver assistance features include Volvo Dynamic Steering for lane-keeping support and blind spot monitoring.
A fully integrated camera monitoring system is also available for enhanced visibility. And an electronic parking brake offers auto-activate and auto-release functions.
Improved fuel economy
The 7.5% fuel economy gains come from improved aerodynamics combined with powertrain enhancements and idle reduction technologies. An example is Eco-roll, which disengages the driveline on downhill grades, letting the truck roll without consuming fuel.
The cab features a wedge-shaped design for better airflow and the windshield is aggressively curved for better aero.
Driver comfort
Three levels of seat comfort are available with frequently used controls placed on the right-hand side for easy adjustments. A wraparound dash limits the reach needed to access switches and controls.
A new Short Stop parking heater keeps the cab warm for up to 30 minutes without idling when drivers frequently exit the truck for deliveries.
Sleeper-equipped VNRs offer an upper bunk that converts into additional storage and an integrated parking heater keeps the bunk warm without idling.
Connectivity
Drivers can use the MyTruck app to remotely monitor fluid levels, check lamp status, and adjust settings from their phone. Fleet managers can access vehicle health and status information using the Volvo Connect portal.
They can also update parameter settings, such as max road speed limits, in the portal.
Powertrain
The new VNR is powered by the new Volvo D13 VGT engine that is responsible for about 30% of the truck’s fuel economy improvements.
Horsepower ratings range from 405 to 455, with torque outputs from 1,450 to 1,850 lb.-ft. Customers can spec’ the D13 with turbocompounding, which uses waste heat recovery to capture lost energy and further enhance engine efficiency.
The new-generation I-Shift is also updated for faster shifting, enabling more time to be spent at road speed.
“The seventh generation I-Shift has 30% faster shifting speed,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “What does that mean? Yes, of course, you can go faster. You also feel the acceleration faster and the average speed will be much faster, of course, due to less time between the gears.”
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