News from Volvo: Volvo Trucks’ unique i-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox is put to the test in the new online video, ‘Volvo Trucks vs Koenigsegg’.
In the film a Volvo FH comes up against a Koenigsegg One:1, with a 1:1 power to weight ratio. This means the car has as much horsepower as weight.
In order to stand a fair chance, the Volvo FH received a smaller handicap which means that the truck drives one lap while the Koenigsegg drives two. Despite this, the conclusion was still unpredictable. The purpose of the challenge was to put the new Volvo i-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox to the ultimate test.
“i-Shift Dual Clutch has a dual-clutch, which is quite unique in the heavy vehicles market. However, similar technology already exists in sports cars. Therefore, this was the perfect challenge,” says Jeff Bird, Press Test Director at Volvo Trucks.
The similarities between the Volvo FH truck with i-Shift Dual Clutch and sports cars include includes the driveability that comes with seamless gear shifting. At the Knutstorp race circuit in southern Sweden, a track that is known for its hilly terrain and demanding turns, the evidence would be revealed.
“It may seem like a different environment for a heavy truck, but the fact is that i-Shift Dual Clutch is most useful in conditions that require a lot of gear shifting. The gearbox’s seamless gear changes improve driveability tremendously,” said Bird.
Behind the steering wheel of the Volvo FH is the experienced motor racing personality Tiff Needell.
“i-Shift Dual Clutch is absolutely incredible. It is particularly noticeable on gradients, the truck does not hold back – it just flows smoothly, without the gear changes being felt. When you brake, it switches down very softly and comfortably. The truck definitely has the heart of a sports car,” says Needell.
Volvo Trucks’ new dual-clutch gearbox was launched in Europe in June this year and is available on all markets selling Volvo FH with Euro-6 D13 engines with 460, 500 and 540 horsepower.
