HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS
The Volvo Autohauler features a low chassis and short bumper-to-back-of-cab dimension designed to provide drivers with more loading
space and improved maneuverability. The truck is powered by Volvo’s D11 or D13 diesel engine.
LOW HAULER
New Volvo Autohauler incorporates low chassis for increased efficiency
BY DJ SLATER
Anautohaulertypicallydoesn’t invoke thoughts of efficien- cy, but Volvo Trucks North
America, part of the Volvo Group,
would like to provide a different take
on its latest model.
Volvo Trucks has introduced the
Volvo Autohauler, which incorporates a lower chassis than standard autohaulers, a short bumper-to-back-of-cab dimension at 113.6
in. and an EPA 2010 engine, the
company said.
According to Volvo Trucks, the new
autohauler was designed to maximize
loading space as the low chassis
reduces the overall height of the truck
and allows a car, truck or minivan to
fit over the cab. The design also incorporates an axle-forward configuration
that improves weight distribution and
provides the Autohauler with great
maneuverability, as well as top-of-frame behind the cab for quick body
mounting and trailer hook-up, Volvo
Trucks said.
The Volvo Autohauler is powered
by either a Volvo D11 or Volvo D13
engine rated between 325 to 405 hp
at 1500 to 1900 rpm and 375 to 500
hp at 1600 to 1700 rpm, respectively.
The D11 has a torque rating between
1250 to 1450 lb.ft. at 1100 rpm, while
the D13 delivers torques between
between 1450 to 1750 lb.ft. at 1000
to 1300 rpm.
Both engine options have Volvo’s
no-regen selective catalytic reduction
(SCR) system, which improves fuel
efficiency by 5% or more over EPA
2007 engines, according to the company. The engines drive a 12-speed
Volvo ATO I-Shift or a 10-speed,
manual Eaton Fuller FRO transmission. The I-Shift transmission continuously monitors changes in grade,
vehicle speed, acceleration, torque
demand, weight and air resistance,
Volvo Trucks said.
The truck incorporates Volvo VF14
deep drop 29. 1 in. set-forward front
axles and parabolic leaf spring front
suspensions with a 14,600 lb. capacity. Meritor MT-40 14X3C amboid
axles with a 40,000 lb. capacity are
in the rear, along with Volvo low-height rear air suspensions with a
38,000 lb. capacity.
Even though Volvo Trucks devel-
oped a compact cab to maximize
the Autohauler’s loading capacity, the
cab still provides drivers with “more
room than (they) might expect,”
said Steve Hansen, executive vice
president of Hansen & Adkins Auto
Transport. Hansen’s company, which
operates 325 trucks, ordered one of
the first Volvo Autohauler prototypes
and worked closely with Volvo Trucks
as it refined the design and pre-
pared the Autohauler for production.
Hansen’s company also ordered 40
Volvo Autohaulers.
www.volvo.com
