A VOLVO FH CHALLENGES A KOENIGSEGG ONE:1

An eight-tonne Volvo FH against one of the world’s fastest cars – a Koenigsegg One:1. This is the scenario in Volvo’s new YouTube film, ‘Volvo Trucks v Koenigsegg’. The aim is to put the new I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox – based on a technique used in sports cars – to the ultimate test.

Volvo Trucks’ unique I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox is tested in the new movie ‘Volvo Trucks v Koenigsegg’. In the film a Volvo FH comes up against a Koenigsegg One:1, with as much horsepower as weight kilos (1360), making it the world’s first mega-car. In order to stand a fair chance, the Koenigsegg received a handicap which means that it drove two laps of the Knutstorp race track in southern Sweden, whereas the Volvo FH tractor unit only drove one lap. Despite this, the conclusion is still unpredictable. The purpose of the race is 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 is already in sports cars. Therefore, this was the perfect challenge,” said Jeff Bird, Press Test Director at Volvo Trucks.

9a67c877-2692-4f48-bcda-62f7a8e16f89The similarities between the Volvo FH truck with I-Shift Dual Clutch and sports cars include includes a driveability that comes with seamless gear shifting and this is no more evident than at this circuit, which is known for its hilly terrain and demanding turns.

“It may sound like a different environment for a heavy truck, but the fact is that – thanks to its dual-clutch – I-Shift Dual Clutch is most useful in conditions that require a lot of shifting. The gearbox’s seamless shifts improve driveability tremendously,” said Jeff Bird.

Behind the steering wheel of the Volvo FH is the experienced motor racing personality Tiff Needell. Without revealing the results, Tiff – who had never raced in a truck before – admits that he was impressed by the performance of the vehicle.

“I-Shift Dual Clutch is absolutely incredible. It is particularly noticeable on slopes, 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 Tiff Needell.

Volvo Trucks’ new dual-clutch gearbox was launched in Europe last June and is available on Volvo FH with Euro-6 D13 engines at 460hp, 500hp and 540hp ratings.

– ENDS –

a)   I-Shift Dual Clutch

  • I-Shift Dual Clutch can in principle be described as two gearboxes that are connected in parallel. When one gear is active in one gearbox, the next gear is pre-selected in the other gearbox. When changing gears, only one of the clutches needs to be disengaged at the same time as the other is engaged. This allows gear changes with no interruption in power.
  • I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox is based on the I-Shift gearbox, but is just 12 cm longer than a standard I-Shift, because of the new double clutch.
  • I-Shift Dual Clutch changes gear without interruption in power when required. When driving where it is more optimal to skip gears, the transmission changes gears as a regular I-Shift.
  • I-Shift Dual Clutch changes gears without interruption in power in all gears except for the range gear shift, which occurs when shifting from sixth to seventh gear.
  • Launched in June this year I-Shift Dual Clutch is available on the Volvo FH with Euro-6 D13 engines with 460hp, 500hp or 540hp options as a complement to the traditional I-Shift automated and manual gearboxes

b)   The challenge

  • The challenge took place at the Knutstorp racetrack in southern Sweden on a fenced track guarded by security personnel.
  • Before the race, 90 km/h speed limiter on the truck was removed to give the truck a better chance against the sports car.
  • To create a really exciting challenge in the film, the Volvo FH drives one lap whilst the Koenigsegg One:1 must drive two laps.

c)   The Volvo FH

  • The Volvo FH tractor unit, which was driven without a trailer, weighs eight tonnes, has 540 horsepower and is equipped with I-Shift Dual Clutch.
  • As the functionality of its speed limiter was removed, the truck reached a speed of nearly 130 km/h (80 mph) on the track.

d)   Koenigsegg One:1

  • Koenigsegg One:1 is the world’s first series-produced ‘Mega-car’ – that is the world’s first car with one horsepower per kilo.
  • The name One:1 comes from the power (1360 PS) to weight (1360 kg) ratio of 1:1, a combination that no sports car manufacturer has managed to achieve before.
  • The engine delivers over 1000 Nm of torque between 3000 and 7500 rpm and is capable of 0-100 km / h (0-62 mph) in less than 2 seconds.
  • The Koenigsegg One:1 was driven by Robert Serwanski.
  • The Koenigsegg One:1 is produced by Koenigsegg Automotive AB, a Swedish manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, based in Ängelholm.

e)   Tiff Needell

  • Tiff Needell (63) is a former British racing driver and TV presenter on ‘Fifth Gear’.
  • He has a long career behind him as a racing driver and has driven almost all types of vehicles and in almost every type of competition – everything from Formula One to the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
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