In the two-horse race to have the most powerful truck on Europe’s roads, Volvo have, once again, stolen a march on their Swedish cousins, Scania. Rewind back to 2003 and the FH16 had a maximum of ‘just’  610hp from the redesigned 16-litre engine that used the basis of the 12-litre design. This power output for the FH16 increased in 2005 to an impressive 660hp. This truck reined as the most powerful truck that you could buy until it was knocked from the top spot by Scania with their R730 in 2010. It did not take long for Volvo to catch up again with a 750hp FH16 just one year later in 2011.

This record-breaking engine stayed at the top of the most powerful truck charts until 2020 when Scania, once again, took the lead with their new V8 range and 770hp available in the R and S Series cabs.

So, four years later, Volvo are pronouncing themselves kings of the top power category with their new engine for its FH16.

Will it be the FH17?

The new engine is no longer a 16-litre, but a 17-litre. Does this mean that Volvo will be rebranding the FH16 as the FH17? It seems not at this stage.

Delivering up to 780 hp and 3,800 Nm, the new 17-litre engine is also certified to run on biofuels and comes with three power levels – 600 hp, 700 hp and 780 hp – while torque levels have been increased to 3,000 Nm, 3,400 Nm and 3,800 Nm respectively, translating into faster engine response, better driveability, maximised productivity and improved fuel efficiency.

Marcos Weingaertner, Product Manager at Volvo Trucks, says: “I’m proud to present our new engine – it really is a masterpiece and the result of world-class engineering. The 780 hp version is the strongest engine in the industry.

“When climbing steep grades on a road with maximum loads, you don’t want to get stuck with too little torque and power. That is why we have focused all our efforts on making the D17 engine very powerful, reliable and responsive. For our customers, this translates into getting the job done faster with improved fuel efficiency.”

The D17 engine is equipped with a single efficient turbocharger that boosts engine responsiveness and improves the driving experience. Volvo’s innovative patented wave piston design optimises combustion and reduces emissions, while the new injection system ensures the best fuel economy, while increased peak cylinder pressure enables high power output.

The engine brake power across the entire speed range has been greatly improved with outstanding engine response. This enables fast gearshifts, resulting in less wear and tear on the

HVO and Biodiesel Compatible

The new D17 engine is certified to run on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) in all power ratings. The 700 hp version is also certified to run on 100 per cent biodiesel (B100). The gearbox has been updated to handle up to 3,800 Nm, and internal gearbox efficiency has been further improved on the 3,000 Nm and 3,400 Nm versions.

“I’m confident that customers and drivers will appreciate the higher engine brake power as well as the ability to run on HVO and biodiesel,” adds Weingaertner.  “The D17 is a fabulous engine for a fabulous truck, and all our customers who rely on the Volvo FH16 in their daily work will now have an even more powerful tool to help them.”

Sales for the Volvo FH16 with the new engine start in mid-2024, with production due to start in the second half of 2024 for European markets and Australia.

The new engine is available in the all-new Volvo FH16 Aero and the latest version of the Volvo FH16.