Volvo FH16: The most powerful truck in the world

Published January 7, 2009 by Zane Merva

Filed Under: New Models

Volvo Trucks is taking out all the stops for it’s flagship FH16 “semi”. 700-horsepower sound good? Sure does. 2323 lb-ft of torque? Whoa!

Highlights: Volvo Trucks FH16 – 700

Worlds most power series-manufactured truck
700-horsepower, 3150 Nm of torque (2323 lb-ft)
16.0L engine
Certified for the new Euro 5 emission requirements
Nitrogen Oxide emissions cut by 40%
Comes in 700-hp, 600-hp, and 540-hp variations
Requires oil changes only once every 100,000 km or once a year

Photo Gallery: Volvo Trucks FH16 – 700

Official Press Release

Premiere for the most powerful truck in the world

January 7 is a historic day for all truck enthusiasts. Today is the day Volvo Trucks is launching the world’s most powerful series-manufactured truck. The Volvo FH16 with 700 hp and 3150 Nm of torque.

Volvo Trucks is the first manufacturer in the world to be able to put a 700 hp badge on its vehicles. The truck model in question is the company’s flagship, the Volvo FH16, which to date has had a maximum power output of 660 hp.

Prestigious powerplant

“The Volvo FH16 is intended for the very heaviest and most demanding of transport operations. It is also a highly prestigious truck for the customer who is looking for something truly out of the ordinary. And with 700 hp, the Volvo FH16 sets itself apart from everything else in the industry,” says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks.

Competitive fuel consumption

With higher power, one might well expect that fuel consumption would head in the same direction, but that is not the case.

“Our aim is to have both the best performance and the best fuel economy in the segment. We have succeeded in keeping fuel consumption the same as before despite the power increase. In a comparison with the competition, we are doing very well indeed,” reveals Staffan Jufors.

Lower environmental impact

The Volvo FH16 is certified for the new Euro 5 European emission requirements that come into force in autumn 2009, which means that emissions of nitrogen oxide have been cut by more than 40 percent. In other words, the Volvo FH16 has become even more powerful but without compromising on the environment. In addition to the 700 hp version the Volvo FH16 is also available in variants producing 540 and 600 hp respectively.