Anyone with a sibling knows that anything big brother/sister gets, little brother/sister wants, too.
At the Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville Monday, the Volvo VNR got the update its bigger sibling – the on-highway flagship VNL – got last year: a "90% redesign" over the previous generation truck. Production will kick off at Volvo Trucks New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia, and sales start in the coming months.
Magnus Koeck, Volvo Trucks North America vice president of strategy, branding and marketing, noted when the new VNL model debuted last year, it debuted on a platform that would launch all the company’s new products. The VNR is the second truck to debut on that platform.
Volvo first debuted its VNR – the company's regional surface road tractor – almost exactly eight years ago as the successor to its VNM model. The new VNR, with its 113-inch BBC, has been further optimized for shorter-range operations but has enough versatility for long-haul operations when needed, leading Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve to call VNR "our most customizable truck."
All new engine, too
The standard engine for the new VNR will be a new 13-liter D13 equipped with a Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT). The D13 VGT will also be an option for the VNL daycab. Engine options include horsepower ratings of 405, 425, 435, and 455, with torque ratings ranging from 1450 to 1850 lb. ft. Initial orders for the new Volvo VNR will also have the option of spec'ing the D13 Turbo Compound engine.
An improved seven-wave piston optimizes air and fuel mixture control, resulting in more efficient combustion and allows for a greater dispersion of heat across the top of the piston head, lowering the overall temperature and reducing NOx output. The piston height has been decreased and paired with a longer connecting rod to minimize cylinder sidewall pressure, reducing friction and enhancing overall performance.
Smaller needle control valves in the fuel injectors provide precise and rapid control over the fuel flow rate, leading to improved fuel atomization, better combustion efficiency and enhanced engine performance. A variable displacement oil pump dynamically adapts to the engine's oil pressure demands, minimizing parasitic losses, reducing wear and tear and improving efficiency.
Flexible customization
The VNR is available as a 4x2, 6x2, and 6x4 tractor, and as a straight truck with multiple body upfit options. A VNR configurator tool helps fleets customize the ideal truck for their operation, including selecting the cab model, trim level and designated technology and driver amenity package.
- VNR 300 – The day cab
- VNR 440 – A mid-roof 42” sleeper
- VNR 640 – A mid-roof 62” sleeper
- VNR 660 – The most premium and most spacious all-new Volvo VNR with a 62” high-roof sleeper in the new lineup
- VNR straight truck – Available in any cab size (day cab or sleeper) in the 300, 440, 640, and 660 models and can be outfitted as a box van, flatbed, roll back, expeditor or tanker
Interior
The new VNR is available in two trim levels: Core and Edge.
Core trim level is the "fleet spec." Interior door panels, kick panels and the dash are made of tough molded polymers, making it easy to clean and to hide wear and tear. Exterior trim pieces that may be impacted by high-traffic operations can be repaired and replaced with no painting needed.
The Edge trim level features elevated styling with chrome accents around the grill and air intake, as well as a new chrome-plated metal bumper designed to handle regional and local deliveries. Other upgrades include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, soft touch dash and armrests.
Driver comfort and productivity
The VNR cab features three levels of seat comfort, with frequently used seat controls repositioned to the right-hand side for easier adjustment. A wraparound dashboard design keeps key controls within reach and minimizes distractions. Steering wheel-mounted controls allow drivers to operate critical functions without taking their hands off the wheel, while optional navigation displayed directly in the Driver Information Display (DID) keeps routing information at eye level.
For drivers operating in colder climates or making frequent stops, Volvo’s new Short Stop parking heater (available in day cab models) keeps the cab warm for up to 30 minutes without idling.
The all-new Volvo VNR sleeper models are available in 42" and 62" configurations and features one of the industry’s largest mattresses – and the only reclining mattress available in a Class 8 truck (standard in the VNR 660 and 640). The overlapping curtain system ensures a dark, restful sleep environment, while the adjustable lighting system minimizes glare with overhead, footwell, and backwall-mounted lamps.
Smart storage solutions, including an upper bunk that converts into additional storage and a wardrobe unit behind the driver’s seat, helps keep drivers organized. The integrated parking heater provides warmth without unnecessary fuel consumption, further enhancing the home-away-from-home experience.
Volvo’s improved Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) makes trailer hookup and drop easier with a tethered remote-control option that allows the driver to operate the suspension height from outside the cab. The ability to adjust the height can be beneficial when docks don’t quite meet the back of the trailer. The optional Global Rear Air Suspension (GRAS) allows the driver to set different ride heights for better efficiency.
24-volt electrical system
Volvo Trucks was the first OEM in North America to introduce a 24-volt electrical architecture, and has now done it twice. Like the new VNL, the updated VNR incorporates a 24-volt electrical architecture to support everything from the powertrain to active safety systems, uptime and driver productivity. The 24-volt architecture allows for faster and more accurate diagnostics, minimizing battery and electrical failures. Its design incorporates lighter components and more reliable, serviceable wiring harnesses, reducing wear and tear due to the lower amperage while ensuring maximum operational efficiency.
The new Volvo D13 VGT engine also benefits from the 24-volt electrical system in its use of lighter components and prolonging the life of those components due to the lower amperage of the system.
The VNR is Volvo's current platform for its battery electric truck, and the move to a 24-volt architecture paves the way for future innovations.
Safety
The all-new Volvo VNR series features high-strength steel construction and the proprietary Volvo Active Safety Platform, which includes Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Industry-first safety features such as the E-Call emergency response system and integrated cab-mounted side-curtain airbags available on both the driver and passenger side are all part of the latest step in Volvo’s commitment to developing next-generation safety and accident-prevention technologies.
Optional advanced safety packages (VADA Plus) with Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) offer lane keep support and blind spot monitoring. Using radar on each side of the truck, the system detects when other road users, like pedestrians or cyclists, might be in the truck’s path. The passenger-side system informs the driver via a solid light in the A-pillar or Camera Monitor System and flashes with audible warnings if the turn signal is activated or the vehicle is turning. A driver-side option is also available.
VDS helps drivers maintain effective maneuvering, steering control, and stability under various speeds and road conditions – including high crosswinds, highway crowning, and emergency situations like tire failure – reducing driver fatigue and neck and shoulder strain while bolstering safety.
The fully integrated Camera Monitor System allows for smaller, more aerodynamic cab-mounted mirrors versus the large, traditional mirrors. "It gives better visibility because it has infrared capabilities and a de-icing option," Voorhoeve added.
The infrared technology for low-light operation eliminates blinding from headlights of the vehicles behind the truck. Digital reference lines help the driver judge the end of the trailer and the distance to objects behind the truck, while the Auto Pan feature allows the camera to follow the trailer. These advanced safety features support the driver’s ability to make lane changes more safely in congested areas.
The tire monitoring system provides general pressure and temperature warnings for the truck tires as well as low-battery warnings for valve sensors. Choosing the optional Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides automatic updates on tire location whenever tires are rotated.
The electronic parking brake offers both auto-activate and auto-release functions. When the truck detects no driver activity and the door opens, a safety alarm sounds. Then the auto-activate function engages the parking brake. This feature is especially beneficial for drivers who frequently enter and exit the cab during deliveries, helping to ensure that the brake is engaged automatically for added safety.
Voorhoeve noted the new VNR features "a combination of humans and technology working together," to help reach zero on-highway accidents, a goal of Volvo's globally.
Fuel efficiency improvements
The all-new Volvo VNR sleeper models are available in 42" and 62" configurations.
The all-new Volvo VNR series delivers up to 7.5% improved fuel efficiency compared to the legacy VNR through enhanced aerodynamics, powertrain innovations, and idle reduction technologies – potential savings of about $2,800 per year and 16,703 pounds of CO2 per truck, according to Voorhoeve.
Eco-roll technology will disengage the driveline on a downhill grade and let the truck roll for an optimal amount of time to help save energy.
The wedge-shaped cab guides airflow and balances aerodynamics and cooling. The cab design eliminates the need for an exterior sun visor, further optimizing airflow over the roof of the cab and an aerodynamic windshield – bonded to the steel cab for improved airflow over and around the cab – has an aggressive curvature that reduces drag. A fully customizable idle shutdown feature helps fleets to reduce fuel consumption, especially helpful for local delivery routes.
Powertrain enhancements on the all-new Volvo VNR account for nearly 30% of the fuel efficiency improvement. The next-generation D13 VGT engine is 3% more fuel efficient than the previous generation engine and the second-generation iShift transmission is 30% faster.
When spec'd with Adaptive Loading, the all-new Volvo VNR includes a 6x2 lift axle. Adaptive Loading balances the weight between the axles when the truck is heavily loaded, and at an appropriate point, the non-drive front axle automatically lifts, reducing friction and saving fuel. During lighter hauls, Adaptive Loading improves traction by transferring more weight to the rear axle.
Uptime and connectivity
The Blue Service Contract provides predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and access to a network of more than 400 Certified Uptime Dealerships. Certified dealerships now feature concierge service through a designated Fleet Manager who can proactively schedule service visits for a time that is convenient for a fleet’s operation, ensuring that every visit is as smooth and efficient as possible. The Fleet Manager coordinates all needed service for campaigns, recalls and software updates, allowing fleets to focus on their core business.
An adaptive Blue Service Contract features optimized service schedules that bundle maintenance into fewer stops and AI models that signal the need for service sooner, preventing unplanned downtime.
The Volvo Connect portal and MyTruck App give fleets comprehensive vehicle data, remote access, and precise control over operations. With the MyTruck App, drivers can remotely monitor fluid levels, check lamp status, and adjust settings from their smartphone, ensuring optimal performance and convenience. Through the Volvo Connect portal, fleets can analyze near-real-time data such as location reporting, route analysis, pending remote programing updates, fuel economy and driver safety information such as cruise control use, harsh braking incidents and seatbelt use. In conjunction with the launch of the all-new Volvo VNR, fleets will find additional functionality in Volvo Connect with the ability to change parameter settings, such as speed limits on trucks.
Volvo Trucks is also streamlining its over-the-air updates by proactively sending software updates to opted-in fleets. Fleets that opt in to proactive updates will no longer need to manually check for pending software updates. In addition to the proactive software updates, changing vehicle parameter settings will be available in Volvo Connect. The new features in the Volvo Connect portal allow customers to directly adjust the most common parameter settings, creating a more streamlined experience and putting the fleet manager in the driver’s seat.
"No more calling our uptime center and having them do the ground work for them," said Magnus Gustafson, vice president of connected services. "It's very similar to how your cell phone works today."
With the enhancements to the Volvo Connect portal, customers will now be able to modify and deploy the most commonly adjusted parameters such as maximum road speed, pedal maximum, cruise maximum and various idle shutdown settings. These changes can be applied to specific trucks or across the entire fleet through the Volvo Connect portal. Customers can also create and save templates, receiving alerts if a truck deviates from the designated template.
