More torque and power for Volvo FH16 - here is the new D17 engine

For the most demanding tasks in the trucking industry, power and torque make all the difference. That is why Volvo Trucks developed the new D17 engine. With up to 780 Hp and 3800 Nm, this is the most powerful engine Volvo Trucks has ever made. It is built with the purpose to manage the heaviest loads with ease while delivering outstanding productivity and durability.

Volvo Trucks’ new larger 17-litre engine, the D17, delivers massive power and torque for the most demanding customers and applications. The power of the engine brake across the entire speed range is unprecedented, and the engine’s responsiveness is outstanding enabling fast gear shifting. All in all, this results in best-in-class drivability. Truck owners will also appreciate the improved fuel efficiency and increased payload.

The D17 engine is available in the latest version of the Volvo FH16. The combination of the premium cab with the D17 makes it the perfect match for the heaviest assignments.

“Customers who choose this engine will literally feel the difference when driving this truck. I also believe they will experience a difference in terms of improved productivity and fuel savings. It is an engine that has a lot of potential for improving performance and profitability of their trucking business and at the same time reducing CO2 emissions,” says Marcos Weingaertner, Product Manager at Volvo Trucks.

How to generate more power, with less fuel

The D17 engine is the result of Volvo Trucks’ own internal engineering skills and competence. The task at hand was to develop an engine that could meet the highest demands for power, torque, engine brake, and energy efficiency. Yet, it still needed to be light and highly responsive. Ivar Sahlén, Chief Project Manager at Volvo Group Trucks Technology Powertrain, explains why:

“When climbing steep grades with maximum loads on a tricky road at a mine, forest or motorway, you simply do not want to get stuck,” he says. “In such situations, pulling power and quick gear-shifting are of utmost importance to get the job done. That is why we have put in all our efforts into making the D17 powertrain powerful, reliable, and responsive. You feel you can trust the machine.”

The power and fuel efficiency of the D17 engine is the result of many different improvements. Volvo’s engineers have searched for every possible way to reduce internal friction while generating power more efficiently.

Here are some of the technical solutions that give the D17 engine its qualities:

• 17.3-liter displacement.
• A new efficient turbocharger that boosts engine responsiveness and driving experience.
• Innovative Volvo patented wave piston design that optimizes combustion and reduces emissions.
• Increased peak cylinder pressure enabling higher power output.
• New injector design that ensures the best fuel economy.
• Refined moving parts, all optimized to reduce friction.
• An updated gearbox that can manage the massive power and torque.
  

What industries will benefit the most from the D17?

The transport segments and applications where the power and torque of the D17 engine will be most beneficial include:

• Heavy construction Big construction projects or mines where high productivity is essential. Power and torque are front and center.
  
• Timber transport In countries like Sweden, Finland, and Norway huge loads of timber are regularly transported from forests to processing factories or ports. The roads are often hilly, and the combination of high engine power and engine brake performance will increase productivity.
  
• Heavy transport When transporting large equipment such as heavy machinery and windmill turbine blades you need a truck with a high-torque powertrain that you can trust in every situation.

To meet the needs of different customers within each segment, the D17 engine is available in three different specifications:

• 780 Hp and 3800 Nm
• 700 Hp and 3400 Nm
• 600 Hp and 3000 Nm

Powerful, yet with lower environmental impact

There are fossil-free alternatives available for our customers. All power levels are certified to run on the renewable fuel HVO. The 700 Hp version is also certified for 100% biodiesel (B100), which will be available during the fourth quarter of 2024.
 

When it comes to sustainability, Marcos Weingaertner points out that the D17 engine’s fuel efficiency and capacity to operate on HVO, and B100 will cater to customers looking for a low environmental footprint from their operations.
 

“HVO and B100 biodiesel are renewable fuels that can be produced from 100% renewable resources such as food waste or vegetable oils. Running on HVO or B100 significantly reduces carbon emissions,” he says.

“Our engineers have done a truly great job, addressing all the important details in the development of the engine,” says Ivar Sahlén. “The engine is thoroughly tested in real applications and the driver reports confirm the reliability and performance of the D17 engine”.
 

Everything you need to know about our most powerful heavy-duty trucks yet: the Volvo FH16.