Cue music....Dahhh......
Dahhh......Dahhhh.....
DA..DAHHHH!!!!! DUM DUM DUM DUM DUM DUM.... well you get the idea. And so to Gothenburg for the launch of the new Volvo FH/FH16, only the Swedes have actually sneaked in a couple of extras---like a new high-top LXL cab on the FM and an 11-litre lump too. But more of that later...what YOU want to know about is 'new' Volvo FH/FH16 which have a new interior layout and what better way to give you a quick Biglorryblog 'power-boost' trip based around this handy 'split cab' demo unit...so below here's the new twin bunk configuration with the neat 'lounger'-type bed, and sliding bottle holder. The top bunk is mounted higher so you don't bash yer bonce when you sit down on the bottom one and lean back to watch a telly on the dashboard. But why would you as with the lounger bed you can really get comfy!
Drivers can now access the exterior lockers from inside the cab (a long-held complaint) as the bed base lifts up via two gas struts. The bottom bunk adjusts from flat to 50 degrees and is longer too, as the previous end-of-bed lockable safe is now placed out of sight under the bed. Now below there's the single driver layout...
Complete with the sliding tray table, overhead rear wall lockers and that large rear cab wall pocket too. Beneath the bunk are two pull out drawers rather like the Daf XF105...in fact with its new FH, Volvo appears to have taken all the best ideas from a number of other rival models and put them all together into one formidable cab. BLB is impressed. Now here's the other 'half' of the split cab demo unit looking forward...
...showing the latest swivelling and reclining passenger seat (did anyone say Magnum?), revised over-head lockers with more 'turning space' for a broad-shouldered driver in the middle of the unit. And better storage in the dash too..like this pull out drawer..
Kind of remind you of a Scania? Either way Volvo seems to have answered all the previous moans about FH---with the possible exception of its trademark sloping front profile. And the top-of-the-range FH16? It retains a unique special trim which is different to the normal 'FH' interior.
Meanwhile, both models also get a new four-stage lighting package controlled by a neat rotating switch that also incorporates a dimmer function. While on the outside the previous-combined (and expensive to replace) single headlamp/fog/spot unit has been divided with the main headlamp glass being replaced by an impact-resistant plastic lens. In addition to LED indicator lights Volvo is also offering an optional 'cornering' light that casts a broader beam around the nearside front corner helping the driver to avoid accidental kerb damage at night.
Now click through here for news of that new FM cab and 11-litre six-pot....
Thanks to Tom Cunningham here's a shot of the new high-roof cab option on FM tractor models called the Globetrotter LXL (Volvospeak for a 'low' high-roof XL) that offers an additional 14cm of headroom over the previous Globetrotter FM cab---which means the average driver can pretty much stand upright on the engine hump. It adds a modest 25-30kg to the cab weight and provides excellent living space for a typically UK fleet motor like the Globetrotter FM. It will clearly compete head-on against Scania's new G-range and Highline-P cab as well as Daf's CF Space cab and the MAN TGS LX.
As mentioned, Volvo sprung a real surprise this week with the unveiling of its latest D11 engine, based on a stroked and reworked version of its existing smaller D9, nine-litre six-pot. It's the same basic engine is already used by Renault in the Premium as the DXi11, and Mack in the US but with Volvo's own fuel/command software. In the FM D11 will be offered at 390 and 430hp with 1,880 and 2,100 Nm of torque respectively placing it neatly between the D9 which stops at 380hp and the D13 which comes in at 400hp in the FH. Compared with the heavier D13 engine D11 saves some 140kg and is aimed at supermarkets, plus bulk and tank hauliers looking for maximum payloads. Clearly multi-wheeler operators will be interested but for the moment it's restricted to FM artics. I had a quick drive of the above LXL FM tanker at 40-tonnes and rather liked the 11-litre six-pot, torquey with a distinctive sound.
Meanwhile, Barney, thanks for being so patient...and sorry for keeping you waiting! PS You're not a slave-driver....OK?
Comments (1)
I owe you a big THANK YOU BRIAN,your a STAR.!!!!
Posted by Barney | June 21, 2008 9:52 PM
Posted on June 21, 2008 21:52