Volvo has revealed the highest horsepower FH16 it has ever offered in Australia saying that the big banger FH will be launched officially down under around the middle of this year, claiming the new FH16 will be Australia’s most powerful on-highway truck.
Volvo says the new D17 engine, which was launched in Sweden in January, will offer a range of horsepower ratings from 600hp to 780hp.
The company added that along with the added power ratings, the updated FH16 will also see a significant jump in torque.
The 600hp variant now offers 3000Nm of torque, while the 700hp offers 3400Nm, the range topping 780hp option brings 3800Nm to bear. 
The 17-litre, Euro 6 powerplant shares the same basic architecture as the 16-litre engine it replaces with the extra capacity resulting from an increase in cylinder bore.
In pursuit of efficiency and cleaner operation, Volvo says the engine also features a new fuel injection system, low friction cylinder liners as well as wave top pistons to ensure optimal combustion.
The company also said that all power ratings for the new engine are HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) compatible.
“A world of possibilities has been built into this engine platform,” said Shayne Commons, Volvo Group Australia director of product and performance.
“Highly efficient drive trains capable of using alternative fuels will be a key part of our path to net zero emissions,” Commons added.
“More power gives us the option of gearing our trucks for more efficiency on highway, more torque means less gear changes and more top gear time,” he said.
“However, for the person behind the wheel, the performance of the D17 engine in the new FH16 will impress, driver feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, especially in regard to holding road speed in undulating terrain.”
“Drivers will want to drive this FH16.”
Volvo said that the new FH16 and D17 engine will be available to order for Australian customers from July this year.
