Test Drive: Volvo’s Not-So Vanilla VNL

The Volvo VNL 640 tractor tested by Jack Roberts featured a 70-inch high-rise sleeper, a 424-hp D13 Volvo engine with compounded turbocharger and predictive cruise control. Photos: Jack Roberts

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Volvo’s original VNL tractor, which debuted in 1996, was a cutting-edge design that set a standard for Class 8 aerodynamics still in place today. Which is one reason the company’s first new Class 8 on-highway design in 20 years bears more than a passing resemblance to its predecessor; why fix something that ain’t broke, after all?

But, exterior styling aside, a lot of other developments have occurred over the past two decades. And it’s obvious that even more are rapidly approaching. This new VNL reflects many of those current and future trends. Volvo took everything it has learned about tractor aerodynamics, powertrains and driver comfort and safety over the past 20 years and distilled those lessons into this new truck. And the results are impressive.

Volvo is, of course, synonymous with safety. So it’s no surprise to be greeted by wide, serrated steps and generous, tactile-coated grab handles when you climb up into the VNL cab and into the plush driver’s seat. Entry into the cab is made easier by the fact that Volvo’s new, Position-Perfect steering wheel is pivoted up and almost entirely out of your way. Once you’re settled in, simply depress a foot pedal to the right of the steering column. All the way down and you can quickly set the reach and height of the steering wheel. Pressing the pedal halfway down allows you to tilt the angle of the wheel just so, for a comfortable and safe drive.

Out in front, the VNL offers an impressive, panoramic view out over its sharply dropped front hood. The narrow, dramatically sloped hood is great for both forward visibility and aerodynamics. …Read the rest of this story

Source:: http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/equipment/article/story/2017/09/volvo-s-not-so-vanilla-vnl.aspx