New Volvo has 13-liter engine, 500 horsepower

Volvo FMX – Click above for high-res image gallery

No, we didn't miss a decimal point. Volvo (well, Volvo Trucks, to be more precise) has just pulled one very big sheet off of a new heavy-duty construction truck called the FMX. The leviathan bears a host of features designed to help it excel on the manufacturing and construction sites of Europe, including impressive ground clearance, substantial skid plates and one badpush-bar. Of course, there's also that impressive engine.

Volvo will let you equip your very own FMX with either an 11-liter powerplant capable of anywhere between 330 and 450 horsepower or a 13-liter lump with 380-500 horsepower depending on configuration. The larger of the two engines produces around 1,800 lb-ft of torque – more than both the 2011 Ford Super Duty and 2011 Chevrolet Duramax combined.

The FMX also comes with i-Shift – unique gearbox programming that senses the truck's load, then adjusts gear ratios accordingly to climb or descend hills. It will also let you rock the vehicle back and forth to get free of sticky mud or loose sand.

Yes, Volvo says the FMX is built to boost the company's presence in the construction market, but we're thinking those three- millimeter-thick bumpers would stand up well in your run-of-the mill post-apocalyptic scenario. Zombies, militias, recession-induced governmental collapse – the FMX could handle it all. Hit the jump for the press release.


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[Source: Volvo Trucks]

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VOLVO TRUCKS INTRODUCES THE NEW VOLVO FMX – PURPOSE-ENGINEERED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SEGMENT
19/04/10

Volvo Trucks is launching the rugged, new Volvo FMX. Built specifically for heavy construction tasks, this truck will be available on European markets in September, followed by a global roll-out during the rest of the year.

"We are extremely proud of this truck and can hardly wait to see it at work for our construction customers," says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO, Volvo Trucks. "With the new Volvo FMX, we are truly breaking new ground for us and our customers' operations."

Rugged look for a rugged truck

The most obvious change with the new, high-clearance Volvo FMX is its robust, modern exterior. With a new upper grill, aggressive lower front, 3-part steel bumper with 3mm thick steel corners, rugged skid plate and protective bull bar, this is a tough construction truck. For additional functionality, the Volvo FMX also features a powerful tow hook, headlamp mesh protection, new anti-slip steps – just to name a few examples.

"A quick glance at this truck and its powerful stance immediately reveals the close connection between Volvo Trucks and our sister-company, Volvo Construction Equipment – among the world leaders in dumpers, excavators and wheel-loaders," says Staffan Jufors. "The new Volvo FMX literally breathes construction – reflecting its capabilities, inside and out."

Designed for superior driveline performance

The new Volvo FMX is based on the very successful FM platform, which is well proven in demanding construction applications, particularly in the Great Britain & Ireland, the Nordic markets, Russia and Eastern Europe. Drivers can look forward to exceptional driveline performance based on the power and efficiency of the 11-litre engine (330hp-450hp) or the 13-litre engine (380hp-500hp). The recently updated construction version of the automated I-Shift gearbox makes it possible to 'rock free' from almost any situation. In addition, a new load sensor sends precise load weight information to I-Shift for an optimal gear sequence and smooth gear start. Massive braking power - 375 kW at 2300 rpm - is provided by Volvo Engine Brake Plus on the 13-litre unit.

"The perfect construction truck"

"This is the perfect construction truck – and our customers have largely driven its development," says Göran Nyberg, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland. "With all the improvements in the Volvo FMX, combined with the development of a strong service offering for the construction business, we hope that our existing customers will become even more satisfied. We also have high expectations that this new truck and our unique total offer for the construction segment will attract many new customers through the UK and Ireland."

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