Volvo Trucks Launches A Unique Gearbox For Heavy Vehicles

“When driving it feels like you have access to two gearboxes. When one gear is selected in one gearbox, the next gear is already prepared in the other. With dual clutches, gear changes take place without any interruption in power delivery. As a result, engine torque is maintained and driving comfort is significantly improved,” says Astrid Drewsen, product manager for drivelines at Volvo Trucks.

Transmissions with dual clutches are already used in cars, but Volvo Trucks is the first manufacturer in the world to offer a similar solution for series-produced heavy vehicles when it will be available on certain Volvo FH models from autumn 2014.

“For trucks, this gearbox will truly make a major difference to driveability. The heavier the transport and the tougher the operating conditions, the more you will gain with I Shift Dual Clutch. Power-shift gear changes, where there is no interruption in power delivery, means it is easier to keep up with traffic, especially on difficult stretches of roads. The result is more relaxed and safe driving,” says Astrid Drewsen.

I-Shift Dual Clutch is particularly effective in long haul operations and conditions that require a lot of gear changing, for instance on hills, roads with lots of twists and turns or when driving through cities with plenty of roundabouts and traffic lights. I-Shift Dual Clutch also makes a big difference with livestock or tanker operations, since the seamless gear changes means less movement in the cargo itself. Thanks to I-Shift Dual Clutch power-shifting, there is less risk of getting stuck on slippery or uneven roads, such as when hauling timber in a forest.

I-Shift Dual Clutch will be available from the third quarter of 2014 on the Volvo FH with Euro-6 D13 engines with the 460, 500 or 540 hp options.

Credits: Oneshift News Team