VOLVO

Volvo Iron Knight: Volvo's fastest truck, also the fastest in the world

Volvo's fastest truck, the Iron Knight or "Iron Knight", in Portuguese, was developed by the brand in 2016. And to this day the model remains the owner of two world speed records. It may seem counterintuitive, but Volvo, which focuses on safety, has developed a speed truck.

Because with Iron Knight, the Swedish manufacturer shows all the technological development of engineering. In addition to creative ability. In other words, what the Volvo D 13 engine, 13 liters, the same as the FH can do. In this sense, it is worth remembering that the FH leads sales among heavy vehicles in the country.

The D13 with six cylinders in line develops power of 2,400 hp and torque of 612 mkgf. Likewise, just like the commercial FH, the engine works with the automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, which has a dual-clutch system. Thus, it allows to keep the torque high in gear changes. In addition, the clutch disc has been reinforced with special materials to withstand the Iron Knight's colossal torque.

In this way, the Iron Knight covers the distance from 0 to 1,000 meters in just 21.142 seconds, and reaches 170.277 km/h. In addition, in the same race, he also broke the world record for the 0 to 500 meters, reached in 13.673 seconds and at a speed of 131.646 km/h (round trip). Finally, the maximum speed of the truck reaches an incredible 276 km/h. The records were homologated by the FIA (International Automobile Federation).

Its mechanical base is also from the FH...Likewise, the rear axle of Iron Knight, made by Meritor, was developed especially for Iron Knight. Therefore, it has a thickness of 6 mm. To give you an idea, in conventional trucks, such as the FH, the axle wall is 12 mm thick because it needs to support the weight of the load. However, in the Iron Knight, the lighter axle was a differential to conquer the records. It weighs 4.5 t and has a weight/power ratio of 1.9 kg/hp. The common FH weighs 9 t and has a weight/power ratio of 17 kg/hp.

However, even though the D13 engine was the conventional one, it received external modifications to achieve maximum performance. That is, it has two air intakes with open filters and four turbochargers. As well as three water-cooled intercoolers. The software that performs the electronic management has been reprogrammed to offer high performance.

Bold chassis...The chassis also received reinforcements. This ensures greater rigidity. In addition, the chassis design received modifications to receive the engine. While the propellant of a conventional truck is located under the cabin, in the Iron Knight it is installed behind the passenger compartment. That is, closer to the rear axle. Thus, it balances weight distribution and ensures more traction so that the truck does not skid when accelerating.

The exhaust pipes were also moved to the back of the cabin, in order to improve aerodynamics, in addition to offering a more uniform air flow, with large lateral air intakes. These capture air for the radiators to cool the engine more efficiently. Because of all the changes, the Iron Knight goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

The tyres... Goodyear tires were an important component in the Iron Knight's record breaking. Therefore, they have a special design and tread. The housing, however, is exactly the same as Goodyear's portfolio for commercial vehicles.

The speed truck uses 315/70R22.5 tires on the steering axle. As for the drive axle, it has the measurement 495/45R22.5. These models are produced with an underlay and a tread for high temperatures. As well as designs and composites, to support high speeds.

Be that as it may, Iron Knight has no commercial value. But thanks to its development, many improvements of the new generation FH were inspired by this unique model.

Andrea Ramos, (Estadão newspaper) Brazil