Volvo Trucks North America said its new Volvo I-Torque option for the latest D13 Turbo Compound engine enables the truck to operate optimally with up to a 31% increase in fuel efficient speed range, achieving up to an 8.5 mpg at 85 mph.

I-Torque is made up of the D13 Turbo Compound engine, the I-Shift transmission with overdrive features, adaptive gear shift strategy, a new map-based version of the predictive cruise control Volvo I-See, load-sensing software, and low rear axle ratios as low as 2.15.

The I-Torque configuration uses Volvo Trucks’ 13-speed I-Shift feature with crawler gear and combines the fuel efficiency advantages of direct drive with the performance and flexibility of overdrive. At highway speeds, the system will select either direct drive or overdrive to maximize fuel efficiency without forfeiting performance or productivity, Volvo officials said in a press release.

I-Shift together with the new version of the I-See technology, which uses real-time map-based data and GPS positioning, manages speed and gear-shifting in the most fuel-efficient way on any route or terrain and generates up to an additional 1% in fuel savings.

Further enhancing the VNL driving experience, its lower engine RPMs during operation creates a more pleasurable driving experience with a quieter cab environment and reduced engine vibration, according to the company.

“In today’s demanding and quickly changing transportation business environment, that requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptable truck performance on various terrains and routes, I-Torque is the solution for our customers who need to stay competitive with a truck where fuel economy and optimized performance is taken to the next level without any compromises,” said Johan Agebrand, director of product marketing at Volvo Trucks North America. “The current business environment is a perfect example, where diesel prices are pacing well beyond $4 per gallon and the pressure on transportation is high.”

In a release, Volvo Trucks said it is optimistic that fleet owners and drivers will see the immediate value and competitive advantages that come with adding the I-Torque option to the D13TC engine, which is already standard in all VNL sleeper models.