Volvo Trucks North America Inc. has announced the availability of the 465-hp Volvo VE D12 diesel engine for the new Volvo VN.

The Volvo VE D12 engines, engineered to meet EPA'02 emission regulations, have the same top horsepower and torque ratings as Volvo's pre-EPA'02 engines, according to the company. Oil change intervals on the VE 465 are maintained at 25,000 miles -- also the same as last year's engines.
The VE 465 does not require exhaust aftertreatment to meet the new EPA'02 emissions regulations. Volvo says this means customers avoid the expense, complexity, additional size and higher weight of particulate traps and catalytic converters, without a penalty in horsepower or torque. And like other Volvo VE D12 engines, the VE 465 also avoids the complexity of a variable geometry turbocharger.
In fact, the VE 465 has an improved horsepower curve, compared to Volvo's previous 465-hp rating. Although it has the same peak torque of 1650 lb./ft., the new VE 465 has a flatter power output curve, which means drivers can access peak power throughout more of the engine's range. This improves driveability, while at the same time allowing "gear fast, run slow" gear selection for improved fuel economy. Horsepower is maintained at 465 from 1500 rpm through 1825 rpm.
Volvo's EPA'02 engines with V-Pulse technology use the normal pressure pulsation in the exhaust manifold to achieve the level of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) needed for emissions reductions. A significant mass of exhaust escapes the combustion chamber just as the exhaust valve opens, similar to the pressure release when a can of soda is opened. Pulses from each cylinder are captured and fed through a twin-path EGR cooler to provide the gas needed for recirculation. The recirculation lowers the oxygen content of the intake charge, and holds down the formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). This method of EGR allows the turbocharger boost pressure to remain higher than the exhaust manifold back pressure, achieving a 'positive pumping loop,' which provides better fuel economy.
The VE 465 uses a tuned muffler to help achieve the exhaust recirculation.
For tractors, the muffler is a 10-inch diameter vertical design, very similar in appearance to normal mufflers. It takes no additional space and does not require longer wheelbases.
Like other Volvo Power ratings, the VE 465 offers several exclusive features, including exhaust pressure governor, oil level indicator and live PTO (power takeoff) port on the side of the engine. The exhaust pressure governor allows idling in cold climates, if necessary, at only 650 rpm, which saves 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour over competitive engines. The electronic oil level indicator provides a way to check the oil level without leaving the cab. The live PTO does away with the need for a pump extension in front of the radiator for applications like snowplows.
Volvo Trucks North America is a member of the Volvo Group, a publicly held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. With annual sales of about $18 billion, Volvo's business areas include heavy trucks, buses, construction equipment, marine and industrial drive systems, aerospace, and financial services.
For more information, www.volvotrucks.us.com.