Volvo's I-Shift Dual Clutch
HDT's European editor Sven-Erik Lindstrand during the I-Shift Dual Clutch run in Spain.
A Volvo FH 13 with 540-hp 13-liter diesel and an I-Shift Dual Clutch is flanked by two "regular" I-Shift FHs with 460 hp.
Volvo showed the I-Shift Dual Clutch to the European press corps recently in south-coastal Spain.
The two Volvo I-Shifts are similar mechanically, but to the driver they operate much differently.
The reason for choosing this part of Europe was the demanding, long and steep ascents and descents of up to 7 and 8 percent.
The increase in weight of just over 100 kg (222 pounds) comes primarily from the additional coupling and the larger clutch housing. The transmission also has additional cooling in some parts.
Volvo’s I-Shift Dual Clutch weighs 222 pounds more and is 4.72 inches longer than the single-clutch I-Shift.
A button on the dashboard controls the I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission. There’s no sign inside the cab that the truck is equipped with a Dual Clutch or not. It's only when it starts rolling that this becomes evident.
The Dual Clutch transmission has two drive shafts, one inside the other.
Volvo cruise control switches are on the left side on the steering wheel, and prompting slower or faster set speeds is made by a superb thumb switch.
The trucks in commercial production will have a small emblem on the cab sides.