How does a massive Volvo truck compare to a Koenigsegg on a track?

Tue, 11 Nov 2014

Volvo Trucks thinks that its latest FH semi truck has a little sports car DNA mixed in with the ability to haul heavy loads thanks to its novel dual-clutch gearbox. And the company's marketing department certainly has an intriguing strategy to get the word out about the big rig's sporty traits. First, it staged a prank on an unsuspecting valet on the Italian Riviera, and now the FH has lined up a track battle around the Knutstorp racetrack against Sweden's ultimate supercar – a Koenigsegg One:1.

Fifth Gear host Tiff Needell takes the reins of the big Volvo and spends a little bit of time talking up its I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox. However, the real fun is seeing the FH taking on the One:1. Of course, a head-to-head battle would hardly be fair against these extremely mismatched opponents. Instead, the challenge is for the 1,360-horsepower Koenigsegg to lap the track twice in the same time or less than the semi can do it once.

You just have to watch the video to see how if the big rig rises to the challenge. Also, scroll down to read Volvo Truck's press release touting the new gearbox, and check out the company's YouTube channel for more views of the race and a behind-the-scenes look.

A Volvo FH challenges one of the world's fastest sports cars – a Koenigsegg One:1

An eight tonne Volvo FH against one of the world's fastest cars – a Koenigsegg One:1. This is the scenario in the new Volvo film 'Volvo Trucks vs Koenigsegg'. The aim is to put the new I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox, based on a technique used in sports cars, to the ultimate test.

Volvo Trucks' unique I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox is tested in the new online video, 'Volvo Trucks vs Koenigsegg'. In the film a Volvo FH comes up against a Koenigsegg One:1, with a 1:1 power to weight ratio. This means the car has as much horsepower as weight (1360 kgs), making it the world's first 'Mega car'. In order to stand a fair chance, the Volvo FH received a smaller handicap which means that the truck drives one lap while the Koenigsegg drives two. Despite this, the conclusion was still unpredictable. The purpose of the challenge was to put the new Volvo I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox to the ultimate test.

"I-Shift Dual Clutch has a dual-clutch, which is quite unique in the heavy vehicles market. However, similar technology already exists in sports cars. Therefore, this was the perfect challenge," says Jeff Bird, Press Test Director at Volvo Trucks.

The similarities between the Volvo FH truck with I-Shift Dual Clutch and sports cars include includes the driveability that comes with seamless gear shifting. At the Knutstorp race circuit in southern Sweden, a track that is known for its hilly terrain and demanding turns, the evidence would be revealed.

"It may seem like a different environment for a heavy truck, but the fact is that I-Shift Dual Clutch is most useful in conditions that require a lot of gear shifting. The gearbox's seamless gear changes improve driveability tremendously," says Jeff Bird.

Behind the steering wheel of the Volvo FH is the experienced motor racing personality Tiff Needell. Without revealing the results, Tiff - who had never raced in a truck before - admits that he was impressed by the performance of the vehicle.

"I-Shift Dual Clutch is absolutely incredible. It is particularly noticeable on gradients, the truck does not hold back - it just flows smoothly, without the gear changes being felt. When you brake, it switches down very softly and comfortably. The truck definitely has the heart of a sports car," says Tiff Needell.

Volvo Trucks' new dual-clutch gearbox was launched in Europe in June this year and is available on all markets selling Volvo FH with Euro 6 D13 engines with 460, 500 and 540 horsepower.

By Chris Bruce