FL10 moves to Euro-2
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by Toby Clark • The latest Euro-2 vehicle to hit the streets is the 355hp version of Volvo's FLIO, badged FLIO 360. This and a new 315hp model, badged FLIO 320, share the D10A engine, a Euro-2 update of the 10litre, 315hp Euro-1 TD103ES. The older engine remains the standard fitting at present. Option prices for the new engines will be announced in September—but will be dropped when Euro-2 engines become mandatory in October 1996.
The new FL10 models, available from midOctober, fit neatly between the Euro-2 FL7 (now rated at up to 285hp) and the 374hp and 414hp versions of the recently launched FL12 (CM 15-21 June 1995) which use the 12litre engine first fitted to the FHI2.
The Euro-2 10-litre engine has a strengthened cylinder head, a revised piston bowl, new piston ring and cylinder liners, elec tronic timing and a turbocharger wastegate. The 315hp model provides the same maximum torque as its Euro-1 predecessor, but over a wider range, while peak power arrives at slightly lower revs. The 355hp option delivers maximum power and torque at the same speeds; peak torque is around 11% more than for the lower-rated engine.
The FL10-360 will be available as a tractive unit in 4x2, 6x2 (pusher) and 6x4 configurations. A lightweight 4x2 tractor has been introduced, with a 6mm section chassis frame, a small fuel tank and parabolic suspension, at a weight of around 6,130kg. Rigid FL10-360 chassis are available in 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4 versions—the 8x4 has the B or T-ride rear bogie or air suspension.
The new FL10-320 model is fitted with the RI400 nine-speed rangechange synchromesh box, while the 355hp version comes with the uprated R1700 nine-speed or the SR1700 14-speed rangechange and splitter box. The gear linkage is by conventional rods rather than the new hydraulic system fitted to right-hand drive FL12 models.
The 355hp FL10 produces 3% less torque than the FH12-340's 1,143lbft (1,550Nm) maximum. There are no plans to introduce the DlOA engine to the FH, despite the potential weight saving of 20014.
Volvo is also changing the way in which it specifies trim levels for the FL cab: the current standard trim is revised (the trip meter is deleted, for example) and "C" trim is introduced.
The package includes electric windows, "Lux" seats, a night heater and other features. It adds 4700 to a standard day cab and £1,000 to a sleeper cab. Unlike FH models, there is no "CD" trim level.