Volvo Debuts First Dual-Clutch Gearbox for Heavy Trucks

Volvo Trucks is introducing the commercial truck market's first dual-clutch transmission for heavy vehicles.

The unit will become available this autumn in the company's Volvo FH long-haul tractor, matched with a 460-, 500- or 540-hp diesel engine.

The 12-speed gearbox, called I-Shift Dual Clutch, is only 12 cm longer than Volvo Truck's regular I-Shift automatic transmission. The dual transmission setup enables the gearbox to select the next gear in one transmission while the current gear is being used by the second transmission.

The result is smooth gear changes with no interruption in power, except during range-change when shifting from sixth to seventh gear.

Volvo says fuel consumption is the same as with a regular gearbox. But gear changes are smoother, quieter in the cabin and less wearing on the rest of the vehicle. The ability to change gears without losing torque flow also makes it easier for heavily loaded I-Shift Dual Clutch-equipped trucks to keep up with traffic on hills or twisty roads, according to the company.