Volvo Trucks Sets Speed Records with 2,400-hp Semi

Swedish truckmaker AB Volvo has set two new land-speed records for a heavy-duty truck with its purpose-built “Iron Knight.”

The 4.5-ton-semi-tractor sprinted from a standstill to 500 meters in 13.7 seconds for an average speed of 82 mph. It covered 1,000 meters in 21.3 seconds at an average of 105 mph. Volvo says the truck can zoom from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and tops out at 171 mph.

The record, which was sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Assn., was set at a former airfield in northern Sweden. Test driver Boije Ovebrink piloted the vehicle. Ovebrink also set speed records with Volvo trucks in 2007 and 2012.

Based on Volvo’s FH truck, the Iron Knight is powered by a significantly modified version of the company's 13.0-liter inline-six diesel engine, mated to a standard I-Shift dual-clutch transmission with a reinforced clutch. Upgrades include a water-cooled intercooler and four turbochargers, which increase output to 2,400 hp and 4,425 lb-ft of torque.

Lightweight materials are incorporated throughout the vehicle. Aerodynamic tweaks include side skirts and large air intakes. Volvo reduced the truck's weight by eliminating several electronic features, the company says.

Watch a video of the latest record run here.