Which Volvo Engine is Right for You?
Volvo brings some of the most powerful yet fuel-efficient engines to the heavy-duty truck industry. When it comes time to select the diesel engine type when buying a new Volvo truck, you have options: the D11, the D13 or the D13TC. Each engine has its advantages, but whichever you choose, you can feel confident on the road or on a job site, knowing your engine has the power to get the job done, and the efficiency to keep your fuel costs lower.
Volvo D11 Engine
The D11 engine is a favorite for many where a lower overall weight is a major consideration. At over 340lbs less than the D13, the D11 makes for a compact, lightweight engine. Energy that is normally lost is recovered with standard features including low-friction pistons and a two-speed water pump. A standard hybrid common rail fuel injection system gets the most power out of every drop of fuel. Volvo’s reliable variable geometry turbocharger compresses and moves the intake air while providing the correct back pressure to drive the EGR process. The D11 delivers performance competitive with larger engines while maximizing fuel economy. For those where reliability and cost of operation are your biggest concerns, the Volvo D11 engine provides all that with the power and fuel-efficiency you want.
Volvo D13 Engine
The D13 engine is Volvo’s most popular engine, ending up in ~95% of Volvo trucks sold by TEC. And it’s the gold standard of Volvo engines for a reason. It strikes a perfect balance of fuel efficiency, power and pricing. Ideal for a wide range of activities, the Volvo D13 engine is a great option for most any use case or driver.
Features of the D13 Engine include:
Common-rail fuel injection
The unique design of Volvo’s common-rail fuel system delivers multiple benefits. Finer control allows quicker, more accurate fuel injection for improved fuel efficiency; while a clean installation improves reliability and dramatically reduces engine noise.
Lower friction, wave piston design
Improved piston skirt finishing reduces friction losses, benefitting power and efficiency. The piston’s wave design increases compression to boost efficiency, improving combustion to minimize soot.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Offering an impressive mix of power, efficiency, and value, all Volvo diesel engines are OBD 2016-compliant and built on a foundation of proven, developed architecture that leverages innovative hardware to maximize efficiency.
Volvo D13TC Engine
Finally, the D13TC, or the Volvo D13 Turbo Compound engine offers increased fuel savings for a wider range of applications. Fleets that run variable load applications, including tanker, bulk haul and flat-bed deliveries, can benefit from Volvo’s next-generation Turbo Compound system. The D13TC is ideal for flat grades or rolling hills, light to moderate payloads and higher road speeds. The D13TC was designed with a fixed geometry turbocharger. With fewer moving parts, you get an engine that lasts longer and requires less maintenance. It also delivers extra horsepower while operating at a lower RPM, reducing strain and wear on the engine. When you need power, efficiency, reliability and flexibility, the D13TC is the engine for you.
Improvements that come with the Volvo D13TC engine include up to 11% fuel savings compared to model-year 2015 trucks, enhanced efficiency over a wider range of applications and a new EE Extra Efficiency drive mode. The fuel efficiency of a direct-drive, and the performance of over drive. Allowing the truck to operate at a wide speed range efficiently, achieving up to 8.5 mpg at 85 mph.
Engine Specifications
| Engine Specifications | D11 | D13 | D13TC |
| Type | Direct Injection Diesel | Direct Injection Diesel | Direct Injection Diesel |
| Bore & Stroke | 4.84″ x 5.98″ | 5.16″ x 6.22″ | 5.16″ x 6.22″ |
| Compression Ratio | 17:1 | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Engine Break Retarding Power | 420 HP @ 2200 RPM | 500 HP @ 2200 RPM | 500 HP @ 2200 RPM |
| Number of Cylinders | 6, In-Line | 6, In-Line | 6, In-Line |
| Displacement | 661 | 780 | 780 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Dry Weight | 2259 lbs | 2635 lbs | 2635 lbs |
Whatever you run, however you work, Volvo has the power and efficiency you want in an engine.
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