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Volvo Mean Green Truck to Attempt Speed Record

Mean Green TruckMean Green TruckMean Green Truck driverMean Green Truck
This November the 'Mean Green' hybrid truck will undergo testing and finetuning at the Volvo Hallered test track. Come spring next year, it will try to set a new FIA approved world record for the standing kilometer run.

The truck uses a standard Volvo engine, the 16-liter, that normally develops 700 hp. The addition of twin turbos from Volvo Penta and finetuning means the powerplant now produces a whopping 1900 hp. This hybrid wold not be so green were it not for its electric motor, which adds an extra 200 hp and 1100 Nm. “The result is a lightning-speed boost from start-off without any of the customary diesel-engine ‘lag’. It’s like a champagne cork, but without the sound effects,” says Boije Ovebrink, Swedish truck racing ace, about the effect adding the electric motor had on the green monster.

As is the case for any speed record attempting vehicle, weight reduction was absolutely crucial. The front axle was milled by experts from Volvo’s engine factory in Skovde, reducing from weight from 100 kgs (220 lbs) to 57 kgs (125 lbs). Then the gear set for first gear was removed from the gearbox, shaving another seven kgs off. The extreme weight saving program saw the wiring harness losing almost six kilograms and even the driver shed 20 kilos (44 lbs).

Aerodynamic improvements were made using a CAD simulated wind tunnel. Designer Jonas Sandstrom spent countless our doing this, together with his very dedicated team. “The absolute elite among Volvo’s hybrid technology experts are the driving force behind the project. They are true enthusiasts, every last one of them. I’d go so far as to say that ‘Mean Green’ is the world’s fastest hybrid truck.”

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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