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Volvo VN Sets Two New World Truck Speed Records

Volvo Trucks has not one, but two reasons to celebrate these days, as its Volvo FN model was recently involved in a world record breaking attempt... and it succeeded. Of course, the truck did achieve this by itself, but it was driven to victory by Bojie Ovebrink right on his 59th birthday.

The new Volvo FN set the world truck speed record in both the 500 metre and 1,000 metre standing-start events. Results, however, are expecting validation from the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile).

The record is calculated on the basis of average speed over the entire course, but when Boije crossed the finishing line he was reportedly clocked at just over 250 km/h. “It feels amazing,” said Boije Ovebrink, adding “It’s a great way to celebrate one’s birthday.”

The 16-litre Volvo D16 engine powering the FN in question is built to deliver a massive 2,000 horsepower and up to 5,000 Nm of torque.

“We congratulate Boije and his team of passionate Volvo engineers to this new world record. His truck is to a very high degree based on original Volvo components, which clearly demonstrates the built in strength and quality of our products,”
Tommy Kohle, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications at Volvo Trucks, said in a release.

Initially thought it had to beat a speed of just over 170 km/h for the 1,000 metre course that Team Buggyra achieved in 2008, closer examination revealed that this was not an official record acknowledged by the FIA.

This meant that Ovebrink had, in fact, to battle... himself, as he was the previous official record-holder. The 59-year-old is now waiting to claim his latest record…
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