Mean Green Volvo Hybrid Attempts World Speed Record
Tim Esterdahl | Mar 28, 2012 | Comments 1
At a recent auto show, Volvo announced that its Mean Green Hybrid Truck, billed as the world’s fastest hybrid truck, will attempt to reach speeds in excess of 260 km/h (165 mph) on April 27 at Wendover Airfield, Utah. This is yet another attempt by Volvo to set/beat its own world speed records (see video below for previous speed record attempt).
Currently, the Volvo-built hybrid holds several speed records including the standing 500 meter (one-third mile), standing kilometer (two-thirds mile) and flying kilometer – international speed standards.
“Technology and innovation are at the core of our business,” said Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “Mean Green is a prime example of Volvo’s technical capabilities and our continued focus on emerging technologies. Our engineers developed the world’s fastest hybrid truck utilizing the same Volvo hybrid drive system powering hundreds of Volvo buses throughout the world, including London’s double-decker buses.”
Volvo built the Mean Green by adapting their hybrid driveline to the chassis requirements of a world-class truck built for speed. Engineers then outfitted Mean Green with a highly tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor.
“The result is a lightning-speed boost from start-off without any of the customary diesel-engine delay,” said Boije Ovebrink, Mean Green’s owner and driver. “It’s like a champagne cork, but without the sound effects. For the first couple of seconds the truck just makes a slight whistle until the diesel engine, which runs on renewable liquid rosin diesel, starts delivering with explosive force.”
According to a Volvo press release, Mean Green pumps out a massive 2,100 horsepower and nearly 5,000 lb-ft. torque – of which, 200 horsepower and 885 lb-ft. of torque come from the electric motor. Aerodynamics also plays a vital role in achieving top speed, so Volvo designers selected a North American VN cab and sculpted the optimal aerodynamic shape for the truck.
Mean Green features modified versions of the following Volvo production components:
- Volvo hybrid motor
- Volvo hybrid battery
- Volvo D16 diesel engine
- Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission
- Volvo VN cab and frame
- Rear axle with 1.85:1 ratio
During its North American tour, Mean Green will also visit Truck World, April 19 to 21, in Toronto, and the Volvo Ocean Race, May 17 to 20, in Miami.
The question for many is, who cares? Yep, it is a fast Hybrid truck. But, isn’t a Hybrid meant to be great on gas not on how fast it can go? What do you think? Do you care about performance in hybrids?
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