Unique gearbox for heavy vehicles launched by Volvo Trucks

“In situations that require a lot of gear changes, for instance on hilly or windy roads, I-Shift Dual Clutch brings an entirely new dimension to truck driving. Here at Volvo Trucks we are immensely proud to be able to offer this innovation to our customers,” says Claes Nilsson, President of Volvo Trucks.

I-Shift Dual Clutch is a transmission consisting of two input shafts and a dual clutch. This means that two gears can be selected at the same time. It is the clutch that determines which of the gears is currently active. I-Shift Dual Clutch is based on I-Shift, but the front half of the gearbox has been redesigned with entirely new components.

Available from autumn 2014
Transmissions with dual clutches are already used in cars, but Volvo Trucks is the first manufacturer in the world to offer a similar solution for series-produced heavy vehicles when it will be available on certain Volvo FH models from autumn 2014.

“For trucks, this gearbox will truly make a major difference to driveability. The heavier the transport and the tougher the operating conditions, the more you will gain with I Shift Dual Clutch. Power-shift gear changes, where there is no interruption in power delivery, means it is easier to keep up with traffic, especially on difficult stretches of roads. The result is more relaxed and safe driving,” says Astrid Drewsen.

More efficient driving and increased driver comfort
I-Shift Dual Clutch is particularly effective in long haul operations and conditions that require a lot of gear changing, for instance on hills, roads with lots of twists and turns or when driving through cities with plenty of roundabouts and traffic lights. I-Shift Dual Clutch also makes a big difference with livestock or tanker operations, since the seamless gear changes means less movement in the cargo itself. Thanks to I-Shift Dual Clutch power-shifting, there is less risk of getting stuck on slippery or uneven roads, such as when hauling timber in a forest.

Another major advantage with the new transmission is that it improves driver comfort. “In addition to efficient driving, the smooth gear changes also mean that the in-cab environment feels quieter,” says Astrid Drewsen.

I-Shift Dual Clutch will be available from autumn 2014 on the Volvo FH with Euro-6 D13 engines with the 460, 500 or 540 hp options.