Volvo Trucks North America Launches New Volvo D13 Variable Geometry Turbo Engine

Tue March 11, 2025
Volvo Trucks

To power the major launch of the all-new Volvo VNR, Volvo Trucks North America has launched the new Volvo D13 VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo) engine.

The new Volvo D13 VGT engine will be standard in the new Volvo VNR and customers also will also be able to select in the new Volvo VNL day cab. The new D13 VGT engine builds on the improvements launched with the D13 turbo compound engine, which is standard on the new Volvo VNL.

Focusing on fuel efficiency and durability, Volvo Trucks has made key enhancements to the D13 VGT engine including:

• Advanced Piston Design: The improved seven-wave piston optimizes air and fuel mixture control, resulting in more efficient combustion. The piston height has been decreased and paired with a longer connecting rod to minimize cylinder sidewall pressure, reducing friction and enhancing overall performance. In addition to improving the combustion process, the seven-wave design allows for a greater dispersion of heat across the top of the piston head, lowering the overall temperature and reducing NOx output.

• Enhanced Fuel Injector: Smaller needle control valves in the fuel injectors provide precise and rapid control over the fuel flow rate, leading to improved fuel atomization, better combustion efficiency and enhanced engine performance.

• Variable Displacement Oil Pump: This pump dynamically adapts to the engine's oil pressure demands, minimizing parasitic losses, reducing wear and tear and improving efficiency.

The new Volvo D13 VGT engine also uses the 24-volt electrical system, first introduced by Volvo in North America with the Volvo VNL. The 24-volt electrical architecture paves the way to use lighter components and can prolong the life of those components due to the lower amperage of the system, according to Volvo.

"As we continue to innovate and improve our powertrain offerings, the launch of the Volvo D13 VGT engine marks another significant step forward in our commitment to fuel efficiency and sustainability," said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. "Fuel costs remain the second highest expense for fleets in North America and our powertrain improvements represent an up to 3 percent fuel efficiency improvement over our previous generation engine. The D13 VGT engine is built to deliver the performance and reliability our customers expect, while also contributing to a cleaner, more efficient future."

The Volvo D13 VGT engine is now available for order in the Volvo VNR and the Volvo VNL models. Customers can choose from engine options offering 405, 425, 435 and 455 hp, with torque ratings ranging from 1450 to 1850 lb. ft. Customers purchasing the all-new Volvo VNR when orders begin will also have the option to select the D13 Turbo Compound engine which is well suited for fleets using the VNR in a highway application.