New world speed records for Volvo hybrid truck

Volvo’s hybrid truck, ‘Mean Green’, established new world speed records on April 27, at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA.

‘Mean Green’ achieved the following world record speeds: Flying Kilometre+ –236.577 km/h (147.002 mph) and Standing Kilometre* – 153.252 km/h
(95.245 mph).

“We are very pleased with ‘Mean Green’s performance, especially at such a high altitude,” said Boije Ovebrink, ‘Mean Green’s driver and owner. “We knew Wendover would present challenges because it’s more than 4,200 ft (1,280 m) above sea level.”

The speed record attempts were sanctioned by the United States Auto Club, an extension of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), motoring’s international governing body. The new world records are subject to FIA recognition, which will occur in about 30 to 60 days.

‘Mean Green’ eclipsed its previous records – 218.780 km/h (135.943 mph) in the flying kilometre+ and 152.253 km/h (94.605 mph) in the standing kilometre* – established in June 2011 at Hultsfred Airport in Sweden.

Though ‘Mean Green’s modified aerodynamic body design bears little resemblance to a freight-carrying tractor unit, the truck is comprised almost entirely of production components from the Volvo vehicle family, including a Volvo VN cab and frame. ‘Mean Green’ features 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 combination of an electric motor and Volvo D16 diesel engine delivers 2,100 horsepower and nearly 6,780 nm (5,000 lb ft) torque – of which, 200 hp and 1,200 nm (885 lb ft) of torque come from the electric motor.

* Standing kilometre – The international speed record for the standing kilometre is all about reaching the highest average speed over a 1,000 metre course, from a standing start.
+ Flying kilometre – The international speed record is all about reaching the highest average speed over a 1,000 metre course, from a flying start.
The average speed from the two runs is noted as the official figure.
The records for both are official records approved by the FIA, the international motorsport umbrella organisation.

Posted in: Boije Ovebrink,Federation Internationale de l'Automobile,Hybrid,International,Mean Green,Out of Wheels,Truck,United States,Utah,Volvo,Volvo Trucks,Wendover Airfield,World Record