Volvo Trucks to launch I-Shift Dual Clutch

Truck manufacturer first to introduce new and unique dual-clutch gearbox for heavy vehicles

VOLVO Trucks are about to launch I-Shift Dual Clutch – the first automated transmission for heavy vehicles with a dual clutch system. Thanks to power-shift gear changes torque is maintained without any interruption in power delivery and, as a consequence, the truck does not lose any speed during gear changes. For the driver, the result is more comfortable and efficient progress on the road.

‘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,’ said 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.

‘When driving it feels like you have access to two gearboxes. When one gear is selected in one gearbox, the next gear is already prepared in the other. With dual clutches, gear changes take place without any interruption in power delivery. As a result, engine torque is maintained and driving comfort is significantly improved,’ explained Astrid Drewsen, product manager for drivelines at Volvo Trucks.

Transmissions with dual clutches are already used in cars, but Volvo Trucks will the first manufacturer in the world to offer a similar solution for series-produced heavy vehicles when it is made 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,’ said Astrid Drewsen.

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 roundabouts and traffic lights. I-Shift Dual Clutch also makes a big difference with tanker operations, since the seamless gear changes means less movement in the cargo itself.

Another major advantage of 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.

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