Volvo Iron Knight sets a world record for the top speed in semi-trucks. The purpose-built truck finished a 500 metre run in 13.71 seconds and a 1 km run in 21.29 seconds, hitting a top speed of 171.5 mph.
The truck was driven by truck racer, Boije Ovebrink on an airplane runway in Sweden. As per FIA-sanctioned records regulations, Ovebrink completed two runs within an hour.
The Volvo Iron Knight weighs 10,000 pounds and is powered by a quad turbocharged 13.0L diesel engine which produces 2,400 hp and 4,425 lb-ft of torque. The extensive use of fiberglass in the body helps to regulate the air flow of the powerful machine.
The mid-mounted engine is coupled with a stock I-shift Dual clutch automated manual transmission which sends power to the rear wheels. The Volvo Iron Knight sprints from 0-62 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds. Volvo hopes that the record breaking semi will help to promote this new technology.
The previous speed record was also held by Volvo, which Ovebrink set in Volvo’s Mean Green hybrid in 2012. Competition is expected from Tesla – plans have been announced by the EV giant about a battery powered truck which will be a strong contender for breaking previous records.