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| Volvo's I-Shift gearbox |
Volvo has introduced a wonderful new transmission for its range of buses and trucks. Currently, the I shift transmission is optional for the 9400 XL range but is standard on the 9400 PX range. The cost of this new transmission is a bit more as compared to the normal 6 speed transmission, but it is very fuel efficient and the maintenance costs are also less.
Having the right ratio for the right speed at the right time is what the I-Shift transmission is all about. It is a 12-speed manual gearbox with an automated gear changing. By continuously monitoring the road gradient, vehicle speed, acceleration, torque demanded by the particular road, weight, rolling and air resistance, the I-Shift can instantly predict and select the most appropriate ratio for efficient utilization of the engine. In short, it knows when and where a shift would be beneficial.
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| The gear stick |
Volvo I-Shift is available with a choice of several different gear-shifting programs, including a function that allows a choice between fully-automatic gear changes and manual gear selection featuring a performance program with kickdown function that utilizes the engine's capacity to the maximum. No clutch pedal is needed as the gear changing software senses the need for gear change in order to remain optimum performance.
The gearbox is compact and lightweight. Long oil-change intervals
mean low operating costs and less environmental imprint impact. If special oil
is used, oil and filter changes can take place as far apart as once every
400,000 km or every three years.
