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Tiff Needell races a Koenigsegg One:1 against a Volvo lorry

In a promotional video for Volvo Trucks called ‘Volvo Trucks vs Koenigsegg’, Fifth Gear presenter and former Formula One driver Tiff Needell used the Volvo FH to take on a Koenigsegg One:1 . 

Considering the Koenigsegg One:1 ranks as one of the world’s fastest cars and can go from 0-400kph in under 20 seconds, many people will wonder why Volvo called for such a challenge.  

The answer is that the Volvo FH features a new I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox, which is based upon technology used in sports cars. Therefore Volvo believed a race against the Koenigsegg would be the best way to test the truck’s sporting credentials.

The two highly impressive vehicles did battle on Knutstorp race circuit in southern Sweden, home to the Swedish Touring Car Championship and renowned for its sharp turns and hills. 

In the interest of fairness, there was a handicap in the Volvo’s favour – the truck had to drive just one lap and the Koenigsegg was expected to complete two. When remembering the sports car boasts 1,360 horsepower whilst weighing 1,360 kilogrammes, the decision to include such a stipulation is totally understandable. 

The race is an entertaining spectacle and certainly not one to be missed by petrolheads. We won’t spoil the result for you. Check it out below.

Per Nilsson, the PR Director at Volvo Trucks said: “Matching a Volvo FH against Koenigsegg One:1 was a great challenge, to see if our new gearbox delivers what it promises in terms of driveability.” 

Tiff Needell was also full of praise for the Volvo: “I-Shift Dual Clutch is absolutely incredible. It is particularly noticeable on slopes, the truck does not hold back – it just flows smoothly, without the gear changes being felt. When you brake, it switches down very softly and comfortably. The truck definitely has the heart of a sports car.”  

Speaking on the race Needell had this to say: “Being a racing driver, you’re never afraid. You are always confident in your machinery. I was a bit apprehensive about driving a truck on a racetrack, since I’d never done it before. However, after I had driven it for a while I began to have full confidence in the Volvo.” 

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