Volvo B12M Chassis in Hong Kong In the early of 21st Century, the Volvo Bus Corporation developed a all-new B12M chassis in replacing the existing B10M chassis, which have been offered in the market. The Volvo B12M chassis with mid-mounted engine is based on Volvo's new product, the platform TX. The rigid frame specialized for long haul deluxe coaches. Together with the weight-optimized, precision-welded box-section structure made of stainless steel. The Volvo DH12C engine is horizontally installed in the middle of the frame. It is a electronically controlled in-line 6-cylinder 4-stroke diesel Turbo engine with direct fuel injection and intercooler. With a displacement of 12,100cc cylinder volume, the engine can produce maximum power output of 420bhp @ 1,800rpm. And the high-torque of 2000Nm can easily be performed at 1,200rpm. Connected with the Volvo 12-litre engine is the new Volvo G8-EGS manual gearbox. It provided the Easy-Gear-Shift electro-mechanical 8-Speed fully synchronized transmission. About the braking system, the foot-brake is with a S-cam design and full air-brakes with air-drier, separated circuits to front and rear wheels. Parking brake is pneumatically actuated spring-loaded acting directly on rear wheels. Actuated by pedal switch, the electro-pneumatically exhaust brake acted as the auxiliary braking system. Moreover, the Volvo Compact Retarder is being equipped in the manual transmission coaches. Including the Volvo's new electronically controlled disc brakes, ABS anti-locking brakes, ASR anti-slip regulation, the Volvo B12M provides the most safety travel in the road. The Volvo B12M chassis worked with the air-suspension system, while 2 air-bellows at front-axle and 4 air-bellows at rear-axle, that also featured with a kneeling function. The anti-roll bars mounted on both front and rear axles acted as the stabilizer of the chassis. Furthermore, there are 4 double acting hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers installed on each of the front and rear axles. The other standard equipments including 7pcs of Michelin Tubeless Tyres with 315/80R22.5 and also the 3x150-litre fuel tank. The first Volvo B12M Air Suspension Stainless Steel chassis had been delivered to Hong Kong in the last quarter of 2001. The all-new Volvo B12M Coach will be delivered in CBU-form in 2002. Model: Volvo B12M Engine: Volvo DH12C-420, Euro-III standard Cylinder capacity: 12,100cc Maximum power output: DIN-standard 420bhp @ 1,800rpm Maximum torque output: DIN-standard 200kgm @ 1,200rpm Gearbox: Volvo G8-EGS, Easy-Gear-Shift electro-mechanical 8-speed fully synchronized Chassis dimensions: 10,357mm (Length) / 2,471mm (Width) / 866mm (Frame Height)