Two new engines will be introduced by Volvo as it bids to slash fuel consumption and exhaust emissions in the region of 20 per cent.
The Swedish brand formerly owned by Ford and now owned by Geely will introduce new T3 and T4 engines. These include the 1.6 GTDi T3 with 150hp and the T4 with 180hp. The latter will deliver maximum torque of 240Nm from 1,600rpm all the way up to 5,000rpm.
According to Volvo estimates, the combination of direct injection with turbocharging and variable valve timing will deliver reductions in fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 20 per cent compared with a larger displacement conventional petrol engine. Magnus Jonsson, the senior vice president of product development at Volvo Cars, commented that the engines are part of a bid to get more energy from smaller engines.
Each engine will have a compact format and be made from die-cast aluminium which offers low weight and good heat-dissipation. Each injector has also been strategically positioned centrally above the piston which makes it possible to control fuel dosage precisely. The fuel is sprayed into the middle of the combustion chamber just prior to ignition.
Both variants will also feature a DRIVe button with fuel saving technology. The automatic version has a technology that disengages the gear if the driver releases the accelerator to reduce rolling resistance; while the manual version has a start/stop function which shuts off the engine when the car is standing still.
