Volvo is to offer fuel saving start/stop technology with its automatic gearboxes for the first time. The Swedish car maker, will from early September, make its six-speed automatic gearbox available with start/stop on D3 versions of four of its models; S60, V60, V70 and S80.
Initially available just with the D3 turbo diesel models, CO2 emissions are cut by 10g/km-translating into 0.4 litres less fuel consumption over 100km.
"Continuously reducing CO2 emissions from conventional powertrains is an important part of our DRIVe Towards Zero emissions. It is the most effective way to cut CO2 throughout our model range in the short term. This work is running parallel with our innovative focus on electrification technologies," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Corporation.
Adding start/stop technology to an automatic is more of a challenge than with manual versions, as the engine is require to start instantly when the driver moves his/her foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
In Volvo’s system, the start/stop is programmed to shut down the engine as soon as the car reaches a standstill. An electric pump keeps oil pressure up in the automatic gearbox while the engine is stopped. The system also includes an improved starter engine.
The two-litre D3 produces 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The five-cylinder 2-litre turbo diesel was introduced 2010 in the all-new Volvo S60. It is now available throughout Volvo Car Corporation’s model range.
On the S60, the start/stop with automatic gearbox offers emissions of just 142g/km CO2.
