For immediate release
VOLVO S40: POWERPLANTS
New compact engines offer performance, drivability, safety
Volvo Car Corporation's new entry-level premium sedan, the Volvo S40, will be powered by a new generation of low-friction, 5-cylinder engines that are considerably lighter and more compact than other engines of the same displacement.
Volvo Cars of Canada will offer two versions of the new engine family when the S40 reaches Canada in the summer of 2004.
The standard engine is a 168-horsepower, 2.4-litre, normally aspirated version, producing 170 ft-lbs of torque. It will be mated to either a new 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic with Geartronic sequential shifting.
The high-performance Volvo S40 T5 will be powered by a sizzling 218 horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-litre engine putting out a satisfying 236 ft-lbs of torque. The T5 will be offered with either a 6-speed manual transmission developed for the S60 R and V70 R or a 5-speed automatic with Geartronic sequential shifting.
The all-wheel drive version of the Volvo S40 T5 will use the same type of electronically controlled coupling system as found on Volvo's larger AWD models.
Both engines are a further development of the low-friction engines that power larger Volvo models. The new generation is named RNC (C for Compact). Most of the engine's external components have been designed and packaged so that the engine installation takes exceptionally little space:
For instance, the exhaust manifold outlets are angled down toward the engine block, and the manifolds on the turbo engines are cast together with the turbo unit housing to reduce the exterior dimensions of the engine. In addition, the alternator, water pump and air conditioning compressor have been redesigned to take up less space.
Their compact size, light weight and transverse mounting architecture in the new S40, enhances the sedan's performance, drivability and crash safety. The smaller dimensions of the engines have left greater room for crumple zones and energy absorbing structures in the design.
The engines in the new Volvo S40 share technology with engines that power larger Volvo cars, including:
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Contact:
Doug Mepham
1 877 975 1572 office
416 727 4543 mobile
doug.mepham@bellnet.ca