The engine that Volvo Car Corporation has chosen for the Volvo S60 Concept is a 1.6-litre four cylinder unit using high-efficiency GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) technology to produce 180 horsepower. This engine, in combination with a range of other technical measures, makes it possible to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 119 g/km and deliver fuel economy of 5.0 l/100 km.
In a conventional petrol engine, fuel is injected into the inlet manifold ahead of the inlet valves. With direct injection, however, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber under high pressure. This technology promotes better gas flow with optimised air/fuel mixture and greater resistance to uncontrolled combustion. The result is higher power and lower fuel consumption.
GTDi technology, combined with turbocharging, makes it possible to reduce engine displacement but maintain performance and achieve approximately 20 percent better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Volvo Cars' first production car with GTDi technology will be introduced during the second half of 2009. No decisions have been made regarding price or availability in Canada.
"GTDi technology is an important CO2-cutting technology for petrol engines," says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain at Volvo Cars. "In the S60 Concept we have also added a number of other developments that further reduce fuel consumption. Several of these features will make their way into our production models in the coming years."
Electric power steering, stratified combustion and other measures
In addition to GTDi technology, the Volvo S60 Concept integrates a number of technical advances to bring CO2 emissions down to 119 g/km.
The first is stratified combustion. The combustion chamber is designed such that a mist consisting of the optimal blend of air and fuel is formed around the spark plug, surrounded by pure air. This allows the engine to operate with a surplus of air, thus cutting fuel consumption.
The transmission includes a start/stop function to switch off the engine when the car is at a standstill and Powershift technology. With Powershift, two manual gearboxes work in parallel, each regulated by its own clutch. Since there is no interruption in torque delivery, gearchanges are nearly instantaneous, improving the engine's efficiency.
With Electric Power Assisted Steering, an electric motor linked directly to the steering system's gear rack has replaced the conventional hydraulic pump.
Through programming, the driver is given the option to switch the vehicle into DRIVe-Mode. Affecting the electrical and mechanical systems, including the air conditioner, cruise control and transmission, DRIVe-Mode reduces fuel consumption by engaging an "economy mode" that limits the systems' function.
For the exterior, a wind-deflecting panel in the grille can be closed to reduce air drag when there is less need for cool air, flat underbody panels improve air flow and the car's body is composed of lightweight materials.
The driver chooses
"Several of these solutions can deliver significant CO2 reductions in the future since they can be used throughout large sections of the model range," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars. "When it comes to ‘DRIVe-Mode', for instance, the driver can actively cut fuel consumption by reducing the function of certain comfort systems. The idea is that every owner can individually choose which systems he or she wants to limit."
Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to the 42 Volvo automobile retailers across the country. The company's product range includes the stylish and sporty C30, the elegant C70 hardtop convertible, the compact S40 sedan, the S60 sport sedan, the S80 flagship sedan and the versatile V50 and V70 wagon. For customers looking for a Volvo vehicle with all-road capability, the company offers the versatile XC70 and XC90. Volvo Canada is also expanding its line-up with the introduction of the new XC60, a crossover with the award-winning City Safety system on the standard equipment list.
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Media Web site: www.media.volvocars.com/ca
