Following the successful introduction of Volvo’s Drive-E Powertrain range in 2013, Volvo’s powertrain team once again demonstrates its technological leadership in emission-reducing turbo technology. This time, Volvo delivers a unique combination of performance and efficiency with the High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept – a triple boost 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with no less than 450 hp.
The engine utilises two parallel turbochargers, which are fed by an electrically powered turbo-compressor. The compressed air from this unit, rather than being fed to the cylinders, is instead used to spool up the two parallel turbochargers. Fuel is pumped in by a dual fuel pump working at 250 bar pressure. The triple boost installation, along with a unique fuel system enables a very dynamic drivability without any turbo lag, compared to a mono-turbo.
Speaking about the new engine, Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at Volvo Car Group said, “When we launched the Drive-E powertrain family, our aim was to deliver the most advanced 4-cylinder engines in the industry based on emissions and fuel consumption relative to performance and drivability. We knew that 320 hp in our petrol configuration was just a starting point. The 450 hp High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept demonstrates this ambition and the versatility of the Drive-E Powertrains.”
Michael Fleiss, Vice President of Powertrain Engineering at Volvo Car Group added, “There are several high power small size applications where one large turbo is used to create a high level of power available from other manufacturers, but the driving experience suffers due to slow engine response. We felt that with our heritage of being among the first car companies to embrace and offer a broad range of turbo technology since 1981, that we could improve this.”
Dr. Mertens further added, “It may sound odd, but this 450 hp powertrain concept is an important part of the Drive-E development program. Down-sizing must offer customers attractive and usable power for broad scale emissions reduction to work. Compact powertrains free up space and weight in the structure of the car, which can be used for electrification and even further emissions reduction. And that is our ultimate ambition.”
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