The rapid transformation of Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) is highly evident at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Volvo Concept Coupé, which was revealed at a press conference today, showcases the capability of the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture – and the new, super-efficient four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains are now available in six Volvo models.
“We are creating a new product portfolio that blends a strong heritage with innovative technology and emotional design. Every core area is brought into a new dimension, also injecting more emotion into the rational properties that are the heart and soul of Volvo,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Group.
Paving the way for new XC90
Concept Coupé is the first in a series of three concept cars that demonstrate the new design direction of Volvo Cars. They are paving the way for the introduction of the all-new XC90 next year.
“The Volvo Concept Coupé show what you can expect from our new architecture: the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures. Even though the all-new XC90 is a different type of car, you will recognise the connection instantly,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group.
Launch of Drive-E powertrains
The first three engines from Volvo Cars’ new two-litre, four-cylinder Drive-E Powertrain family are launched during the autumn of 2013. Initially, the new S60, V60 and XC60 are available with three engines from the new engine family: the 306 hp petrol turbo T6, the 245 hp T5 and the turbo diesel D4 with 181 hp. The T5 and the D4 are also available in the new Volvo V70, XC70 and S80. To deliver the desired responsive, smooth and fuel-efficient drivability, the engines are teamed either with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox from Aisin or an enhanced six-speed manual, tuned for improved fuel economy.
Volvo Cars’ strategy is to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family, taking power figures up into V8 territory. The concept car in Frankfurt is equipped with Volvo Cars’ ingenious plug-in hybrid technology. A high-performance petrol engine teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle gives Volvo Concept Coupé a total output of about 400 hp and over 600 Nm of torque.
“Our successful V60 Plug-in Hybrid has already proved that the most efficient car can be one of the most fun to drive, and the pleasure is guilt free. And today we can confirm that the new XC90 also will come a plug-in hybrid at the top of the range,” said Lex Kerssemakers.
World-first i-ART
The high-performance petrol engine T6 is fitted with a supercharger and turbocharger combined, while i-ART delivers seemless and frugal diesel performance. Developed together with Volvo strategic partner Denso, i-ART features pressure feedback from each fuel injector. This ensures that the ideal amount of fuel is injected in each of the cylinders during each combustion cycle.
“Our four-cylinder engines offer higher performance than today’s six-cylinder units and lower fuel consumption than our current, already efficient four-cylinders,” said Lex Kerssemakers.
New features in 60-series
On top of the new Drive-E powertrains, Volvo Cars introduce new infotainment and safety features in the 60-series. Sensus Connect features a refreshed HMI with a number of innovative functions. Lane Keeping Aid, which helps the driver stay in the lane by applying extra steering torque to the steering column, and the parallel parking wizard Park Assist Pilot are now available in the S60 and V60.
