Engine downsizing has been a very prominent trend in the last few years, with companies seeking to develop efficient, light-weight, compact engines for use in their road cars. The use of forced induction technology has allowed companies to use smaller displacements without compromising power output. Volvo in particular was known for their modular engine development in the last 2 decades, but they are seeking to go even smaller for their newer models.
Volvo Cars recently confirmed its production program to develop a lightweight 3-cylinder petrol engine. The engine, wholly developed in Sweden, will join the class-leading 4-cylinder Drive-E engines in displaying Volvo’s engineering prowess and commitment to efficient power.
“We have come a long way in the last few years at Volvo. Investments from our parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, have enabled us to recapture our position as a leader in the field of powertrain engineering. The development program for the new 3-cylinder engine is very advanced and we have already begun prototype testing of the unit,” says Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.
Volvo has a long history of developing its own unique 6, 5 and 4-cylinder engines and in-house expertise. The move to include a 3-cylinder in Volvo’s engine program is a natural next step in Volvo’s strategy of downsizing. The application of class-leading technology and analysis techniques enables more power and better fuel economy from smaller displacement internal combustion engines than ever before.
“We have learned a lot from the development of our 4-cylinder Drive-E engines and translated this into a highly responsive, compact and powerful premium-quality 3-cylinder engine. The engine is being developed primarily with our new CMA architecture in mind but will also provide power for our 60 Series cars thanks to Volvo’s advanced turbo technologies, while also meeting Euro 7 emission targets,” says Michael Fleiss, Vice President Powertrain at Volvo Car Group.
This move should also open up Volvo for developing smaller models to fill in at the more mass-market end of the segment- high volume sellers that will help to improve branding and image for the Swedish company.
