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As well as a focus on biofuels and hybrid
technology, Volvo is also making energy-efficiency improvements to
conventional drive trains. This work has led to the development of two
new innovations which will be introduced during 2008 – a low CO2
emitting Volvo C30 and a new diesel Powershift transmission for the
Volvo C30, S40 and V50.
The new Volvo C30 Efficiency makes its
global debut at the Frankfurt Motorshow on 11th September and is powered
by a 105PS 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine. By implementing a series of
changes to the aerodynamics and rolling resistance as well as
introducing higher gearing and improving powertrain efficiency, Volvo
has improved fuel consumption to 62.8mpg and reduced CO2
emissions to below 120g/km from 129/km.
The Volvo C30 Efficiency becomes
Volvo’s first model to gain a B-band VED tax rating and will also be
exempt from the London Congestion Charge, if the proposed changes to the
scheme go ahead next year.
Early 2008 will also see the
introduction of a new 2-litre turbodiesel (2.0D) automatic transmission
with Powershift technology for the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 model ranges.
The Powershift gearbox consists of two clutches that work in parallel
and, since there is no disruption in torque delivery during the
gearchanging process, gearshifts are instantaneous and the fuel
efficiency rating is higher, delivering improved fuel consumption
compared to a standard automatic gearbox.
“We are firmly committed to lowering
the fuel consumption of our conventional petrol and diesel engines. By
doing this we will continuously reduce the overall CO2
emission level for our whole model range,” says Magnus Jonsson, Senior
Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Cars. |
