oining its new focus on biofuel and hybrid technology, Volvo will be introducing a series of new fuel-saving and emissions reducing technologies in several of its models for the 2008 model year. The first of these will debut in the Volvo C30 Efficiency that will make an appearance at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The car will feature a 103hp (77kW) 1.6L turbodiesel engine and a series of modifications to improve aerodynamics and rolling resistance as well as introducing higher gearing to lift fuel consumption to 62.8mpg (4.5 l/100km) and cut CO2 emissions to less than 120g/km.

53554vol.jpgFollowing the release of the new Efficiency model, Volvo will introduce a new 2.0L turbodiesel motor mated to an automatic transmission with Powershift technology for the C30, S40 and V50 models. Powershift is Ford’s (Volvo’s parent) new dual-clutch transmission technology and works in the same way as Volkswagen’s brilliant DSG. Powershift is said to reduce fuel consumption by up to eight percent when compared with ordinary autos.

Other technologies being investigated by Volvo engineers include direct-injection for its petrol engines as well as other more advanced control methods of the air-fuel mix and valve timing.

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Volvo with a dual-clutch gearbox before BMW and Mercedes

Press Release
VOLVO’S GREEN THINKING DEVELOPS A LOW EMISSION C30 AND FUEL EFFICIENT POWERSHIFT TECHNOLOGY

• New Volvo C30 Efficiency model with sub-120g/km CO2 emissions
• New diesel automatic transmission with Powershift technology

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 efficiency1, Volvo has improved fuel consumption to 62.8mpg and reduced CO2 emissions to below 120g/km2.

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.

[Source: Volvo via WCF]

I knew there was a reason I liked Volvos besides their interiors and seats!

M