Volvo have now displayed a triple-boost electric-supercharged twin-turbo four with 450 PS!
Called the High Performance Driv-E Powertrain Concept, the new engine uses a technology long-discussed and implemented only recently albeit in concept form. Still displacing 1,969cc, the engine now puts out 450 PS and a wallop of torque, the figure of which has not yet been disclosed, but we won’t be surprised to see something in the 550-600 Nm range. Furthermore, it promises to deliver the power without any lag.
The engine is the latest from the Driv-E family and features two litres of displacement, four cylinders in line, direct injection, one electric supercharger and two turbochargers in a compact package. The engine will be mated to the new 8-speed automatic transmission and, in all probability, all-wheel drive as well.
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 four-cylinder engines in the industry based on emissions and fuel consumption relative to performance and drivability. We knew that 320 horsepower in our petrol configuration was just a starting point. The 450 horsepower High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept, demonstrates this ambition and the versatility of the Drive-E Powertrains.”
If Volvo do put this engine into production, they will usurp the ‘most powerful four-cylinder engine’ throne which belonged (in order of appearance) to the 360-PS Mercedes-AMG 45, the 400-PS Volkswagen Golf R and the 420-PS Audi TT-S. The only other engine of that displacement and power output was one without cylinders: the 450-PS Mazda Furai.
We can’t wait to see which models’ engine bays get this motor plonked in. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Story: Jim Gorde
