Volvo Car Group will launch its highly anticipated VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) engine line-up later this year.
The new engines will incorporate their new i-ART technology, a world-first injection technology which will change diesel engines for the better; taking cutting-edge technology a step further.
The new i-ART system uses a pressure sensor for each cylinder, rather than just a single sensor on the common-rail. This makes it possible to constantly monitor and adapt the the amount of fuel injected per combustion cycle in each of the four cylinders. Yes, the new engines will be four-cylinder units but will produce power and torque figures comparable to, or even exceeding those of their five-cylinder predecessors and six-cylinder competitors.
Derek Crabb, Vice President of Powertrain Engineering at Volvo Car Group said, “Increasing the rail pressure to an exceptionally high 2,500 Bar, while adding the i-ART technology, can be described as the second step in the diesel revolution. It is a breakthrough comparable to when we invented the groundbreaking lambda sensor for the catalytic converter in 1976. It’s another world-first for Volvo.”
The result of this new technology, which sees the combination of i-ART and higher injection pressures, will be improved fuel economy, considerably reduced emissions and a higher output as well as powerful sound characteristics.
Volvo have stated that their new eight-speed automatic transmission will be launched later this year as well; contributing to a more refined drive and excellent fuel economy, while also delivering the agility, seamless performance and better response; something that many feel the six-speed Geartronic units fell short of. Volvo also confirmed that high pressure common-rail for diesel engines and direct injection for petrol engines will be standard across the range. They will also adopt several stages of turbocharging to open up new levels of flexibility across their engine line-up. To cover every customer requirement, certain engines will also be subjected to electrification for added performance and efficiency.
Derek Crabb also adds, “We will create smaller, more intelligent engines with so much power that they will turn V8s into dinosaurs. Our four-cylinder engines will offer higher performance than today’s six-cylinder units and lower fuel consumption than the current four-cylinder generation. On top of that, electrification will bring us up into power figures in today’s V8-territory.”
In the coming years, Volvo will introduce their all-new S40 sedan and XC90 seven-seater SUV, among other models. The move to the VEA line-up can only spell further success for them.
Meanwhile, Volvo Auto India have appointed Jeev Milkha Singh as their brand ambassador for the country. With the slew of exciting launches ahead, the company will indeed be hopeful that an association with India’s golfing icon will step up their desirability quotient.
