The Engines in the Volvo car
A car is as good or bad as the designer makes it and how the user maintains it. Volvo makes both petrol and diesel vehicles that are known for performance, drivability and environmental efficiency.
Volvo designs cars for a transverse engine and front wheel drive. The design provides for ample room for deformation of the engine compartment in the event of a frontal crash, while giving the passenger spacious room. The large six cylinders and V8 engines are fitted in with creative intelligence and ingenuous technology. The V8 engine and the cylinders are placed at 60 degree angles and the left row is placed ahead of the right to provide room for the engine to fit into the body of the car. The engine is made of aluminum to optimize on weight and ensure fuel economy. The counter rotating balancer shaft is designed to synchronize with and contribute to the steady rhythm of the engine.
The V8 engine is a powerful one. It has a power output of 232kW(315 PS). The displacement is 4.4 liters and has a torque of 440Nm. All this contributes to the high speed performance that is demanded by driving enthusiasts. 370 Nm of torque is available at 2000 r/min for everyday driving. This engine is known to be the cleanest engine in the market. The four catalytic converters positioned close to the engine is an efficient engine management system. It enables quick start up and filtration and reduces exhaust fumes to the minimum. The Camshaft timing and variable intake system have also been designed to increase fuel efficiency.
Volvo has recently begun marketing its new high efficiency six cylinder inline engine. The dimensions of the engine are extremely compact. This engine is made of aluminum. The displacement is in the range of 3.2 liters and the power output is 175 kW (238 PS) with a torque of 320 Nm.
The advanced valve train and variable intake system on the inlet side of the engine ensures good performance, excellent delivery, flexibility and fuel efficiency. The intake valves can be lifted to two different heights in accordance with the engine speed and load. The throttle opening, engine revs and fuel consumption can be maintained at moderate levels, or full throttle, high engine revs and high speeds can be achieved instantaneously as the engine responds to the accelerator and provides thrust and power to the car. The Cam Profile Switching and the Variable Intake system, is what makes this possible and the whole leaves the user with the impression that he has two engines in one car! The focus of the company, it is clear, is on satisfying the customer who demands performance and the one who demands driving comfort and fuel efficiency.
This new six cylinder engine, like the V8 is matched with a six speed automatic Geartonic transmission that can handle the immense power of the engines and also provides the driver with the comfort of being able to change the gears manually.
A five cylinder petrol engine is also available for all new Volvo S80 cars. A light pressure turbocharger and a power output of 147 kW and 200 Nm torque makes it a very attractive option. The engine is compact and is made of very high quality steel designed to withstand high exhaust temperatures and to ensure effective combustion and low exhaust emissions.
The C70 D5 diesel engine unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in 2005 is very popular. The D5 is considered to be a desirable alternate to the T5model for those who consider driving comfort and fuel efficiency as their topmost priority.The D5 turbo diesel engine has five cylinders and comes in two versions. The first version has powerful engine, a 400 Nm torque and a wide rev range. The second version has a light pressure turbocharger and a power output of 132 kW and a 350200 Nm torque. The displacement is 2.4 liters. It has a new electronically controlled turbo charger, refined multi throttle injection technology and a powerful engine management system. The emissions are also minimal. The particle filter requires almost no maintenance and the sound levels are acceptable.
On the whole the Volvo provides the user with a wonderful driving comfort and experience!