Volvo Debuts New Diesel Engines

[BMWDave]

Volvo Debuts New Diesel Engines for the Europe Market


 

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By: Brad Nevin | Ford Communications Network


Volvo has unveiled a new generation of higher performance and lower emissions five-cylinder diesel engines for the European market only. For more information on Volvo around the world, visit words herevolvocars.com.
DEARBORN, Mich., May 11, 2005 -- Volvo recently unveiled a new generation of higher performance and lower emissions five-cylinder diesel engines for the European-only S60, V70, XC70, and XC90 models.
Volvo's diesel engines were first introduced in 2001, but these new versions have been extensively improved and refined to product more power, improved drivability and reduced emissions.

There are actually three versions of the new engines, all of which are turbocharged and share the same cylinder volume and common technology. The most powerful of the new diesels is called D5. It has 185 horsepower, up from 163 in the previous version and is available with all- or front-wheel drive.

The mid-range engine is called the 2.4D and has 163 horsepower, up from 130 in the previous engine. Lastly, the D engine has 126 horsepower, up from 116 in the previous model.

"We have improved nearly everything in the engine," said J?rgen Svensson, Chief Program Engineer. "The driver will perceive it as a lively petrol (gasoline) engine, only more powerful and more environmentally efficient."

The increase in performance can be attributed mainly to an upgraded air and exhaust gas exchange system, a new turbocharger, and an improved injection system. Most of the air and exhaust channels have increased volume and more gentle bends for more efficient gas-flow with low losses.

"We have also made the combustion chambers larger, thereby lowering compression," said Svensson. "By doing so, we have gained two things: higher performance and lower emissions."

The new-generation turbocharger also has electronic control, resulting in fast and precise control of the charge pressure. The turbo center housing is now water-cooled, which is unusual in diesel engines. This provides continued cooling of the turbo after the engine has been switched off -- a nice benefit during short stops after high-speed driving, such as when customers stop for gas during extended highway trips.

Volvo says the new diesels have lower emissions (emissions of nitrogen oxides, or NOx, have been halved) thanks to a number of new functions. A new-generation engine management system, with increased capacity and a greater number of sensors offers more accurate control of the engine's functions. This includes electronic control of the throttle and the new, more powerful EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve for more precise regulation of the air supply and recirculation of exhaust gases. "We also have a completely new EGR cooler," said Svensson. ?This lowers the combustion temperature very efficiently, thereby reducing emissions."

In addition to the new diesel engines, Volvo announced that an improved AWD system with Instant Traction, which was recently introduced on the Volvo XC90 V8, can now be combined with other engines. The system will be available for four-wheel driven Volvo S60, S80, V70 and XC70s. Instant Traction makes starting easier on slippery surfaces by immediately distributing the right amount of power to the rear wheels the instant the car starts to move.

"The D5 engine with a six-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive is a nearly unbeatable combination,? said Svensson. "It offers enormous driving pleasure while also providing power and low-rpm capacity for the most demanding uses."

Should Volvo be offering these diesels in America?

[Why?]

Um, did they forget to mention tourque numbers, the only reason to buy a deisel?

And no, they shouldn't come here yet, unless the can miraculously meet the new standards that the government has set for them for 2006.

It is funny how the USA has tougher standards on tailpipe emissions than Europe. Most people prolly think it is the other way.