Volvo's engineers have just created what many have said was impossible: a 450hp 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. This new supercharged engine concept is being added to the new Drive-E petrol engine powertrain family, which has produced some of Volvo's best engine numbers in recent memory.
"When we launched the Drive-E powertrain family, our aim was to deliver the most advanced four-cylinder engines in the industry," Volvo R&D chief Peter Mertens said. "The 450-hp high-performance Drive-E powertrain concept demonstrates this ambition and the versatility of the Drive-E powertrains."
How did they do it? Well they paired the standard Drive-E engine with a Triple Boost Technology system that utilizes two parallel turbochargers and an electrically powered turbo-compressor. Compressed air is then fed to the two turbochargers instead of to the cylinders, which feeds the fuel through a dual fuel pump. This power density, unique fuel system and triple boost system is what enables the new engine to produce its unheard of power, while also making the car extremely flexible and fun to drive. And it's the superb handling that this newest Drive-E concept engine offers to both racers and street cars that has Volvo enthusiast very excited.
"Above all, its compact size improves weight distribution between the front and rear axle and lowers the center of gravity - two factors that have a significant effect on the handling, whether it is a race car or a street car," said Mattias Evensson, Race Engine Director at Volvo Polestar Racing.
There is no word yet on when we might see this engine powering our current line of Volvos. Ideally, we hope to see this high-performance engine in either the Volvo XC90 or the Volvo S80 in Dallas, as an extra-boost of power would pair nicely with their already fantastic automatic transmissions and sport-tuned suspensions.
We'll keep you updated on when this new engine makes its way to Volvo of Dallas. In the meantime, stop by our brand-new showroom in Plano and test drive our excellent selection of 2015 Volvos in Dallas.
