Volvo plans new smaller engines separate from Ford

The new engine philosophy, as with most manufacturers these days, will be all about downsizing. Volvo will introduce a number of all-new four-cylinder petrol and diesel engine options developed under a new Volvo Environmental Architecture (VEA) scheme. The engines will showcase advances in fuel economy and emissions, including high performance direct-injection petrol versions and common-rail diesel variants.

Volvo says to expect fuel consumption reductions of up to 35 per cent compared with the current crop of Volvo vehicles. Hybrid versions are also being planned, using regenerative flywheel technology which could provide up to 60kW of additional power, while also reducing fuel consumption by a further 20 per cent.

Volvo will take on a new lightweight approach with the technologies and says its new range of engines will be up to 90kg lighter than the current six-cylinder variants. The SPA platforms will also provide weight savings of up to 150kg over current models. The lightweight nature will not only contribute to higher performance but also to lowering the fuel consumption and emissions averages across the range.

Volvo is planning to unveil, to a certain degree, these new technologies at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show next Tuesday. Stay tuned for more details in the next week.