Volvo has launched fuel-saving start/stop technology with its six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
The new technology also cuts exhaust emissions by up to eight per cent.
In Europe, Volvo is rolling out the start/stop automatic transmission in S60, V60, V70 and S80 models.
Volvo’s system measures brake pressure to trigger the stopping of the engine as soon as the car is stationary. An electric pump maintains oil pressure in the transmission while the car is stopped.
Acceleration is then normal.
“We have focused on achieving the same response as you get with today’s conventional automatic gearbox. The action is so seamless that it feels like the car starts accelerating immediately when the engine restarts,” revealed Peter Mertens, Volvo Car’s R&D President.
Volvo is continuing to develop technologies to reduce C02 emissions from conventional powertrains as this is the best short-term action. The company is simultaneously working on electrification technologies.
