Next year is the slated Australian launch of Volvo's new 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol engine.
Called the GTDi, the new powerplant has just been introduced in Europe, China and Japan, fitted to S80, V70 and XC60 models.
With 149kW and 300Nm, the new engine is more powerful than Volvo's current 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit. The compact dimensions and excellent fuel consumption make the new 2.0-litre a more desirable engine.
Working in conjunction with Borg-Warner Turbo Systems, Volvo has developed a small capacity, large output turbocharger (called the K03) specifically for smaller energy-efficient engines. The turbo housing is integrated into the manifold like other systems, however the new manifold and housing are both made of lighter weight sheet steel instead of the casting used in previous engines.
Combined with side-mounted direct injectors and variable valve timing (VVT) for the twin overhead camshafts, this engine is all about maximum performance and clean emissions.
Drive is via a six-speed manual transmission or Volvo's automatic six-speed double-clutch Powershift Automatic.
A Volvo S80 fitted with the new 2.0-litre GTDi engine and Powershift automatic delivers fuel consumption of 8.3l/100kms.
'By combining direct injection and VVT with our new patented turbo system, we can offer an engine with low fuel consumption and low emissions, without having to compromise on performance or driving properties,' explained Magnus Jonsson, head of Product Development at Volvo Cars.
