Volvo will showcase new technologies and concepts at September’s Frankfurt motor show, the automaker said on Monday.
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Its new low-CO2 model, the C30 Efficiency, will make its debut at the show along with more Flexifuel models. Volvo also said it would reveal its future hybrid plans and new safety technology.
As well as a focus on biofuels and hybrid technology, the Swedish automaker – which Ford may or may not soon sell – is also making energy-efficiency improvements to conventional drivetrains.
This has led to two new innovations for introduction next year – a low CO2-emitting C30 hatchback and a new diesel ‘Powershift’ transmission for the C30, S40 and V50 model lines.
The C30 Efficiency has a 105PS 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine. Changes to the aerodynamics and rolling resistance as well as introducing higher gearing and improving powertrain efficiency have improved fuel consumption to 62.8mpg (EC combined test cycle) and reduced CO2 emissions to below the 120g/km mark the EC has proposed as a fleet-wide average.
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By GlobalDataThe new model has a reduced chassis height, new rear roof spoiler and rear bumper, underbody panels, optimised engine cooling and optimised 16-inch wheels. Its unique gearbox has revised higher gearing in third, fourth and fifth gears. Low friction tyres and transmission oil have been used and the steering servo assistance and engine management have been optimised.
For comparison, the current C30 1.6D has an ‘official’ combined fuel consumption of 57.6mpg and emits 129g/km of CO2.
Similarly to the new version of the diesel Audi A3 covered elsewhere on just-auto today, the C30 Efficiency becomes the Swedish automaker’s first model to gain a B-band VED tax rating (GBP35 a year vs GBP115 for the next band up) here in the UK and will also be exempt from the London congestion charge, if the proposed CO2-emissions-based changes to the scheme go ahead next year.
Early 2008 will also see the introduction of new two-litre turbodiesel-powered automatic transmission models with Powershift technology in the C30, S40 and V50 ranges.
The Powershift gearbox is similar to the BorgWarner unit pioneered in various Volkswagen Group models with its two clutches that work in parallel. Since there is no disruption in torque delivery during the gear change process, shifts are instantaneous and the fuel efficiency rating is higher, delivering improved fuel consumption compared to a standard automatic gearbox, Volvo said.
“We are firmly committed to lowering the fuel consumption of our conventional petrol and diesel engines. By doing this we will continuously reduce the overall CO2 emission level for our whole model range,” said Volvo Cars senior vice president research and development Magnus Jonsson.
