Volvo has now started production of its new range of efficient four-cylinder engines; they are destined to feature across its model range later in the year.
Following a two-year research period, the new Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) engines are said to have more power than the current six-cylinder offerings, but with lower fuel consumption than the existing four-cylinder units. These claims mimic Volvo's goal of providing 'driving pleasure and fuel efficiency' with the new engine line-up. The new units also provide greater flexibility at the Volvo plant thanks to the absence of five- and six-cylinder production lines. A new factory has been built at the Skovde location in Sweden to build the engines, generating a €235 million investment to the area as well as long-term employment opportunities.
Up to 20,000 new engines are expected to be built by the end of the year, with production figures running at 2,000 units a week when at full capacity.
The four-cylinder engine range will be joined by an all-electric power source; and will replace the company's total of eight separate engine designs it currently uses. The first examples of the new powertrains will be found in the S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 by autumn.