Volvo enhancements announced

Volvo Car UK has announced a raft of new engines, safety and infotainment enhancements to a large number of models in the range, on top of the upcoming R-Design and DRIVe model line-up for 2011.

New four-cylinder GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) petrol engines have been rolled out across a wide range of Volvo models, available to order now. Both the T3 and T4 are available in the all-new S60 and all-new V60 while the T4 is available in the S80 and V70.

Two new versions of the 1.6-litre GTDi petrol unit are being introduced - a 150hp T3 and 180hp T4 variant, both delivering 240Nm torque for impressive in-gear acceleration yet frugal consumption.

T3 and T4 variants engines on Volvo S60 and V60 models feature a manual gearbox as standard and incorporate a new start/stop function - the first time start/stop has been fitted to a non-DRIVe car.

Powershift automatic transmission is available on the T4 fitted to the S60, V60, S80 and V70 models and includes a new function that disengages drive when the driver releases the accelerator and lets the car 'coast'. This reduces rolling resistance and helps cut fuel consumption.
The 2.0-litre GTDi T5 petrol engine features 240hp and a healthy 320 Nm torque and is now available in six-speed manual guise on the all-new S60 and V60, V70 and S80. Six-speed Powershift automatic transmission versions are available on those models as well as the XC60.

Paul Welander, acting senior vice president product development at Volvo Cars says, "We have succeeded in making a four-cylinder engine that is as powerful as a 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit - but much more energy-efficient. This is a welcome development both for the environment and for those customers who want high performance and good driveability. One of the most important explanations behind the result is our patented new turbo system which has been tailor-made for smaller, more energy-efficient engines."

From November 2010, the Volvo XC60 can be specified with the new Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake safety system, seen thus far only on the all-new S60 and V60. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake is a support function that helps the driver identify a pedestrian who is potentially putting themselves in danger ahead of the car and can, if the driver doesn't intervene, actively help avoid a collision.