Frankfurt, 2011: Volvo Car Corporation's
technological future is based on two in-house developed strategies.
The first is a scalable vehicle architecture which, in principle,
means most Volvo models can be built on the same production line
irrespective of vehicle size and complexity. The second is a new
engine range consisting solely of four-cylinder petrol and diesel
engines.
The innovative programme also includes a new eight-speed
automatic transmission as well as testing of a new Flywheel KERS
(Kinetic Energy Recovery System) on public roads (later in
2011).
"We're now taking our technological future into our own hands.
Both our new architecture and the new engine range will enable us
to be on par or even beat our toughest competitors in crucial areas
such as driving dynamics and fuel efficiency," says Peter Mertens,
Senior Vice President Research and Development at the Volvo Car
Corporation.
Own Scalable Platform Architecture
The Volvo Car Corporation is promoting economies of scale within
the company's own model range via a separate architecture for most
of its products.
Within the new joint SPA (Scalable Platform Architecture) there
are several platforms, groups of cars that share the same basic
chassis structure, seat frame, electrical system and driveline.
These platforms are the basis for different vehicle clusters,
that is to say a number of complete car models. In today's model
range, for instance, the Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 form one
cluster.
It's all about developing a model range consisting of cars based
on the same joint modules and interfaces, scalable systems and
components, and built in a flexible production system.
"SPA gives us a fresh technological start. When the first SPA
model is launched in a few years' time, about 90 percent of its
components will be new and unique. What is more, we're raising the
bar when it comes to quality and technology level in every area. We
will be fully on a par with the very toughest competitors," says
Peter Mertens.
In addition to the industrial benefits of common vehicle
architecture there are also significant product related advantages:
weight, electrification, driving dynamics and design proportions .
Weight reduction of 100-150 kg
With SPA, the Volvo Car Corporation takes the lead in automotive
lightweight design. The highest degree of high strength steel
qualities in the industry to date is combined with the extensive
use of aluminium in the front structure, doors, chassis and
powertrain.
This means that upcoming SPA models will be 100-150kg lighter
than current models of the same size.
The new architecture enables electrification on all levels, from
start/stop technology to pure electric drive, without intruding on
interior space and load space.
New chassis technologies combined with lower weight and improved
weight distribution will make it possible to compete with the very
best when it comes to driving dynamics - without compromising ride
comfort.
The electrical architecture enables all future multimedia and
connectivity solutions - and it forms the backbone of the Volvo Car
Corporation's drive to reinforce its leading position in active
safety.
New proportions promote exciting design
Overall packaging efficiency has been improved to support more
attractive design proportions, while at the same time enabling
significant improvements in aerodynamic drag.
Design limitations as regards to wheelbase, overhang, vehicle
height and the height of the front are changed. This creates
greater freedom to give forthcoming Volvo models more exciting
lines.
"The proportions can give entirely different appearances even
though the components used are exactly the same. The comparison
between a donkey and a thoroughbred racehorse is an excellent
example: each has a head, a body and four legs. But they are
perceived entirely differently because of the proportions of their
individual body parts and between their body parts," explains Peter
Horbury, Vice President Design at the Volvo Car Corporation.
"For us the new architecture means we can sharpen our design
language still further, carving out just the right athletic and
dynamic aura that is so important to the most demanding prestige
car buyers. Concept You is an excellent example of this. It shows
what can be achieved with the new architecture."
Four-cylinder engines with the performance of today's
sixes
The new engine range, known as VEA (Volvo Environmental
Architecture), consists solely of four-cylinder engines which in
certain configurations will benefit from enhanced performance
through electrification or other spearhead technology.
"It is time to stop counting cylinders. Focusing on
four-cylinder engines is the perfect way to quickly reduce CO2
emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer
expectations on driving pleasure and performance," comments Peter
Mertens.
"We're aiming to develop four-cylinder engines with higher
performance than today's sixcylinder units, along with lower fuel
consumption than the current generation of four-cylinder
engines."
Reduction of parts, weight and fuel
consumption
VEA is a modular range of diesel and petrol engines. Diesel
common rail and petrol direct injection are standard. Several
levels of turbo charging open up for flexibility that encompasses
the whole range from high power and torque variants to
fuel-efficient derivatives. In order to cover all customer
requirements, certain engines will gain added performance via
hybrid drive or other spearhead technology.
The modular format is based on a standard of 500cc per
combustion chamber for optimum thermodynamics.
VEA offers several advantages: The number of unique parts is
reduced by 60 percent. This promotes manufacturing efficiency,
quality assurance and efficiency of new development projects. The
new powertrains are up to 90 kg lighter than the present ones. Fuel
economy is improved by up to 35 percent. Modularity and compact
transverse design are also ideal for future electrification
developments. The engines will meet all known emissions legislation
worldwide up to 2017.
"At present engine installation varies with each car model. With
this holistic solution tomorrow's technology development can focus
entirely on engine performance instead of diverting attention to
installation modifications. What is more, assembly in the factory
will be easier. The development costs are initially high but after
that they drop sharply," explains Peter Mertens.
With VEA, the Volvo Car Corporation also introduces a new
eight-speed automatic gearbox that gives the driver a refined drive
and excellent fuel economy.
First out with road tests of flywheel
technology
Later this autumn Volvo Car Corporation will become one of the
first carmakers in the world to test the potential of flywheel
drive on public roads.
Flywheel drive, also known as Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy
Recovery System), is fitted to the car's rear axle, while the
engine drives the front wheels. When the brakes are applied, the
resulting braking energy causes the flywheel to spin at up to
60,000 revs a minute.
Once the car starts moving again, the flywheel's rotation is
transferred to the rear wheels via a specially designed
transmission unit. With this arrangement the total power of the
engine and KERS is applied to all four wheels.
The energy stored in the flywheel can then accelerate the car or
be used to propel the vehicle once it reaches its cruising
speed.
"This system offers the driver an additional 60kW, giving a
four-cylinder engine the acceleration of a six. What's more, it has
potential for reducing fuel consumption by up to 20 percent.
Flywheel technology would be a suitable solution for our large cars
such as the Concept You sedan," says Peter Mertens.
For further information please contact:
Jaedene Hudson
Public Relations Manager
Volvo Car Australia
T: 02 9020 1613
M: 0412 259 635
E: jhudso60@volvocars.com