Auto gearboxes added to Volvo’s DRIVe without mpg compromise
Volvo will enhance its fuel-friendly DRIVe range with the introduction of an automatic gearbox option for four models.
The Swedish manufacturer claims that DRIVe variants of the S60, V60, V70 and the S80 fitted with their Powershift dual-clutch automatic gearboxes can meet the same fuel economy of their manual counterparts.
“For the first time ever, we have managed to bring the fuel consumption in variants with an automatic gearbox down to the same level as in the manual versions. An impressive achievement by our powertrain experts,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at the Volvo Car Corporation.
So how does fuel economy and emissions sit with these automatic models?
S60 – 65.7mpg & 114g/km (£25,230 OTR)
V60 – 62.8mpg & 119g/km (£26,405)
V70 – 62.8mpg & 119g/km (£27,730)
S80 – 62.8mpg & 119g/km (£26,980)
The guys behind DRIVe’s production says these figures have been achieved by reducing friction between gearbox components, modifying the engine and gearbox software, introducing a start/stop system and optimising all electrical systems to use less energy.
“Keeping the CO2 emissions below 140 grams is essential since this is a level used by many fleet customers,” adds Peter.
“We have managed to do this in the T3 version through a number of small, significant improvements. We have also optimised the gearbox gearing for maximum fuel efficiency without losing the engine characteristics.”
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