Volvo launches new engines

Volvo is set to launch two new four-cylinder engines – T3 and T4 – that will feature the very latest direct injection technology.

The engines – called the GTDi, standing for Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection – both are petrol units.

They have been developed to offer improved fuel consumption without compromising on performance.

The 1.6 GTDi T3 has 148bhp while the T4 offers 177bhp. Both will be offered in the all-new Volvo S60 and V60 later this year.

The 177bhp T4 engine delivers maximum torque of 177lb ft from 1600rpm to 5000rpm. An automatic on-demand overboost function can boost the torque further to 199lb ft. The 148bhp T3 engine also offers up to 177lb ft of torque.

The new GTDi engines have a compact format and are made entirely from die-cast aluminium, offering low weight and good heat-dissipation capability. A plastic inlet manifold helps minimise weight.

“Small, high-performance GTDi engines are a part of our bid to get more energy out of smaller engines,” said Magnus Jonsson, senior vice-president of product development at Volvo.

“We estimate reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions in the region of 20 per cent compared with a conventional engine with larger displacement and similar performance.”

The 1.6 GTDi T3 and T4 engines are available with a six-speed manual gearbox, and Volvo's automatic six-speed Powershift transmission is an option on the T4.

Volvo says it currently has no plans to introduce the GTDi on other models at this stage.See all the latest Volvo reviews, news and video