When it launched its new S80 luxury sedan in 2006, Volvo introduced an ultra-compact and efficient 3.2-L inline six-cylinder engine. With characteristic dedication to safety and functionality, Volvo engineered the 16 to fit transversely into the engine compartment, noting that a transverse configuration helps reduce the risk of engine penetration into the passenger compartment in the event of an impact, and also conserves body length to facilitate a roomier, more comfortable passenger
compartment. “Our objective was to reduce engine size, improve performance, and enhance occupant safety,” stated Lief Settergren, S80 Product Manager, Volvo Cars of North America.
Volvo S80 Gasoline Turbo I6
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Scribbled on February 13th 2009 in
News,
Volvo,
Volvo S80
The S80 also boasts of three firsts for passenger cars. The first was the use of a built-in, fully integrated GSM phone, complete with both a hands free function and a lift-up hand-set. The second was the fitment of the straight six engine in a transverse mounting. Volvo claims to be the first manufacturer to succeed in mass producing this configuration. No existing manual gearbox would fit in the engine bay with the six cylinder engine, so Volvo had to develop their own, claimed to be the world’s smallest manual gearbox, the M65. The previous record holder was also a Volvo gearbox, the M56 developed to fit the wide 5 cylinder transverse engine first used in the 850 series cars. Thirdly, the S80 was the world’s first car with an environmental specification, covering aspects such as those directly relating to the car such as allergens from textiles and fuel economy and the life cycle of the car from production to dismantling. Click here to read more.. »
Scribbled on March 8th 2008 in
Volvo,
Volvo S80
