Intent on publicizing the potential of its new family of efficient Drive-E 4-cylinder engines, Volvo unveiled a concept variant that features no fewer than three turbochargers. The setup includes two conventional units mounted in parallel and one electric-powered compressor using its high-pressure air to spin up the impellers in the others to virtually eliminate turbo lag. A joint project between Volvo Cars and suppliers AVL, Denso and the factory-blessed tuner, Polestar Racing, the engine employs a new Denso direct fuel injection system boasting a dual-pump setup to feed gasoline into the cylinders at a heady 3,626 psi.
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"When we launched the Drive-E powertrain family, our aim was to deliver the most advanced 4-cylinder engines in the industry based on emissions and fuel consumption relative to performance and drivability," said Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President for R&D at Volvo Car Group. "We knew that 320 horsepower in our petrol configuration was just a starting point. The 450-hp High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept, demonstrates this ambition and the versatility of the Drive-E Powertrains." Calling this one-off an important part of the Drive-E development program, Mertens points out the compact size and light weight could offer significant advantages when used in future conventional and plug-in hybrid Volvo models and also provide a way to further reduce overall emissions. "That is our ultimate ambition," he concluded.
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