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New Volvo S60 - Copyright Volvo

Volvo expands its range of plug-in hybrid drives

Automobile manufacturer Volvo offers improved and newly developed plug-in drives in the complete model range for the future. At least one plug-in hybrid drive is planned in each model. These include the revised T8 twin drives and the T6 twin engine engines. According to the manufacturer, the mild hybrid versions will also initially find their way into the larger SUVs of the Volvo XC90 and Volvo XC60 model series with diesel engines, followed by the petrol version later.

Volvo Car was originally a strong core brand of the Swedish Volvo Group. With the sale of the brand in 1999 to the Ford Motor Company and in 2010 to the Chinese vehicle group Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. the eventful history begins in the new millennium. From 2019 onwards, the promise for the future was to only bring new models to the road in which an electric motor at least supplements or completely supplements the combustion engine. After the large-scale announcement of the farewell to the diesel engine in 2017, diesel engines will only be converted once as a mild hybrid version.

The advantage of the mild hybrid models is a braking energy recovery system that extends the combustion engines of the Drive-E family with an additional electrified drive option. The system converts kinetic energy into electrical energy when braking and releases it again when accelerating. In future, the new mild hybrids will also be recognizable on the tailgate using a new nomenclature (B). According to Volvo, the new drive train with brake-by-wire system should bring the driver up to 15 percent fuel savings and CO2 reductions under real driving conditions.

Demand for Volvo's plug-in hybrids has an impact on manufacturing capacity. Up to 25% of the total production can be attributed to the twin engine drives. It is planned that the mild hybrid versions will become the standard. Volvo apparently also counts the mild hybrid in its “electrification strategy”, but this means that combustion engines will continue to be the standard drive system in the years to come.

The electro-hydraulic brake-by-wire system and new batteries are provided for the larger T8 Twin Engine in the models of the 60s and 90s series. The smaller T6 Twin Engine will also be combined with the new battery and brake-by-wire technology in the future.

The impression remains of a gradual restructuring, at the end of which the market decides the speed of the transformation process. In this respect, the departure from the diesel engine announced in 2017 remains a calculated announcement to customers and competitors to be prepared for market changes in the sense of “Hey, we're up to date”.

Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered - Copyright Volvo

Volvo Polestar Engineered versions of the 60 series

The Volvo V60 sports suit and the Volvo XC60 premium SUV with T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid drive can now be ordered as "Polestar Engineered" versions. The drive was developed by the electrified high-performance brand Polestar, it includes the performance label, a performance optimization for engine control, transmission, chassis and brakes as well as a sporty look including wheels.

The plug-in hybrid drive is given a power boost in the sporty top models: its system output increases by 10 kW (15 PS) to 298 kW (405 PS), the torque climbs to 670 Nm - an increase of 30 Nm. However, the software not only increases power and torque, it also improves the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal and transmission. In connection with the newly developed Polestar Engineered chassis, handling and driving pleasure are guaranteed, according to Volvo. The multi-link suspension from Polestar Engineered on the front and rear axles has Öhlins shock absorbers with dual-flow valves. They increase the stiffness of springs and dampers without compromising comfort. A 19-inch (Volvo V60) or 20-inch (Volvo XC60) brake system with 6-piston brake calipers from Brembo (Volvo V60) or Akebono (Volvo XC60) and ventilated disc brakes ensures optimum deceleration. The brake pads have increased heat resistance, while the slotted design of the brake discs is intended to further improve heat dissipation.

Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered - Copyright Volvo
Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered - Copyright Volvo

The sporty look continues in the interior: leather-textile sports seats, aluminum pedals and a heated sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifters on board are special features. The golden seat belts are a particular eye-catcher. But comfort is not neglected either: A parking heater ensures a pleasant climate right from the start, while the High Performance Sound Pro audio system from Harman / Kardon with 600 watts of power, 14 loudspeakers, Fresh Air ™ subwoofer and Dirac Unison ™ sound optimization provides the best sound supplies. The smartphone can also be integrated into the vehicle via Sensus Connect, and it can be operated either by voice command or intuitively via a nine-inch touchscreen in tablet format.

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Article from the green car magazine.

Sources and cover picture: New Volvo S60 - Copyright Volvo

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