Volvo has found a way to make engine downsizing anything but boring as they managed to squeeze out an impressive 450-horsepower from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In what seems to be the most powerful version of the Drive-E engine lineup, such high output is possible through the usage of their Triple Boost Technology.
Getting 225-horsepower per liter, the High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept utilizes technology that is not common to a four-cylinder engine. The new engine uses two conventional turbochargers, assisted by a ‘turbo-compressor’ which is electrically powered. This triple-charging layout is further supplemented by a fuel pump working at 250 bar pressure.
The turbo-compressor will ‘spool up’ the two turbocharger units when the engine is running at low revs, reducing the turbo lag and off-boost performance. This triple boost installation and a unique fuel system allows a “very dynamic drivability without any turbo lag, compared to a mono-turbo”.
“When we launched the Drive-E powertrain family, our aim was to deliver the most advanced four-cylinder engines in the industry based on emissions and fuel consumption relative to performance and drivability,” said Volvo’s R&D chief Dr. Peter Martens.
“The result is a quite unique engine with high power yet quick response. Above all, its compact size improves weight distribution between the front and rear axle and lowers the centre of gravity – two factors that have a significant effect on the handling, whether it is a race car or a street car,” explained the race engine director at Volvo Polestar Racing, Mattias Evensson.
