Volvo: Latest Three-Cylinder Engine Has 180 Horsepower

The world of rising EPA estimates for better fuel economy has lowered cylinder counts while adding turbo for better general efficiency.  Volvo is taking a step into the world of three-cylinder engines, where they can provide great four-cylinder power, with lower overall emissions and even greater fuel economy.

More from Art of Gears

• 3 Reasons the 2024 Mazda CX-50 Is Among the Best Small SUVs
• The Jeep Renegade Is Discontinued: Here’s a Look at Its Legacy
• 2023 Nissan Armada: A Decent Full Size SUV With 1 Glaring Issue
• Best Minivans: 3 Options for Families With Solid Performance
• Here’s Why the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Is So Popular

Volvo has a long history of developing its own unique 6, 5 and 4-cylinder engines and in-house expertise. The move to include a 3-cylinder in Volvo’s engine program is a natural next step in Volvo’s strategy of downsizing. The application of class-leading technology and analysis techniques enables more power and better fuel economy from smaller displacement internal combustion engines than ever before.

"“We have learned a lot from the development of our 4-cylinder Drive-E engines and translated this into a highly responsive, compact and powerful premium-quality 3-cylinder engine.  The engine is being developed primarily with our new CMA architecture in mind but will also provide power for our 60 Series cars thanks to Volvo’s advanced turbo technologies, while also meeting Euro 7 emission targets,” says Michael Fleiss, Vice President Powertrain at Volvo Car Group."

The latest 1.0 Ecoboost engine from Ford gives a hint at what the engine potential can be.  The 1.0 liter produces 123 horsepower and 148lb.-ft. of torque, with EPA rated gas mileage of 31 miles per gallon for the city, and 43 miles per gallon on the highway.  Once available in the U.K., this engine is available for the U.S. through the SE Ecoboost Fuel Economy package.

Volvo went the extra step adding 57 more horsepower to the three-cylinder design.  It can also be built on the same tooling as the other Volvo four-cylinder engines.  This allows Volvo to downsize the engine, while taking all of the advantages of fuel economy, reduced weight, and better packaging for weight balance.

We’re anxious to see what fuel economy ratings the little engine can output as well.

[2014. Volvo. Volvo Car Group Already Testing Its New Three-Cylinder Engine. [Press Release] via http://www.newspressusa.com/public/ViewPressRelease.aspx?pr=43937&pr_ref=4552]