Trends: Focus on Eco Performance

A one percent fuel savings here, another percent there, and it all adds to big improvement in a vehicle's miles-per-gallon. However, since today's cars are already quite efficient, further improvements are ever more difficult to achieve. That was the impetus for Volvo's new DRIVe technology, which meticulously analyzes a vehicle model's total potential for more efficient and economical driving. The approach is what Volvo terms a 'holistic approach to eco-performance.'

DRIVe technology, first unveiled on the Volvo C30 Efficiency concept car shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, will be available on the production diesel-powered C30, S40, and V50 models by the end of the year. The cars are optimized in four distinct areas: reduced air resistance or drag; lower rolling resistance; higher gearbox ratios; and a more efficient driveline. According to Volvo, DRIVe versions have impressive fuel economy, offering 53 mpg in the C30 and 52 mpg for the S40 and V50, and as high as 63 mpg on the highway. The bottom line is about an overall 10 percent improvement in fuel economy.

Drag was reduced by lowering the chassis height by about 10 mm while retaining the same comfort settings of the standard versions. Wind deflectors were added in front of the aerodynamically optimized 15 or 15-inch front wheels. Since airflow through the engine compartment adds substantially to overall drag, the DRIVe uses a covered radiator grille with a wind-deflecting pane behind the grille to improve aerodynamics here. The C30 features underbody panels for more efficient airflow, a unique rear spoiler, and a new rear bumper. The S40 and V50 use a new front spoiler.

Low rolling resistance Michelin tires, available for the 15 and 16 inch wheels, reduce fuel consumption by two percent. Changing to lower friction transmission oil achieves 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Altered ratios for third, fourth, and fifth gears provide further improvements. A gear change indicator in the information display prompts drivers to use the gearbox more efficiently. The 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine also features optimized engine cooling, engine management, and power steering. Like all new Volvo diesels, the DRIVe models are fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

Volvo Cars expects to sell over 20,000 1.6D DRIVe cars next year throughout Europe, with the greatest projected sales in France, Sweden, and Spain because of these countries' particularly favorable terms offered to buyers. Some form of subsidy is offered in the 13 European markets that have implemented a CO2-based vehicle taxation system. These include 'green grants' to the buyer, lower road tax, exemption from registration tax, or other incentives. Carbon dioxide emissions are an important indicator of vehicle efficiency with the current target being emissions less than 120 g CO2/km. The DRIVe models are rated at 115, 118, and 120 g/km for the C30, S40, and V50, respectively.