Volvo S60 Concept drives itself in stop-start traffic

The engine that Volvo Cars has chosen for the Volvo S60 Concept is a four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol unit using high-efficiency GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) technology and producing 180 horsepower. In a conventional petrol engine, fuel is injected into the inlet manifold ahead of the inlet valves. With direct injection, however, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber under high pressure. The engine in combination with a range of other technical measures makes it possible to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 119g/km. Volvo Cars' first production car with GTDi technology will be introduced during the second half of 2009.

Bringing down CO2 emissions

In addition to GTDi technology, the Volvo S60 Concept uses the following technical features to bring CO2 emissions down to 119g/km:

Stratified combustion. The combustion chamber is designed such that a mist consisting of the optimal blend of air and fuel is formed around the spark plug, surrounded in turn by pure air. This allows the engine to operate with a surplus of air, thus cutting fuel consumption. Start/stop, a functionality that switches off the engine when the car is at a standstill. Powershift. Two manual gearboxes work in parallel, each regulated by its own clutch. EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering). In principle an ‘electric servo’ where the conventional hydraulic pump has been replaced by an electric motor. ‘DRIVe-Mode’. Gives the driver the possibility of reducing fuel consumption via an ‘economy mode’ that limits the function of a number of selected electrical or mechanical systems. Grille shutter. A wind-deflecting panel that can be closed to reduce air drag when there is less need for cooling air. Flat underbody panels. The use of lightweight materials in the car body.