If you've been reading the Volvo of Lisle blog lately, you have a pretty good idea of how quickly and drastically, Volvo Car Corporation is evolving to support their recently announced business plan aimed at taking a significant percentage of the luxury auto market. They're redefining everything - from their target audience to their global tagline to their future model lineup. The change, Volvo of Lisle wants to focus on today, however, has to do with technology.

All changes in Volvo technologies will be based on two in-house development strategies. First, the Mars-badged automaker will focus on creating scalable vehicle architecture. This will allow most all of their models, regardless of size and complexity of components, to be made on the same production line.

According to Volvo, the forthcoming Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) models will be 220.46 - 330.69 pounds lighter than currently available models of the same size. Another benefit of SPA is, of course, the ability to integrate EV technologies, across levels. And, let us not forget, it plays a significant role in fortifying the Volvo Car Corporation's active-safety core and supporting a new generation of in-car connectivity.

In addition to SAP,  Volvo plans to introduce a fresh collection of engines coined Volvo Environmental Architecture (VEA). The range is exclusively made up of unique four-cylinder, petrol and diesel, engines and will be complemented by the addition of an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

How are the engines in the VEA range unique?  They are four-cylinders that offer performance equal to, or better than, today's six-cylinders. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, Volvo explains, "It is time to stop counting cylinders. Focusing on four-cylinder engines is the perfect way to quickly reduce CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer expectations on driving pleasure and performance."¹

Later this year, Volvo plans to take its technology even further.  Specifically, they'll start testing the company's new Flywheel Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).

"We're now taking our technological future into our own hands," says Mertens, speaking on the Volvo's direction. "Both our new architects and the new engine range will enable us to be on par or even beat our toughest competitors in crucial areas such as driving dynamics and fuel efficiency."²

Stay tuned for more details on Volvo's technological developments, coming soon. Volvo of Lisle, located at 4375 LINCOLN Avenue Lisle, Illinois 60532, is dedicated to keeping you informed.

Source: ^1,2 https://www.media.volvocars.com/global/enhanced/en-gb/Media/Preview.aspx?mediaid=39887