New triple turbo engine signals more hot Volvos on the way

The hot Volvo could be about to return with a bang, powered by an advanced new 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that the manufacturer claims will deliver "no less than 450bhp".

Exact figures have yet to be revealed but if the High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept achieves anything close to its phenomenal claimed specific output of around 225bhp per litre, it will surpass the most efficient performance engines in the world.

The High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept arrives as a development on Volvo’s four-cylinder Drive-E petrol powertrain which has already filtered out across Volvo’s production car range.

The Drive-E family of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines is notable for its use of advanced turbo technology and the High Performance Drive-E Concept takes this to a new level. The engine features two parallel turbochargers which are fed by a third electrically-powered turbo. The compressed air from this third feeder turbo isn’t sent to the cylinders but is instead used to spool up the other two turbos, reducing turbo lag.

Fuel is supplied to the cylinders via a high-tech fuel pump at an ultra-high pressure of 250 bar and together with the pressurised airflow from the parallel turbos, this produces an extremely high power density in the cylinders.

Volvo says that the result of the unique configuration of its High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept is not only remarkable power outputs from a small capacity engine but also sharp engine responses and reduced weight, attributives that are just as important in a performance engine. The compact size of the engine also leaves space for hybrid tech to further boost efficiency.

Speaking about the High Performance Drive-E concept, Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at Volvo Car Group, said:

“When we launched the Drive-E powertrain family, our aim was to deliver the most advanced 4-cylinder engines in the industry based on emissions and fuel consumption relative to performance and drivability.

"We knew that 320bhp in our petrol configuration was just a starting point. The 450bhp High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept demonstrates this ambition and the versatility of the Drive-E Powertrains.”

Volvo has yet to release details of possible production car applications for its 450bhp triple turbo engine but an engine of this potency and compact size has potential to be used across the range from V40 family hatch to the new XC90 SUV. A new breed of high performance triple turbo Volvo carrying Polestar or R badges is a mouthwatering prospect for car fans, watch this space for more details as they emerge.

What do you think of Volvo’s new triple turbo engine tech? Let us know in the comments section below.