Volvo C30 Efficiency Model Launched

Volvo has joined the "sub-120g/km CO2"-club with its C30 Efficiency, which it will premiere on September 11 in Frankfurt. So what's been modified this time? For starters, Volvo has made changes to the aerodynamics and the rolling resistance of the C30. Coupled with a higher gearing and an improved powertrain efficiency Volvo has improved fuel consumption of the 105 bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine to 62.8 mpg (57.6 mpg in the current C30). The aerodynamic modifications include a reduced chassis height, a new rear roof spoiler, a new rear bumper, underbody panels, optimised engine cooling and optimised 16-inch wheels.

The C30 Efficiency is Volvo's first model to obtain a B-band VED tax rating, and given that the proposed changes to the London Congestion Charge scheme go ahead in 2008, the C30 Efficiency will be exempt from the charge.

In 2008, Volvo will launch a new diesel Powershift transmission in its C30, S40 and V50 model ranges. As stated in Volvo's press release, "the Powershift gearbox consists of two clutches that work in parallel and, since there is no disruption in torque delivery during the gearchanging process, gearshifts are instantaneous and the fuel efficiency rating is higher, delivering improved fuel consumption compared to a standard automatic gearbox."

Press Release

VOLVO’S GREEN THINKING DEVELOPS A LOW EMISSION C30 AND FUEL EFFICIENT POWERSHIFT TECHNOLOGY

•     New Volvo C30 Efficiency model with sub-120g/km CO2 emissions

•     New diesel automatic transmission with Powershift technology

As well as a focus on biofuels and hybrid technology, Volvo is also making energy-efficiency improvements to conventional drive trains. This work has led to the development of two new innovations which will be introduced during 2008 – a low CO2 emitting Volvo C30 and a new diesel Powershift transmission for the Volvo C30, S40 and V50.

The new Volvo C30 Efficiency makes its global debut at the Frankfurt Motorshow on 11th September and is powered by a 105PS 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine.  By implementing a series of changes to the aerodynamics and rolling resistance as well as introducing higher gearing and improving powertrain efficiency1, Volvo has improved fuel consumption to 62.8mpg and reduced CO2 emissions to below 120g/km2.

The Volvo C30 Efficiency becomes Volvo’s first model to gain a B-band VED tax rating and will also be exempt from the London Congestion Charge, if the proposed changes to the scheme go ahead next year.

Early 2008 will also see the introduction of a new 2-litre turbodiesel (2.0D) automatic transmission with Powershift technology for the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 model ranges.  The Powershift gearbox consists of two clutches that work in parallel and, since there is no disruption in torque delivery during the gearchanging process, gearshifts are instantaneous and the fuel efficiency rating is higher, delivering improved fuel consumption compared to a standard automatic gearbox.

“We are firmly committed to lowering the fuel consumption of our conventional petrol and diesel engines. By doing this we will continuously reduce the overall CO2 emission level for our whole model range,” says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Cars.