Downsizing is, according to automakers, the only way for the petrol engine to meet the ever-tightening CO2 emissions regulations. Volvo announced that it’s currently developing a lightweight 3-cylinder that will join the 4-cylinders in the Drive-E engine family.

The new unit is wholly developed in Sweden and is designed to support different applications: “The engine is being developed primarily with our new CMA architecture in mind, but will also provide power for our 60 Series cars thanks to Volvo’s advanced turbo technologies, while also meeting Euro 7 emission targets”, said the company’s Vice President at Powertrains Michael Fleiss.

Dr. Peter Mertens, the Senior Vice President of the R&D department, commented that the development program of the new unit is advanced, to the point that Volvo is already testing prototypes.

The turbocharged 3-cylinder will be manufactured in the same production line as the 4-cylinders and will be available in a variety of performance levels, up to around 180hp.

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