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The
Volvo S80 range has been rationalized with the addition of a turbo-charged
5-cylinder variant, the 2.4T with light pressure turbo, to replace the
normally aspirated 2.9 litre six-cylinder model.
 The
discontinuation of the S80 2.9 in the South African line-up of this large
Volvo range and replacement with the 2.4T with light pressure turbo, is to
offer more driving pleasure and enjoyment and to compensate for the 18%
power loss of normally aspirated engines at altitude. South Africa is characterized
by long distance traveling and its major motoring market is at high
altitude, and according to Volvo it is here where the S80 2.4T’s
5-cylinder light pressure turbo will significantly outperform the 2.9
litre engine in the S80 2.9.
Volvo Cars is positioning the 2.4T between the top of range S60 T5 Auto
and the flagship S80 T6 (all with a 5 year or 100 000 km Volvo Maintenance
Plan as standard) and believes it will offer an alternative for people
seeking to drive the safest car in the world combined with smooth
performance, luxury and comfort.
 Volvo
describes the 2.4T as a car offering quick response, generous amounts of
power and torque in an engine that is both quiet and smooth and which
result in good fuel economy.
A decisive component in Volvo's engine philosophy is to offer a wide
performance range, which is achieved by turbo charging. In this context,
in-line engines offer another decisive customer benefit compared with
V-engines. Volvo normally calls this philosophy SLIM - Strong, Light,
In-line, Multi-valve engines – and it offers customers a great many
benefits.
These transverse, in-line engines are now fitted in every Volvo car, from
the 4-cylinder engines in the Volvo S40 and V40, to the 5-cylinder
versions in the Volvo S60, V70 and C70 and the 5- and 6-cylinder engine
concepts in the Volvo S80.
The five-cylinder 2.4T engine is installed transversely. In order to
retain the excellent maneuverability, stability and balance which has
become the hallmark of front-wheel drive Volvos, the engineers invented
several design solutions to make it work, not least the very compact
transmissions.
The unit in the S80 2.4T develops 147 kW at 6000 rpm and 285 Nm of torque
between 1800 and 5000 rpm. Fuel consumption according to the EU combined
cycle is 10.1 litres for the automatic version.
The engine feature double overhead camshafts - Continuously Variable Valve
Timing (CVVT) - in order to optimize combustion and improve emission
levels. CVVT is based on the principle, using the engine's oil flow, that
the engine changes the position of the camshafts in relation to the valves
by means of a hydraulic control valve and improves the overall
characteristics of the engine by improving driving characteristics and
reducing emissions.
The Volvo S80 was the first passenger car to receive the highest rating
(five stars driver, five stars rear passenger) in the American National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration's SINCAP (side impact) ratings
program. One of the objectives when originally designing the Volvo S80 was
to further to strengthen Volvo's position as the world leader in the field
of passenger protection. This aim has been realised. Using technology such
as WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain), Volvo
has consolidated its position as a world leader
in the field of automotive safety.
The S80 is equipped with sophisticated technology that helps the driver to
drive safely on roads of all types in weather conditions of every type.
The active chassis systems, STC (Stability and Traction Control) and
DTSC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control), increase the level of
safety in difficult road conditions. Full use of the braking system is
always possible as a result of Electronic Brake Force Distribution, EBD.
One of the most important technical features in the S80 is the advanced
and trend-setting electrical system, Multiplex, with 18 computers fitted
in different parts of the car to monitor and control all aspects of the
car’s safety and performance.
As
is to be expected in a flagship model, the S80 2.4T has a full complement
of luxury features – powered everything, climate controlled air
conditioning and a roomy interior and luggage space to challenge the best
in this market segment. |
