Volvo Developing 3-cylinder Engine to Improve Fuel Economy

Volvo Cars is developing a lightweight 3-cylinder petrol engine

The engine is already undergoing prototype testing, says Dr. Peter Mertens, senior vice president of Research & Development for the Swedish-based company.

Volvo says the technology enables more power and better fuel economy from smaller displacement internal combustion engines.

VVolvo says its 3-cylinder prototype engine is undergoing testing. Source: VolvoVolvo says its 3-cylinder prototype engine is undergoing testing. Source: Volvo compact and powerful premium-quality 3-cylinder engine,” says Michael Fleiss, vice president Powertrain. The engine will also provide power for Volvo’s 60 Series cars while also meeting Euro 7 emission targets, he says.

The 3-cylinder engine can be built on the same production lines as Volvo’s 4-cylinder engine, offering flexible production. Volvo’s 4-cylinder Drive-E Powertrains were launched in 2013 and are used as the base of the carmaker’s plug-in hybrid powertrain.