2012 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept news, pictures, and information

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept - a unique blend of gasoline and electric power

The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

• In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The operational range is up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, Ú.S certification driving cycle) wîth zero tailpipe emissions in urban traffic. The range according to the European certification driving cycle NEDC is 45 km.

• Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The gasoline engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure wîth minimum environmental impact. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO2 emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) - which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg. Úsing the Ú.S certification standards, which include emissions from the production of the electric energy, the combined fuel economy in continuous driving is 50 mpg. The car has a total operating range of up to 600 miles (960 km).

• In Power mode, the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The gasoline engine wîth 280 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.) is combined wîth the electric motor wîth 70 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.). The electric motor's instant torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds).

Four cylinders wîth the same power as a six-cylinder unit

The front wheels of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept are powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine from the forthcoming VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine family. This engine produces 280 horsepower and maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.). Power delivery to the wheels comes via a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

'In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept we demonstrate that our forthcoming four-cylinder engines offer the same high performance as today's sixes. At the same time, their fuel consumption will be lower than in current four-cylinder engines,' says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

The concept car carries a 'T8' badge, which emphasizes the combined 350 horsepower of the high-performance four-cylinder engine and the electric motor. This moves the car into territory previously occupied solely by eight-cylinder engines.

'It's time to stop counting cylinders,' Peter Mertens says. 'Four-cylinder engines are the most effective way to quickly reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer expectations when it comes to driving pleasure and performance.'

Reduction of parts, weight and fuel consumption

VEA is a modular range of diesel and gasoline engines. The gasoline versions come wîth direct injection, minimized internal losses and balance shafts for maximized comfort.

Several levels of turbocharging open up for flexibility that encompasses the whole range from high power and torque variants to extremely fuel-efficient derivatives. In order to cover all customer requirements, certain engines will gain added performance via hybrid drive or other spearhead technology.

The modular format is based on a standard of 500cc (30 cubic inches) per cylinder for optimum thermodynamics. It could also be used to develop three-cylinder engines. VEA offers several advantages

• The number of unique parts is reduced. This promotes manufacturing efficiency, quality assurance and efficiency of new development projects.

• The new powertrains are considerably lighter than present engines wîth similar performance.

• Fuel economy is improved by up to 35 percent compared to engines wîth similar performance.

• Modularity and compact transverse design are also ideal for future electrification developments.

Integrated Starter Generator

The engine in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept has no conventional starter motor or alternator. Instead, there is an Integrated Starter motor and Generator (ISG) connected to the crankshaft, which is located between the engine and the transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The ISG is capable of delivering an extra 34 kW (45 hp) during acceleration. It also charges the battery during braking.

Charge the battery at home

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.0 L., 4-cylinder Power: 280 hp Torque: 280 ft-lbs
8-speed Automatic

The rear axle of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is driven by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. It is supplied wîth power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

The battery pack is recharged from a regular power outlet, at home or at a parking place. Recharging time varies wîth the current. If 220V is available a full charge wîth 12A takes just 3.5 hours. With 110V/12A a full charge takes 7.5 hours.

It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment in order to make the start of the journey more comfortable. This also means that more battery power is available to propel the car.

Constantly online