Ricardo helps Volvo reduce CO2

It can be revealed that the new Volvo S60 and V60 DRIVe models unveiled at the Geneva show – delivering exceptional fuel economy and CO2 emissions respectively of just 114 g/km and 119 g/km – were developed in collaboration with Ricardo.

In an engineering programme which lasted just nine months from kick-off to completion, Ricardo used its state-of-the-art Efficient Calibration process to assist Volvo in the company’s strategy of offering exceptionally low emissions along with the highest levels of driving dynamics and class-leading safety.  This work was part of a collaboration covering a wide range of Volvo vehicles through which the automaker aims to offer its customers the very best in environmental performance for each vehicle model’s respective size segment.  Ricardo brought its extensive expertise in engine development and calibration to assist Volvo in meeting the challenge of achieving Euro 5 regulated exhaust emissions with class leading NVH, while also delivering the level of fuel efficiency required to achieve sub-120g/km CO2 emissions. Production of the S60 and V60 DRIVe models commenced at the end of February with the first customer deliveries planned for April 2011. These impressive products join the existing 99g/km C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe models, also developed with assistance from Ricardo. 

Commenting on the achievements of this programme, Ricardo’s global director of engines, Ian Penny said: “It is extremely gratifying to see the new S60 and V60 DRIVe models launched at Geneva as the latest fruits of a highly successful collaboration on calibration between Volvo and Ricardo which has already been responsible for the sub-100g/km CO2 C30 platform products.  With our latest Efficient Calibration processes we believe that we can deliver the ultimate in combustion efficiency and stability, offering an unparalleled balance of driving experience and environmental performance in an unprecedentedly short development time scale.”