Assessing Volvo's new T6 engine
Riksgränsen, Sweden. For 2009, Volvo will introduce a new high-performance engine codenamed "T6". This inline 6-cylinder turbocharged powerplant will be available with the XC70 wagon. In Europe, it currently powers the new S80 sedan, which we put to the test over the last few days.
The 3.0L T6 benefits from a turbocharger which adds 46 horsepower to the base engine's output. Torque is rated at 295 lb-ft at only 1,500 rpm for improved takeoffs. The resulting accelerations remain very linear and make for smooth driving dynamics.
On the road
With the European S80 (not to mention the upcoming 2009 XC70), the T6 is mated to Volvo's all-wheel drive system, providing steady, stable handing. We travelled over 400 kilometers on snow- and ice-covered roads and marvelled at how linear the drive was. During passing maneuvers, you're never caught off-guard by some unexpected burst of power. On icy roads, you really have to push the car to induce rear-wheel skidding. The Haldex AWD system favors understeer: hammering the throttle is the only way to generate oversteer and bring the car back on its track. The system only steps into play when a loss of front-wheel grip is detected.
From passive to reactive
We made a point to test the car on a frozen lake where we pushed it through a slalom course with ESC turned off. Free from that electronic nanny, we were able to study the reactions of the S80 in extreme conditions.
We executed different maneuvers on a narrow circuit and then on a tortuous course devoid of close obstacles. At the end of these road and track tests, we came to the conclusion that the new T6 engine is a great fit for the S80. This exercise allowed us to better understand the dynamics of the car and its powertrain. The T6 will prove to be a major asset for the XC70; the current 3.2L, naturally-aspirated unit lacks flexibility and power to effectively move the 1,634-kg car.
photo:Amyot Bachand
Riksgränsen, Sweden. For 2009, Volvo will introduce a new high-performance engine codenamed "T6". This inline 6-cylinder turbocharged powerplant will be available with the XC70 wagon. In Europe, it currently powers the new S80 sedan, which we put to the test over the last few days.
The 3.0L T6 benefits from a turbocharger which adds 46 horsepower to the base engine's output. Torque is rated at 295 lb-ft at only 1,500 rpm for improved takeoffs. The resulting accelerations remain very linear and make for smooth driving dynamics.
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On the road
With the European S80 (not to mention the upcoming 2009 XC70), the T6 is mated to Volvo's all-wheel drive system, providing steady, stable handing. We travelled over 400 kilometers on snow- and ice-covered roads and marvelled at how linear the drive was. During passing maneuvers, you're never caught off-guard by some unexpected burst of power. On icy roads, you really have to push the car to induce rear-wheel skidding. The Haldex AWD system favors understeer: hammering the throttle is the only way to generate oversteer and bring the car back on its track. The system only steps into play when a loss of front-wheel grip is detected.
From passive to reactive
We made a point to test the car on a frozen lake where we pushed it through a slalom course with ESC turned off. Free from that electronic nanny, we were able to study the reactions of the S80 in extreme conditions.
We executed different maneuvers on a narrow circuit and then on a tortuous course devoid of close obstacles. At the end of these road and track tests, we came to the conclusion that the new T6 engine is a great fit for the S80. This exercise allowed us to better understand the dynamics of the car and its powertrain. The T6 will prove to be a major asset for the XC70; the current 3.2L, naturally-aspirated unit lacks flexibility and power to effectively move the 1,634-kg car.
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| Volvo Winter Testing Part 1 - driving the S80 |
| Volvo Winter Testing Part 2 - driving the XC70 |
photo:Amyot Bachand
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