Volvo Goes Death Metal With Triple-Turbo Two-Liter Four
Channelling its inner Viking death metal chef spirit, Volvo has unleashed a concept 2-liter turbo-four delivering 450 horsepower with the help of three turbochargers.
Automotive News reports the concept Drive-E engine — developed with help from Volvo Polestar Racing — would deliver more punch per liter than other engines — such as the Bugatti Veyron’s 1,200-horsepower 8-liter quad-turbo — were it to go into production; Volvo says the engine is only a concept, and hasn’t said if it will build the engine.
Unlike old-school turbocharged engines that use exhaust to create power, the Drive-E “triple-boost” engine uses an electric turbo to drive compressed air into the other two turbos, quickly spooling up the power while eliminating lag.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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2025 Craigslist Ad: 4Sale 2018 Volvo S60 TTT4 (that's the good triple-turbo one). Silver on black, 89K miles, has turbo problem. BLIS, pw, pl, pm, heated seats work great. Needs tires 2. EZ Fix. $9400 OBO.
This article confirms the rumor that Volvo hired a bunch of ex-Saab engineers. Let's hope they got some chassis engineers as well. The recent (Ford-era) Volvos I've driven all had appallingly bad ride and handling. No feel, no feedback, and a stomach-raising front-back float (as opposed to up-down).
"Channeling its inner Viking death metal chef spirit" So many places to go with this. Is there something we don't know about the Swedish Chef? Is "Bork, bork, bork!" actually a battle song (he sings while wielding his cleaver)? The last time I was in Norway, the taxi from the airport was driven by a little southeast Asian woman who was playing a Viking war metal CD. Breaking down stereotypes while simultaneously reinforcing them--well played.
Maybe this engine will be featured in a Swedish remake of the movie, "The Wraith."