New Volvo "Powershift" transmission
- Automatic sequential six-speed transmission
- Twin wet clutches for fast and smooth changes
- Over 47 mpg and less than 170 g/km CO2
- Optimised for powerful diesel engines
The new Volvo automatic Powershift transmission is available now on two-litre turbodiesel versions of the Volvo C30, C70, S40 and V50. This new Powershift six-speed unit features twin wet clutches to provide the gear changing comfort of a fully-automatic transmission with the performance of a manual gearbox.
Operating as two parallel manual gearboxes, Powershift has twin wet clutches that work independently of one another. One clutch controls the odd gears (1, 3, 5 and reverse) while the other handles the even ratios (2, 4 and 6). The two clutches operate alternately with one engaging while the other disengages, like a slip clutch. This means that at the same time as the engine gets full power and maximum thrust in first gear, second gear is placed ready to be engaged. And when second gear has been engaged, third gear is readied, and so on. This gives a continuous flow of power without any disruption in power delivery or any torque loss. This results in extremely fast and smooth gear changes whilst maintaining acceleration allowing 0-60mph to be reached in nine seconds in the Volvo C30, 10.5 seconds in the C70, 9.1 seconds in the S40 and 9.2 seconds in the V50. In addition, the Powershift Automatic boasts a top speed of 127mph in all three models.
Apart from gear changing comfort and high performance, Powershift also contributes to delivering improved fuel efficiency. The Powershift Automatic offers an impressive combined fuel consumption of 47.1mpg and a CO2 figure of 159g/km in both the Volvo S40 and V50; while it brings the Volvo C30 47.9mpg on a combined cycle and a CO2 figure of 156g/km. Finally, the Volvo C70 has a combined fuel consumption of 44.8mpg on a combined cycle and a CO2 figure of 167g/km.